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Budelah Nature Reserve Plan of Management
BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Part of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water November, 2010
This plan of management was adopted by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment on 17
th November 2010.
Acknowledgments The NPWS acknowledges that this reserve is in the traditional country of the Kamilaroi people. This plan of management is based on a draft plan prepared by the staff of the Northern Plains Region of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. Valuable information and comments were provided by local people who attended a public meeting at “Athlone” on 26 November 2006, and by representatives of the Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council who attended a meeting at “Athlone” on 17 January 2007 as well as the submissions received on the draft plan. Thanks also to the reserve’s neighbours for their on-going co-operation. Cover photograph of vulnerable glossy black-cockatoos in Budelah Nature Reserve by Adam Henderson, NPWS. For additional information or any inquiries about this reserve or this plan of management, contact the NPWS Narrabri Area Office, 100 Maitland Street (PO Box 72), Narrabri 2390 or by telephone on 6792 7300. © Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW) 2010: Use permitted with appropriate acknowledgment. ISBN 978 1 74293 047 3 DECCW 2010/1010
FOREWORD
Budelah Nature Reserve covers an area of 4,045 hectares and is located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Mungindi and 120 kilometres northwest of Moree, in north west NSW. Budelah Nature Reserve conserves the endangered ecological communities of Coolibah-Black Box Woodland and Carbeen Open Forest; threatened animal species such as the Glossy Black-cockatoo, Bush Stone-curlew, Australian Bustard and Barking Owl; and the historic “Athlone” homestead precinct. It is part of the traditional country of the Kamilaroi Aboriginal people and contains over 50 Aboriginal sites, including artefact scatters, scarred trees and a shell midden. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 requires that a plan of management be prepared for each nature reserve. A plan of management is a legal document that outlines how an area will be managed in the years ahead. A draft plan of management for Budelah Nature Reserve was placed on public exhibition from 5
th December 2008 until 23
rd March 2009. The submissions received
were carefully considered before adopting this plan. The plan contains a number of actions to achieve the State Plan priority to “Protect our native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways”, including measures to improve water quality and flows in the reserve’s creeks and catchments, establishment of a program to monitor the long-term health of key floodplain and riparian species, protection of threatened species and endangered ecological communities, and pest control programs. This plan of management establishes the scheme of operations for Budelah Nature Reserve. In accordance with Section 73B of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, this plan of management is hereby adopted. Frank Sartor MP
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE 1
2. MANAGEMENT CONTEXT 1
2.1 Legislative and Policy Framework 1
2.2 Management Purposes and Principles 2
2.3 Management Directions 2 3. VALUES OF THE RESERVE 3
3.1 Landform, Geology and Soils 3
3.2 Native Plants 3
3.3 Native Animals 5
3.4 Aboriginal Heritage 7
3.5 Historic Heritage 8
3.6 Education, Recreation and Research Values 9
4. THREATS TO RESERVE VALUES 10
4.1 Pest Species 10 4.2 Fire Management 11 4.3 Altered Water Flows 12
5. MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS AND OTHER USES 13 6. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS 14 REFERENCES 23 RESERVE MAP Centre Pages
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1. BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE
Budelah Nature Reserve is located about 40 kilometres northeast of Mungindi, 45 kilometres west of Boomi, and 120 kilometres northwest of Moree, in north west NSW. The reserve is 4,045 hectares in size and straddles the Macintyre and Boomi Rivers. It is made up of the former property “Athlone”, and part of the property “Thorndale”, which were purchased in 2002 by the NSW Government and gazetted as a nature reserve in 2005. Its name is derived from Budelah Creek situated in the eastern portion of the reserve. Prior to purchase the reserve was a property utilised for the grazing of sheep and cattle, with a small area of cultivation. It was purchased primarily for its natural values, which include the endangered ecological communities of Coolibah-Black Box Woodland and Carbeen Open Forest, and recorded threatened species such as the Glossy Black-cockatoo, Bush Stone-curlew, Australian Bustard and Barking Owl. The reserve borders areas cleared for broad acre cropping on three sides (west, south and east). It is located in a region highly modified for agriculture with original vegetation communities remaining only in fragments, and where the natural flow regime of rivers has been substantially altered. Budelah Nature Reserve is within the geographical area of the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion, Moree Plains Local Government Area, the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority, and the Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council.
2. MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
2.1 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK The management of nature reserves in NSW is in the context of a legislative and policy framework, primarily the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), the NPW Regulation, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and the policies of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The policies are based on the legislative background and internationally accepted principles of park management. They relate to nature conservation, Aboriginal and historic heritage conservation, recreation, commercial use, research and communication. Other legislation, international agreements and charters may also apply to management of the area. In particular, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) may require the assessment and mitigation of the environmental impacts of works proposed in this plan. The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) also applies in relation to actions that may impact on threatened species listed under that Act. A plan of management is a statutory document under the NPW Act. Once the Minister has adopted a plan, no operations may be undertaken within Budelah Nature Reserve except in accordance with this plan. This plan will also apply to any future additions to Budelah Nature Reserve. Should management strategies or works be proposed for the
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nature reserve or any additions that are not consistent with the plan, an amendment to the plan will be required. 2.2 MANAGEMENT PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES Nature reserves are reserved under the NPW Act to protect and conserve areas containing outstanding, unique or representative ecosystems, species, communities or natural phenomena. Under the NPW Act, nature reserves are managed to:
• conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem functions, and protect geological and geomorphological features and natural phenomena;
• conserve places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value;
• promote public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the reserve’s natural and cultural values; and
• provide for appropriate research and monitoring. Nature reserves differ from national parks in that they do not have as a management principle to provide specifically for visitor use. 2.3 MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS Major strategies to achieve the management objectives are:
• Protection of significant vegetation communities including the endangered ecological communities of Coolibah–Black Box Woodland and Carbeen Open Forest;
• Protection of significant fauna habitats, including grassy woodlands, natural grasslands, riparian and ephemeral flood out areas, that provide habitat for significant fauna such as the threatened Bush Stone-curlew, Australian Bustard, Stripe-faced Dunnart, Barking Owl and Glossy Black-cockatoo;
• Protection of significant fauna through pest control programs;
• Protection of historic heritage, in particular the “Athlone” homestead precinct;
• Protection of Aboriginal sites in consultation with the Aboriginal community, including providing the opportunity for education of the local Aboriginal community about cultural values by local Aboriginal knowledge holders;
• Research into the reserve’s natural and cultural values, particularly concerning the recovery of biodiversity since gazettal as a nature reserve; and
• Provision of the opportunity for use of the reserve for educational purposes.
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3. VALUES OF THE RESERVE
The location, landforms and plant and animal communities of an area have determined how it has been used and valued. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people place values on natural areas, including aesthetic, social, spiritual, recreational and other values. These values may be attached to the landscape as a whole or to individual components, for example to plant and animal species used by Aboriginal people. This plan of management aims to conserve both natural and cultural values. For reasons of clarity and document usefulness, natural heritage, cultural heritage, threats and on-going use are dealt with individually, but their inter-relationships are recognised. 3.1 LANDFORM, GEOLOGY AND SOILS Budelah Nature Reserve consists predominantly of level terrain at about 170 metres above sea level. It is a floodplain with only a minor variation in topography (of no greater than six metres) occurring where the floodplain meets sandy rises. Soils in the reserve are derived from Quaternary alluvial material deposited over the last two million years over a thick layer of sediment that was laid down during the earlier Jurassic-Cretaceous era. The reserve is typically made up of heavy grey to black clay and cracking clay soils, with smaller areas of sandy clay loam. Sandy deposits left in ancient stream channels and river bends form sand rises. The “Athlone” homestead is located on one such sand rise. The reserve fronts about six kilometres of the Macintyre River on the western boundary (the river here forms part of the QLD-NSW state border). On the eastern boundary it fronts about 10 kilometres of the Boomi River. However, a give-and-take boundary fence shares the actual river frontage. Boomangera and Budelah Creeks meander through the reserve. Minor ephemeral flood channels and lagoon areas also occur in the reserve, which fill as a result of overflow from the major watercourses, or occasionally as a result of local heavy rainfall. The reserve is located within the catchment of the Great Artesian Basin. Natural stream flow regimes within the reserve have been altered by upstream dams and weirs. Stream flows of the Macintyre River have been modified by the Glen Lyon, Pindari and Coolmunda Dams and other in-stream structures such as weirs. Boomi River flows are largely determined by a diversion weir at its junction with the Macintyre River. Flows are released several times per year for stock and domestic purposes. Running water in the Boomangera and Budelah Creeks are the result of overflows from the Macintyre and Boomi Rivers respectively. The Macintyre River becomes the Barwon River downstream of the reserve at its junction with the Weir River. 3.2 NATIVE PLANTS
Budelah Nature Reserve is dominated by woodland, with smaller areas of grassland, shrubland and open forest. The dominant vegetation class found in the reserve is the Northwest Floodplain Woodlands. This class typically occurs on heavy clay soil floodplain with an annual average rainfall of about 500 millimetres, supplemented by occasional floods (Keith, 2004).
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Seven vegetation communities have been described and mapped in Budelah Nature Reserve (Hunter, 2006). The communities are:
• Coolibah Eucalyptus coolabah – Belah Casuarina cristata Woodland (Proportion of reserve 38%);
• Mitchell Grass Astrebla sp. Grassland (26%);
• Dark Roly Poly Sclerolaena muricata var. semiglabra – Queensland Bluegrass Dichantheum sericeum var. sericeum Shrubby Grassland (16%);
• River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis – Coolibah E. coolabah Woodland (18%);
• Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta Thicket (1%);
• Carbeen Corymbia tessellaris – River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woodland (2%); and
• Poplar Box Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil – Ironwood Acacia excelsa var. excelsa Woodland (0.4%).
The reserve protects four endangered ecological communities as listed under the TSC Act:
• Coolibah Eucalyptus coolabah – Black Box E. largiflorens Woodland (about 3,000 hectares);
• Carbeen Corymbia tessellaris Open Forest (about 75 hectares);
• Brigalow Acacia harpophylla Community (less than 10 hectares); and
• Myall Acacia pendula Woodland (less than 15 hectares). The Brigalow Acacia harpophylla and Weeping Myall Acacia pendula Woodland communities are also listed as endangered ecological communities. Hunter (2006) recorded a total of 200 vascular plant species in the reserve. In comparison with other key reserves sampled in north western NSW the species richness, or floral diversity, of Budelah Nature Reserve is described as being at a medium level. Table 1 below lists threatened and significant plants recorded in the reserve. Note that the record of Haloragis stricta still requires full verification (Hunter, 2006). Table 1 Threatened and significant plant species recorded in the reserve.
Common name Scientific name Status
A raspwort Haloragis stricta Presumed Extinct * Purple Running Pea Kennedia procurrens Regionally
Significant River Cress Rorippa eustylis Regionally
Significant * Status under TSC Act
Much of the reserve has been affected by over 100 years of livestock grazing and a small area of former cultivation (175 hectares). Clearing has been widespread by the practice of ring barking. As a result a considerable portion of the woodlands are in an early stage of vegetative regeneration. Areas disturbed by grazing and cultivation are evident by varying degrees of unstable topsoil, minor erosion, weeds and a reduction in forb species. Some areas of former grassland have been transformed to shrubland, dominated by species such as Dark Roly Poly Scerolaena muricata var. semiglabra.
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However, much of the grassland areas are in a good condition. Floodplain vegetation, including the dominant communities of Coolibah-Belah and River Red Gum-Coolibah woodlands, is likely to be affected in the long-term by the alterations in natural flow regimes of the Macintyre and Boomi Rivers. Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams and floodplains is listed as a key threatening process in NSW under the TSC Act. Degradation of native riparian vegetation has been declared a threatening process under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. The introduced Buffel Grass Chenchrus ciliaris dominates the under storey on the “Athlone” homestead sand rise and has partially spread over other sand rises. The Coolibah Eucalyptus coolabah found in the reserve is just one member of a group of closely related species collectively known as coolabahs that occur across Australia. Land use on the northern plains of NSW is rapidly changing from grazing to broad acre cropping for the production of cotton and wheat. It is estimated that 12-20% of the Coolibah woodlands on the Moree floodplains were cleared between 1985 and 2000. The pattern of clearing across the landscape shows increasing fragmentation, with over half of the remaining woodlands surviving as patches of less than 100 hectares (Keith, 2004). The reserve is significant, therefore, in protecting in excess of 1,500 hectares of Coolibah woodlands on the northern plains of NSW. In addition, Budelah Nature Reserve is located in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion, which is one of the most poorly conserved in NSW. Less than 1% of the vegetation communities that are found in Budelah Nature Reserve are protected in the NPWS reserve system in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion (NPWS, 2001). 3.3 NATIVE ANIMALS Budelah Nature Reserve provides habitats for a variety of native animals. A fauna survey was carried out in 2007, with over 45 species recorded so far (Henderson, 2007). Bird records have been collated since 2002, with over 120 species recorded so far (Mitchell, 2006). Bird and fauna lists are found at Appendices 1 and 2. Common fauna species in the reserve include the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus, Red Kangaroo M. rufus, Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor, Lace Monitor Varanus varius, Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata, Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea and Peron’s Tree Frog L. peronii. Common bird species include the Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae, Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes, Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita, Galah Cacatua roseicapilla, White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus, Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys, Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea and Australian Raven Corvus coronoides. Key habitat values include riparian corridors and sand rises with mature hollow bearing trees, open grassy woodlands with mature hollow bearing trees and frequent log debris, natural grasslands with cracking clay soils, and ephemeral flood out areas, such as lagoons. Habitats have been affected by the pressures of over 100 years of livestock grazing, clearing, cultivation, and alterations to natural water flow regimes. Grasslands and grassy woodlands are key habitats for two endangered species recorded in the reserve – the Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius and Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis.
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The Macintyre River, Boomi River and their tributaries, including Budelah and Boomangera Creeks, contain potential habitat for several threatened aquatic species, populations and communities listed under the Fisheries Management Act. These include, in addition to the species listed in Table 2, the endangered “aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of the Darling River”, the endangered western population of the Olive Perchlet Ambassis agassizii, and the endangered Murray-Darling population of the Eel-tailed Catfish Tandanus tandanus. The reserve’s habitat values increase in importance when considering the fragmentation of habitat surrounding the reserve, including the broad acre cropping on three sides. The reserve provides an important wildlife corridor, 10-15 kilometres wide between the Boomi and Macintyre Rivers, and there is connectivity of habitat with neighbouring properties to the north. Although an abundance of suitable habitat is provided for small ground dwelling mammals, such as dunnarts and planigales, no species have yet been captured despite intensive surveying. Predation by foxes and cats is certainly a factor. The Striped-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura was identified in a fox scat collected in the reserve in 2007. The recording of some animals is often opportunistic in response to favourable weather events, such as flooding. Table 2 below lists threatened animal species recorded in the reserve, or that are likely to occur in the reserve, based on available habitat and known records in the surrounding Castlereagh-Barwon sub-region of the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion. Threatened species recovery plans in NSW have been prepared for the Bush Stone-curlew and Barking Owl and the NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists actions that can be taken to assist the recovery of other threatened species. Table 2 Threatened animal species under the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act or Fisheries Management (FM) Act recorded or likely to occur in the reserve.
Common name Scientific name TSC or FM Act Legal Status
Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Vulnerable Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Endangered * Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Vulnerable Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius Endangered * Red-tailed Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii Vulnerable *
^
Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Vulnerable * Pink Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri Vulnerable * Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata Vulnerable Brown Treecreeper Climactus picumus victoriae Vulnerable Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Vulnerable * Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Endangered Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos Vulnerable Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta Vulnerable Brolga Grus rubicundus Vulnerable * Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Vulnerable Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Vulnerable Barking Owl Ninox connivens Vulnerable * Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata
cucullata Vulnerable *
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Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Vulnerable Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Vulnerable Grey-crowned Babbler Pomastostomus temporalis
temporalis Vulnerable *
Grass Owl Tyto capensis Vulnerable Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae Vulnerable Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Endangered Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata Vulnerable Little Pied bat Chalinolobus picatus Vulnerable Beccari’s Freetail-bat Mormopterus beccarii Vulnerable Greater Long-eared Bat (SE form) Nyctophilus timoriensis Vulnerable Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Vulnerable Stripe-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura Vulnerable * Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Vulnerable Five-clawed Worm-skink Anomalopus mackayi Endangered
^
Pale-headed Snake Hoplocephalus bitorquatus Vulnerable River Snail Notopala sublineata Endangered Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus Vulnerable Purple Spotted Gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa Endangered
* Recorded in Budelah Nature Reserve.
^ Denotes species also listed as nationally threatened under the EPBC Act.
3.4 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE Aboriginal communities have an association and connection to the land. The land and water within a landscape are central to Aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use and enjoyment of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge, kinship systems and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and connection to nature are inseparable from each other and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape. Budelah Nature Reserve is situated in an area that is part of the traditional home of the Kamilaroi. Today many Kamilaroi live in towns of the NSW northwest plains, including Mungindi. The Aboriginal people in the area of the reserve are represented by the Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC). Information on the traditional way of life, customs and language of the Kamilaroi is available through texts and various oral sources. However, information on the way of life and customs in the specific reserve area is limited to a couple of local histories and the interpretation of material evidence. For example, an account from a neighbouring landholder in 1921 recalls that during a period of flood when box trees on the “Athlone” sand rise were being lopped for fodder a human skeleton was discovered in the hollow of a tree. This was probably an Aboriginal burial. The skeleton was removed and lost (Brosnan, 2004). Over 50 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the reserve. A site survey was carried out in 2006 with the assistance of the Mungindi LALC and people from the Mungindi community employed by NPWS. The survey recorded 47 sites across the reserve. Three site types were recorded – artefact scatters, modified or scarred trees (including a canoe tree) and a shell midden. Artefact scatters are the most common site type, followed by scarred trees. Stone artefacts are generally very small, probably due to the
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fact that there is no local source of stone and stone would therefore have to be brought from outside the local area. Stone used includes silcrete, quartz, argite, river pebbles and sandstone. Sites are commonly found on the margins of sand rises and on stream banks. None were found on open floodplains of black clay soils. Large sites of artefact scatters (50+) and scarred trees in the reserve were found, including at the confluence of a flood channel and prominent creek, where a shell midden has also been recorded (Henderson, 2007). All sites in the reserve are in a relatively stable condition. Natural process, such as flood, wildfire, erosion and decay may over time disturb or even destroy Aboriginal sites. This in many cases is unavoidable. Some sites are in areas that have the potential to be affected by human and mechanical activities, such as road works. 3.5 HISTORIC HERITAGE The Mungindi area was first officially explored by Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1846 on his expedition from Sydney to the Gulf of Carpentaria. However, settlers were already active along the Barwon/Macintyre River from Walgett to Goondiwindi at this time. The earliest properties near Budelah Nature Reserve include “Werrina Station” and “Colunah”, established in the late 1830s or early 1840s. Budelah Nature Reserve is made up of the former property “Athlone” and part of the property “Thorndale”. Athlone is a town in central Ireland, and its use in the name of the property demonstrates the origins of the first settlers. Edward Murphy purchased “Athlone” from Patrick Ryan in 1908. Edward and Janet Murphy had 13 children between 1906 and 1922. Edward had two children from a previous marriage. All 15 children were brought up at “Athlone” with the live-in assistance of Edward’s mother Johannah, until her death in 1922, and a number of governesses. Edward Murphy junior (the first born) took over “Athlone” after his father’s death in 1952. Members of the Murphy family lived on “Athlone” right up until its sale to the NSW Government in 2002. The “Thorndale” block of the reserve has always been a ‘scrub block’ with no improvements apart from fencing. It was a part of the “Thorndale” property, purchased by Frank Murphy in 1897, a brother of Edward Murphy of “Athlone” (MDHBC, 1988, Murphy, 2003 & Brosnan, 2004). “Athlone” was principally a sheep property, although cattle grazing and cultivation also took place. Evidence of activities associated with pastoral production is still visible on the reserve, including stags with ringbark marks, old camps with discarded bottles, internal fencing, dams, sheep yards and an old stock bridge over Boomangera Creek. Other items of historical interest in the reserve include boundary survey markers as scars on trees, old telegraph line poles and the scattered remnants of domestic rubbish tips. The original “Athlone” homestead was built on Boomangera Creek in 1908. It was moved to its current location in 1911. In addition to the homestead, there was originally an orange orchard and two tennis courts, which are now gone. Extensive renovations have been carried out on the “Athlone” homestead since 2002 by NPWS. The homestead is currently in very good condition. It still maintains its original timber structure, floor plan and character. It is now a residence for a NPWS staff member, whose role is the management of Budelah Nature Reserve and other reserves in the Moree district. The “Athlone” homestead precinct contains infrastructure associated
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with its past, including a five-stand shearing shed and yards, shearers’ quarters and meat house, various sheds, an outside toilet, and internal fencing. Most of the buildings on the site date from the period 1911 to early 1920s (Murphy, 2003 & High Ground Consulting, 2008). The “Athlone” homestead precinct has been assessed to be of local significance, except the shearing shed and shearers’ quarters which have been assessed to be of State significance. “Athlone” is held in good regard by the local population for its association with a prominent local family. A conservation management strategy has been prepared (High Ground Consulting, 2008). Despite the name of Budelah Nature Reserve, the “Athlone” name is retained for the homestead precinct in recognition of its historic and cultural associations. 3.6 EDUCATION, RECREATION AND RESEARCH VALUES The primary purposes of nature reserves are the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to provide opportunities for education and scientific research. As the land remained in private ownership up to its purchase by the NSW Government, there has been no public recreational use of the land and no public recreation facilities exist. Picnicking and camping opportunities, and access to the Macintyre/Barwon and Boomi Rivers, are available elsewhere in the Mungindi and Boomi areas. For the above reasons, Budelah Nature Reserve will not be promoted for recreational use. Public use and visitation of the reserve is supported where it meets the objectives of the reserve and is consistent with this plan of management. Use of the reserve for research is encouraged. The reserve provides opportunities for a variety of research and monitoring projects, particularly with the facilities and resources available at “Athlone”. A key theme of study is the monitoring of the recovery of biodiversity since land management objectives have changed from livestock and crop production to nature conservation. For example, Landscape Function Analysis plots have been established for long-term annual monitoring. This is a CSIRO methodology designed to measure improvements in landscape function over time, including soil stability, infiltration and nutrients and vegetation cover (Tongway & Hindley, 1996).
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4. THREATS TO RESERVE VALUES
4.1 PEST SPECIES Pest species within Budelah Nature Reserve and on adjoining lands are of concern because they have detrimental effects on natural values and can spread to and from neighbouring lands. The NPWS aims to manage populations of pest species to minimise adverse impacts by employing best practice methods. There is a clear recognition that total eradication of pest species is generally not feasible. Pest control is more effective when undertaken in conjunction with local landholders, rather than in isolation. Pest management will be undertaken in accordance with the strategies and recommendations outlined in the current NPWS Northern Plains Region Pest Management Strategy, relevant threat abatement plans, recovery plans and the priorities action statement. Pest animals All pest animals in the reserve pose a serious threat to threatened species, including those threatened species particularly vulnerable to predation - the Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius, Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis, and Striped-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura. Predation by the fox and cat are listed as key threatening processes in NSW under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Dams in the reserve can provide an artificial water source for pest animals, particularly pigs. Table 3 below lists the key pest animals that occur in the reserve that require strategic control. Table 3 Key pest animals in the reserve.
Common name Scientific name Summary
Feral Pig Sus scrofa Widespread, numbers fluctuate from low to high
Fox Vulpes vulpes Widespread, numbers generally low to medium
Feral Cat Felis cattus Widespread, numbers generally low Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Localised - sand rises, numbers low
The Brown Hare Lepus capensis and House Mouse Mus musculus are pest species of a less serious nature occurring in the reserve. Dog scats have also been identified throughout the reserve from time to time. Straying livestock is an on-going issue that is managed in conjunction with reserve neighbours.
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Weeds Introduced plants make up about 12% of the plant taxa in the reserve, most of which are found in areas associated with high disturbance, around margins of the reserve and where roads dissect. Most of these introduced plants, however, are not declared noxious or considered a serious environmental threat (Hunter, 2006). Table 4 below lists the key noxious and environmental weeds found in the reserve that require strategic control. Table 4 Key noxious and environmental weeds in the reserve.
Common name Scientific name Status & Summary
Spiny Burrgrass Cenchrus incertus *localised on sandy areas Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta *widespread in light infestations Lippia Phyla canescens *localised near waterbodies Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum *localised, esp. old cultivation
paddock Noogoora Burr Xanthium occidentale *localised in light infestations Mimosa Bush Acacia farnesiana Localised scattered infestations
along trails; localised widespread infestations
Buffel Grass Cenchrus ciliaris Isolated infestations on sand rises * Listed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and declared in Moree Plains Shire Council.
It is recognised that some environmental weed species may occur in the reserve that have not yet been identified because they are in small numbers. Additional environmental weed species may also invade the reserve from surrounding lands, brought in via watercourses and by vehicles and pest animals. 4.2 FIRE MANAGEMENT Fire is a natural feature of many environments and is essential for the survival of some plant communities. However, inappropriate fire regimes can lead to loss of particular plant and animal species and communities, and high frequency fires have been listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act. The primary fire management objectives of the NPWS are to protect life and property and community assets from the adverse impacts of fire, whilst managing fire regimes to maintain and protect biodiversity and cultural heritage (NPWS, 2005). The NPWS uses a zoning system for bushfire management which is compatible with the zoning used by the Moree Plains Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) in its bushfire risk management plan. Budelah Nature Reserve is largely a Land Management Zone with an Asset Protection Zone around the “Athlone” precinct. A fire management strategy was prepared in 2006. Hazard reduction programs, which include mechanical fuel reduction, prescribed burning and fire trail works, are submitted to the Moree BFMC. There is a very low incidence of fire in the reserve and surrounding area. There has not been a fire in the reserve since its purchase by NPWS in 2002. The last bushfire in the reserve area was in 1951. This was a year of increased grass growth following the 1950 flood. Lightning strikes started a fire about 10 kilometres out of Mungindi and burnt out to Boomi, including the Macintyre River area of “Athlone” (Murphy, 2003). The district has changed greatly since 1951, with broad scale cropping areas
12
dominating the landscape and timbered and grassy areas remaining only as fragments. For this reason, such a large bushfire event is now unlikely. The likely cause of a bushfire in the reserve is a lightning strike during the spring and summer period. Areas of grassland and grassy woodlands in particular may contribute to a rapidly spreading bushfire in extreme fire weather conditions, as long as grasses are well cured. However, total available fuels in these vegetation structures are generally low (estimated to be less than 10 tonnes per hectare) and fuel hazards are variable. These factors, in combination with a level terrain, mean that typical bushfire behaviour is likely to be of low to medium intensity. In general no two fires should occur within a 20 year period to protect vegetation communities in the long term (Hunter, 2006). Beyond this threshold prescribed burns may be considered as a measure to preserve biodiversity. The Budelah Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy proposes a prescribed burn in the northwest portion of the reserve for ecological reasons. High intensity fires that consume large trees, tree canopies and fallen logs should be avoided to protect both natural and cultural values. A single fire event over a large area of the reserve is not desirable. Significant built assets in the reserve that are vulnerable to fire are located within the “Athlone” homestead precinct. This precinct is an Asset Protection Zone and mowing is regularly carried out as a hazard reduction activity. Strategic control lines include all fire trails, Kelvington Road, and the Macintyre River. Fire trail maintenance to increase effectiveness includes grading, spraying and slashing. Reliable water sources include the “Athlone” ground tank and Macintyre River. Other watercourses and dams in the reserve are ephemeral and are only an advantage when full. 4.3 ALTERED WATER FLOWS The reserve is predominantly a floodplain with an ecology formed by pre-development flow regimes. Flow-related ecology of the floodplain and riparian areas in the reserve are likely to be affected in the long-term by alterations to the natural flow regimes of the Macintyre and Boomi Rivers. Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers, streams and floodplains is listed as a key threatening process in NSW under the TSC Act. Degradation of native riparian vegetation has been declared a threatening process under the Fisheries Management Act. A detailed study of the environmental health of sub-catchments indicates the waterways around Budelah Nature Reserve also suffer from stress due to loss of riparian vegetation, gully/streambank erosion, barriers to fish passage, chemicals and water turbidity (DLWC, 1999). The NPWS has limited influence and control over water flow issues outside of reserve boundaries. The NPWS seeks to participate in broader water issues and influence outcomes through formal Government processes. The Water Sharing Plan NSW Border Rivers Regulated River Water Source (DWE, 2007) aims to share the water of the Macintyre River and other streams in the area between agricultural, domestic and environmental interests.
13
5. MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS AND OTHER USES
The “Athlone” precinct in Budelah Nature Reserve includes the following built assets that are essential to the day to day operations of the reserve management:
• Homestead, including septic system and rain water tanks;
• All weather access road;
• Ground tank with pipe from Boomi River;
• Workshop and office, including water tanks;
• Staff quarters, toilet/shower and septic system;
• Herbicide and fuel storage shed; and
• Shearing shed and yards and two old sheds, including water tank (for storage). Fire trails in the reserve are mapped and classified in the Budelah Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy and are used for both strategic and management purposes. There are about 30 kilometres of management trails in the reserve. All trails are 4WD dry weather access only. A power line traverses the reserve for about 700 metres, servicing the “Athlone” precinct and other properties to the south and east. It is currently maintained by Country Energy in agreement with NPWS. Kelvington Road, which traverses the reserve for about one kilometre, is the responsibility of the Moree Plains Shire Council. Boundary fences are generally in a good condition with approximately 20 kilometres having been replaced in co-operation with reserve neighbours since purchase of the property by NPWS in 2002. Boundary breaks or trails currently exist along about 30% of boundary fences. Internal fences and sheep yards have proved useful when mustering stray livestock and most key internal fences are in a reasonable condition. The timber vehicle bridge over Boomangera Creek is currently safely rated to 3.7 tonnes gross. Upgrade works were carried out in 2006. This bridge requires an assessment in 2011, and further upgrade works may be required in accordance with recommendations in a strength assessment report (Ryan, 2006). There are four dams in the reserve. Only the two adjacent to Boomangera Creek Trail are required for fire management purposes. Old earthworks on a natural outflow of Boomangera Creek to a lagoon area, originally designed to slow water entering the lagoon or as a stock bridge, are in an advanced state of deterioration. The ground tank in the “Athlone” homestead precinct is used for domestic water supply and can be used for fire fighting.
14
6.
MA
NA
GE
ME
NT
ST
RA
TE
GIE
S A
ND
AC
TIO
NS
C
urr
en
t S
itu
ati
on
D
es
ire
d O
utc
om
es
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
6.1
So
il a
nd
wa
ter
co
ns
erv
ati
on
S
oil
ero
sio
n is a
na
tura
l p
roce
ss.
Ero
sio
n is a
m
ino
r is
su
e a
nd
on
ly e
vid
en
t a
t str
ea
m
ch
an
ne
l m
arg
ins.
Pa
st
dis
turb
an
ce
s,
su
ch
as g
razin
g a
nd
cu
ltiv
atio
n,
ha
ve
aff
ecte
d s
oil
sta
bili
ty.
In
so
me
are
as s
oils
are
fra
gile
an
d e
asily
pro
ne
to
da
ma
ge
.
Na
tura
l flo
w r
egim
es in
th
e r
ese
rve
ha
ve
be
en
a
lte
red
by t
he
re
gu
latio
n o
f th
e M
acin
tyre
an
d
Bo
om
i R
ive
rs.
Alte
ratio
n t
o n
atu
ral flo
w
regim
es o
f rive
rs,
str
ea
ms a
nd
flo
od
pla
ins is
liste
d a
s a
ke
y t
hre
ate
nin
g p
roce
ss in
NS
W
un
de
r th
e T
SC
Act.
A
n o
ld e
art
h b
an
k c
on
str
ucte
d o
n B
oo
ma
nge
ra
Cre
ek h
as in
hib
ite
d n
atu
ral flo
w in
to a
la
rge
la
go
on
are
a.
Th
e b
an
k is a
lre
ad
y in
an
a
dva
nce
d s
tate
of
de
terio
ratio
n.
So
il e
rosio
n a
nd
d
am
age
is m
inim
ise
d.
Wa
ter
qu
alit
y a
nd
h
ea
lth
of
rese
rve
str
ea
ms is im
pro
ve
d.
6.1
.1 U
nd
ert
ake
all
wo
rks in
a m
an
ne
r th
at
min
imis
es
ero
sio
n a
nd
wa
ter
po
llutio
n.
6
.1.2
With
th
e e
xce
ptio
n o
f b
ou
nd
ary
fe
nce
bre
aks,
no
n
ew
tra
ils w
ill b
e c
on
str
ucte
d.
All
exis
tin
g t
rails
(re
fer
ma
p)
will
be
ma
inta
ine
d t
o d
ry w
ea
the
r a
cce
ss
sta
nd
ard
.
6.1
.3 C
on
tin
ue
to
wo
rk w
ith
Go
ve
rnm
en
t d
ep
art
me
nts
a
nd
wa
ter
au
tho
ritie
s t
o m
ain
tain
an
d im
pro
ve
wa
ter
qu
alit
y a
nd
flo
ws in
th
e r
ese
rve
’s c
atc
hm
en
ts f
or
en
viro
nm
en
tal p
urp
ose
s.
Wh
ere
po
ssib
le,
pa
rtic
ipa
te
in f
orm
al w
ate
r sh
arin
g d
ecis
ion
ma
kin
g p
roce
sse
s.
6.1
.4 S
oil
ero
sio
n w
ill b
e m
on
ito
red
at
str
ea
m c
ha
nn
el
ma
rgin
s a
nd
sim
ple
sta
bili
sa
tio
n w
ork
s im
ple
me
nte
d if
ne
ce
ssa
ry.
6.1
.5 R
em
ove
th
e o
ld e
art
h b
an
k o
n B
oo
ma
nge
ra
Cre
ek t
o im
pro
ve
na
tura
l flo
ws t
o t
he
la
go
on
are
a a
nd
w
ate
r qu
alit
y.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
Lo
w
6.2
Na
tive
pla
nts
A
ra
sp
wo
rt H
alo
rag
is s
tric
ta h
as b
ee
n
reco
rde
d in
th
e r
ese
rve
. T
his
pla
nt
is lis
ted
as
pre
su
me
d e
xtin
ct
un
de
r th
e T
SC
Act.
T
his
re
co
rd r
equ
ire
s f
ull
ve
rifica
tio
n.
Th
e d
om
ina
nt
ve
ge
tatio
n c
lass is N
ort
hw
est
Flo
od
pla
in W
oo
dla
nd
s.
Ve
ge
tatio
n
Na
tive
pla
nt
sp
ecie
s
an
d c
om
mu
nitie
s a
re
co
nse
rve
d.
Str
uctu
ral d
ive
rsity
an
d h
ab
ita
t va
lue
s
are
re
sto
red
in
are
as
6.2
.1 V
erify
th
e r
eco
rd o
f H
alo
rag
is s
tric
ta.
If
ve
rifie
d,
en
su
re its
dis
trib
utio
n is c
lea
rly m
ap
pe
d a
nd
de
ve
lop
a
nd
im
ple
me
nt
a p
rote
ctio
n p
lan
. 6
.2.2
Esta
blis
h a
pro
gra
m t
o m
on
ito
r lo
ng-t
erm
he
alth
o
f ke
y f
loo
dp
lain
an
d r
ipa
ria
n s
pe
cie
s,
su
ch
as t
he
C
oo
liba
h a
nd
Riv
er
Re
d G
um
.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
15
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
co
mm
un
itie
s w
ith
in t
his
cla
ss,
su
ch
as
Co
olib
ah
-Bla
ck B
ox W
oo
dla
nd
, d
ep
en
d o
n
occa
sio
na
l flo
od
ing f
or
the
ir lo
ng-t
erm
su
rviv
al.
En
da
nge
red
eco
logic
al co
mm
un
itie
s in
clu
de
C
oo
liba
h-B
lack B
ox W
oo
dla
nd
, C
arb
ee
n O
pe
n
Fo
rest,
Briga
low
Co
mm
un
ity a
nd
Mya
ll W
oo
dla
nd
. M
uch
of
the
re
se
rve
ha
s b
ee
n a
ffe
cte
d b
y o
ve
r 1
00
ye
ars
of
gra
zin
g a
nd
a s
ma
ll a
rea
of
cu
ltiv
atio
n.
Gro
un
d la
ye
r ve
ge
tatio
n c
an
be
da
ma
ge
d b
y
ve
hic
le t
raff
ic.
Th
e r
ese
rve
is s
urr
ou
nd
ed
by a
n a
rea
wh
ere
th
e d
om
ina
nt
lan
d u
se
is r
ap
idly
ch
an
gin
g f
rom
gra
zin
g t
o b
roa
d a
cre
cro
pp
ing a
nd
wh
ere
n
ative
ve
ge
tatio
n c
om
mu
nitie
s h
ave
be
co
me
fr
agm
en
ted
.
su
bje
ct
to p
ast
dis
turb
an
ce
.
6.2
.3 I
mp
lem
en
t re
leva
nt
str
ate
gie
s in
prio
ritie
s a
ctio
n
sta
tem
en
ts a
nd
re
co
ve
ry p
lan
s f
or
thre
ate
ne
d s
pe
cie
s
an
d e
nd
an
ge
red
eco
logic
al co
mm
un
itie
s.
6.2
.4 M
on
ito
r th
e e
co
logic
al re
co
ve
ry o
f th
e r
ese
rve
o
ve
r tim
e w
ith
th
e L
an
dsca
pe
Fu
nctio
n A
na
lysis
m
eth
od
an
d o
the
r su
ita
ble
me
tho
ds,
usin
g e
sta
blis
he
d
site
s.
Re
po
rt p
erio
dic
ally
. M
on
ito
rin
g t
o c
on
tin
ue
un
til
at
lea
st
20
17
. 6
.2.5
As f
ar
as p
ossib
le,
ke
ep
ve
hic
le t
raff
ic t
o e
xis
tin
g
tra
ils,
inte
rna
l fe
nce
lin
es a
nd
bo
un
da
ry f
en
ce
bre
aks
(re
fer
to m
ap
) w
ith
th
e e
xce
ptio
n o
f qu
ad
bik
es.
6.2
.6 C
on
tin
ue
to
wo
rk w
ith
Go
ve
rnm
en
t d
ep
art
me
nts
a
nd
wa
ter
au
tho
ritie
s r
ega
rdin
g w
ate
r qu
alit
y a
nd
flo
ws
(se
e 6
.1.3
).
6.2
.7 S
up
po
rt in
itia
tive
s b
y r
ele
va
nt
au
tho
ritie
s a
nd
p
riva
te la
nd
ho
lde
rs in
th
e r
ete
ntio
n a
nd
ap
pro
pria
te
ma
na
ge
me
nt
of
ke
y v
ege
tatio
n c
orr
ido
rs in
th
e v
icin
ity
of
the
re
se
rve
.
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
6.3
Na
tive
An
ima
ls
A f
au
na
su
rve
y w
as c
arr
ied
ou
t in
20
07
.
Fu
rth
er
su
rve
ys a
re r
equ
ire
d t
o t
arg
et
are
as o
f lo
w r
etu
rn in
th
e s
urv
ey a
nd
to
mo
nito
r p
ote
ntia
l re
co
ve
ry o
f fa
un
a d
ive
rsity o
ve
r tim
e.
Th
rea
ten
ed
sp
ecie
s h
ave
be
en
re
co
rde
d,
inclu
din
g t
wo
en
da
nge
red
sp
ecie
s –
th
e B
ush
S
ton
e-c
urle
w a
nd
Au
str
alia
n B
usta
rd.
Oth
er
thre
ate
ne
d s
pe
cie
s m
ay a
lso
be
pre
se
nt.
Na
tive
an
ima
l sp
ecie
s a
re
co
nse
rve
d.
T
he
re is g
rea
ter
un
de
rsta
nd
ing o
f sp
ecie
s d
ive
rsity,
dis
trib
utio
n a
nd
e
co
logic
al
6.3
.1 C
om
ple
te t
wo
fu
rth
er
fau
na
su
rve
ys b
y 2
01
3,
usin
g f
au
na
su
rve
y s
ite
s e
sta
blis
he
d in
20
07
. T
arg
et
gro
un
d d
we
llin
g f
au
na
, b
ats
an
d n
octu
rna
l b
ird
s,
an
d
kn
ow
n a
nd
pre
dic
ted
th
rea
ten
ed
sp
ecie
s.
6.3
.2 M
ap
su
ita
ble
ha
bita
t fo
r th
e B
ush
Sto
ne
-cu
rle
w
an
d A
ustr
alia
n B
usta
rd.
Hig
h
Hig
h
16
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
A r
eco
ve
ry p
lan
fo
r th
e B
ush
Sto
ne
-cu
rle
w i
s
ap
pro
ve
d a
nd
a
p
lan
fo
r th
e B
ark
ing O
wl
is
cu
rre
ntly in
dra
ft.
Th
rea
ts t
o a
ll n
ative
an
ima
l h
ab
ita
ts in
clu
de
fr
agm
en
ted
re
gio
na
l h
ab
ita
t, g
ross c
ha
nge
s in
ve
ge
tatio
n s
tru
ctu
re a
s a
re
su
lt o
f fr
equ
en
t o
r h
igh
in
ten
sity f
ire
, str
ayin
g liv
esto
ck,
alte
ratio
ns t
o n
atu
ral w
ate
r flo
w r
egim
es,
an
d
pre
da
tio
n b
y p
est
an
ima
ls.
Ke
y h
ab
ita
t va
lue
s in
clu
de
rip
aria
n c
orr
ido
rs
an
d s
an
d r
ise
s,
op
en
gra
ssy w
oo
dla
nd
s,
na
tura
l gra
ssla
nd
s,
an
d e
ph
em
era
l flo
od
ou
t a
rea
s,
su
ch
as la
go
on
s.
T
he
pro
tectio
n o
f n
ative
an
ima
ls in
th
e a
rea
is
ultim
ate
ly r
elia
nt
on
th
e a
de
qu
ate
pro
tectio
n o
f h
ab
ita
t o
ve
r a
mu
ch
la
rge
r sca
le.
Th
e r
ese
rve
p
rote
cts
a v
alu
ab
le w
ildlif
e c
orr
ido
r b
etw
ee
n
the
Bo
om
i a
nd
Ma
cin
tyre
Riv
ers
.
requ
ire
me
nts
.
6.3
.3 C
arr
y o
ut
op
po
rtu
nis
tic s
urv
eys in
re
sp
on
se
to
fa
vo
ura
ble
we
ath
er
eve
nts
, su
ch
as f
loo
ds.
6.3
.4 I
mp
lem
en
t re
leva
nt
str
ate
gie
s in
prio
ritie
s a
ctio
n
sta
tem
en
ts a
nd
re
co
ve
ry p
lan
s f
or
thre
ate
ne
d s
pe
cie
s.
In
clu
din
g m
ain
tain
ing o
n-g
oin
g p
est
co
ntr
ol p
rogra
ms.
6.3
.5 S
up
po
rt in
itia
tive
s b
y r
ele
va
nt
au
tho
ritie
s a
nd
p
riva
te la
nd
ho
lde
rs in
th
e r
ete
ntio
n a
nd
ap
pro
pria
te
ma
na
ge
me
nt
of
ke
y h
ab
ita
t a
nd
co
rrid
ors
in
th
e v
icin
ity
of
the
re
se
rve
(se
e a
lso
6.2
.7).
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
6.4
Ab
ori
gin
al
He
rita
ge
A
co
mp
reh
en
siv
e A
bo
rigin
al site
su
rve
y w
as
ca
rrie
d o
ut
in 2
00
6.
Ove
r 5
0 s
ite
s h
ave
be
en
re
co
rde
d.
Site
typ
es in
clu
de
art
efa
ct
sca
tte
rs,
sca
rre
d t
ree
s (
inclu
din
g a
ca
no
e t
ree
) a
nd
a
sh
ell
mid
de
n.
All
site
s a
re in
a r
ela
tive
ly s
tab
le c
on
ditio
n.
T
hre
ats
to
Ab
origin
al site
s in
clu
de
na
tura
l p
roce
sse
s,
su
ch
as f
loo
d,
fire
, e
rosio
n a
nd
d
eca
y,
wh
ich
are
la
rge
ly u
na
vo
ida
ble
.
Ab
origin
al fe
atu
res
an
d v
alu
es a
re
ide
ntifie
d a
nd
p
rote
cte
d.
Ab
origin
al p
eo
ple
are
in
vo
lve
d in
m
an
age
me
nt
of
the
A
bo
rigin
al cu
ltu
ral
va
lue
s in
th
e p
ark
.
6.4
.1 P
rece
de
all
ne
w w
ork
s/a
ctivitie
s b
y N
PW
S o
r e
xte
rna
l a
uth
oritie
s lik
ely
to
le
ad
to
gro
un
d o
r tr
ee
d
istu
rba
nce
by a
n a
sse
ssm
en
t o
f A
bo
rigin
al site
s.
6.4
.2 C
on
su
lt a
nd
in
vo
lve
th
e M
un
gin
di L
oca
l A
bo
rigin
al L
an
d C
ou
ncil
(LA
LC
) in
th
e m
an
age
me
nt
of
Ab
origin
al site
s,
pla
ce
s a
nd
va
lue
s,
inclu
din
g
inte
rpre
tatio
n o
f p
lace
s o
r va
lue
s.
Hig
h
Hig
h
17
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
Oth
er
thre
ats
in
clu
de
th
ose
th
at
are
th
e r
esu
lt
of
hu
ma
n a
ctivity,
su
ch
as p
rescrib
ed
bu
rns,
bu
sh
fire
fig
htin
g a
nd
tra
il m
ain
ten
an
ce
. T
he
re
se
rve
is a
use
ful re
so
urc
e f
or
use
by t
he
A
bo
rigin
al co
mm
un
ity t
o e
du
ca
te its
me
mb
ers
a
bo
ut
cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
. A
bo
rigin
al stu
die
s a
nd
Ab
origin
al tr
ad
itio
na
l u
se
of
the
are
a is lim
ite
d.
Un
de
rsta
nd
ing o
f th
e
cu
ltu
ral va
lue
s o
f th
e
pa
rk is im
pro
ve
d.
6.4
.3 S
up
po
rt in
itia
tive
s b
y t
he
Mu
ngin
di A
bo
rigin
al
co
mm
un
ity t
o u
se
th
e r
ese
rve
as a
n e
du
ca
tio
na
l re
so
urc
e.
6.4
.4 E
nco
ura
ge
fu
rth
er
rese
arc
h in
to t
he
Ab
origin
al
he
rita
ge
va
lue
s o
f th
e p
ark
in
co
nsu
lta
tio
n w
ith
th
e
Mu
ngin
di L
AL
C.
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
6.5
His
tori
c H
eri
tag
e
Th
e “
Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct
ha
s b
ee
n
asse
sse
d a
s b
ein
g o
f lo
ca
l a
nd
Sta
te h
isto
ric
sig
nific
an
ce
. I
t co
nta
ins b
uild
ings d
atin
g f
rom
a
rou
nd
19
11
. A
co
nse
rva
tio
n m
an
age
me
nt
str
ate
gy h
as b
ee
n p
rep
are
d.
Th
rea
ts t
o t
he
“A
thlo
ne
” h
om
este
ad
pre
cin
ct
inclu
de
fire
, n
atu
ral d
eca
y a
nd
de
terio
ratio
n.
Th
e n
am
e “
Ath
lon
e”
is a
sso
cia
ted
with
th
e
Mu
rph
y f
am
ily a
nd
is im
po
rta
nt
for
its h
isto
rica
l a
sso
cia
tio
ns t
o t
he
Mu
ngin
di a
nd
Bo
om
i re
gio
n.
Oth
er
ite
ms o
f h
isto
ric in
tere
st
asso
cia
ted
with
th
e r
ese
rve
’s p
asto
ral p
ast
are
sca
tte
red
th
rou
gh
ou
t th
e r
ese
rve
, in
clu
din
g in
tern
al
fen
ce
s,
sh
ee
p y
ard
s,
a s
tock b
rid
ge
, su
rve
y
tre
es a
nd
old
te
legra
ph
po
les.
His
toric f
ea
ture
s a
nd
va
lue
s a
re id
en
tifie
d
an
d p
rote
cte
d.
Un
de
rsta
nd
ing o
f th
e
cu
ltu
ral va
lue
s o
f th
e
pa
rk is im
pro
ve
d.
6.5
.1 I
mp
lem
en
t a
ctio
ns,
in a
cco
rda
nce
with
prio
rity
, lis
ted
in
th
e c
on
se
rva
tio
n m
an
age
me
nt
str
ate
gy f
or
the
co
nse
rva
tio
n o
f th
e “
Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct.
6
.5.2
Off
icia
lly r
eta
in t
he
na
me
“A
thlo
ne
” w
he
n
refe
rrin
g t
o t
he
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct.
F
or
exa
mp
le,
on
N
PW
S f
ield
sig
na
ge
an
d m
ap
s (
refe
r to
ma
p).
6
.5.3
Re
co
rd a
nd
ma
p h
isto
ric f
ea
ture
s t
hro
ugh
ou
t th
e
rese
rve
. L
ea
ve
fe
atu
res in
situ
un
less c
au
sin
g a
h
aza
rd t
o v
isito
rs o
r w
ildlif
e.
6.5
.4 E
nco
ura
ge
fu
rth
er
rese
arc
h in
to t
he
his
tory
of
the
re
se
rve
.
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
18
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
6.6
In
tro
du
ce
d P
lan
ts a
nd
An
ima
ls
Pe
st
an
ima
ls a
nd
we
ed
s h
ave
a n
ega
tive
im
pa
ct
on
na
tive
ve
ge
tatio
n,
fau
na
ha
bita
t a
nd
n
ative
an
ima
ls.
Fo
r e
xa
mp
le,
foxe
s a
nd
ca
ts
ha
ve
a d
ire
ct
imp
act
on
th
rea
ten
ed
sp
ecie
s
su
ch
as t
he
Bu
sh
Sto
ne
-cu
rle
w,
Au
str
alia
n
Bu
sta
rd a
nd
Str
ipe
-fa
ce
d D
un
na
rt t
hro
ugh
p
red
atio
n.
Bu
ffe
l G
rass in
va
de
s a
nd
d
om
ina
tes n
ative
gro
un
d la
ye
r ve
ge
tatio
n.
P
est
an
ima
ls a
nd
we
ed
s m
ay a
lso
ha
ve
a
ne
ga
tive
im
pa
ct
on
su
rro
un
din
g a
gricu
ltu
ral
en
terp
rise
s.
Fo
r e
xa
mp
le,
pig
s f
ee
din
g o
n
cro
ps.
No
xio
us w
ee
ds in
th
e r
ese
rve
in
clu
de
Sp
iny
Bu
rrgra
ss,
Prickly
Pe
ar,
Lip
pia
, B
ath
urs
t B
urr
a
nd
No
ogo
ora
Bu
rr.
Oth
er
en
viro
nm
en
tal
we
ed
s in
clu
de
Bu
ffe
l G
rass a
nd
Mim
osa
Bu
sh
. P
est
an
ima
ls in
clu
de
th
e f
era
l p
ig,
fox,
fera
l ca
t a
nd
ra
bb
it.
T
he
cu
rre
nt
No
rth
ern
Pla
ins R
egio
na
l P
est
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gy g
uid
es t
he
str
ate
gic
co
ntr
ol o
f p
ests
in
th
e r
ese
rve
in
th
e c
on
text
of
the
Re
gio
n.
Cu
rre
nt
co
ntr
ol p
rogra
ms in
clu
de
p
ig t
rap
pin
g a
nd
ae
ria
l sh
oo
tin
g,
fox b
aitin
g,
an
d s
po
t sp
rayin
g o
f n
oxio
us w
ee
ds.
Oth
er
no
xio
us a
nd
en
viro
nm
en
tal w
ee
ds m
igh
t sp
rea
d in
to t
he
re
se
rve
or
ma
y n
ot
ye
t b
e
ide
ntifie
d in
th
e r
ese
rve
. L
ive
sto
ck f
rom
su
rro
un
din
g p
rop
ert
ies
occa
sio
na
lly s
tra
y o
nto
th
e r
ese
rve
.
Intr
od
uce
d p
lan
ts a
nd
a
nim
als
are
co
ntr
olle
d a
nd
wh
ere
p
ossib
le e
limin
ate
d.
P
est
co
ntr
ol
pro
gra
ms a
re
un
de
rta
ke
n in
co
nsu
lta
tio
n w
ith
n
eig
hb
ou
rs.
6.6
.1 I
mp
lem
en
t p
est
co
ntr
ol p
rogra
ms in
acco
rda
nce
w
ith
th
e N
ort
he
rn P
lain
s R
egio
na
l P
est
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gy.
6.6
.2 S
up
po
rt t
he
No
rth
ern
Pla
ins P
est
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gy b
y a
pp
lyin
g p
rogra
ms in
a s
tra
tegic
ma
nn
er
sp
ecific
to
th
e r
ese
rve
. F
or
exa
mp
le,
esta
blis
h a
fo
x
ba
itin
g r
un
to
ad
equ
ate
ly c
ove
r th
e r
ese
rve
are
a,
an
d
pre
pa
re a
re
se
rve
we
ed
ma
p t
o a
ssis
t w
ith
str
ate
gic
co
ntr
ol.
6.6
.3 W
he
reve
r p
ossib
le u
nd
ert
ake
in
tegra
ted
pe
st
co
ntr
ol p
rogra
ms w
ith
th
e N
ort
h W
est
Liv
esto
ck H
ea
lth
a
nd
Pe
st
Au
tho
rity
an
d n
eig
hb
ou
rs.
6
.6.4
Re
gu
larly m
on
ito
r fo
r n
oxio
us a
nd
sig
nific
an
t e
nviro
nm
en
tal w
ee
ds.
Tre
at
an
y n
ew
ou
tbre
aks a
s
so
on
as p
ossib
le.
6.6
.5 E
nco
ura
ge
re
se
arc
h in
to p
ests
, su
ch
as t
ria
llin
g
of
ne
w m
eth
od
s t
o c
on
tro
l th
e f
era
l ca
t.
6.6
.6 I
n c
on
jun
ctio
n w
ith
ne
igh
bo
urs
, m
ain
tain
b
ou
nd
ary
fe
nce
s a
nd
de
term
ine
str
ate
gie
s t
o e
xclu
de
sto
ck.
6.6
.7 R
eta
in t
he
tw
o d
am
s o
n B
oo
ma
nge
ra C
ree
k
Tra
il.
Re
tain
th
e o
the
r tw
o t
o t
he
so
uth
with
a lo
ng-
term
vie
w t
o c
losin
g (
de
-co
mm
issio
nin
g)
the
m,
pe
nd
ing
a r
evie
w o
f th
e f
ire
ma
na
ge
me
nt
str
ate
gy.
Re
tain
th
e
gro
un
d t
an
k in
th
e “
Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct
(re
fer
to m
ap
).
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
19
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
Da
ms in
th
e r
ese
rve
ca
n p
rovid
e a
n a
rtific
ial
wa
ter
so
urc
e f
or
pe
st
an
ima
ls,
su
ch
as p
igs,
pa
rtic
ula
rly w
he
n t
he
y a
re in
clo
se
pro
xim
ity t
o
cro
pp
ing la
nd
s.
6.7
Fir
e M
an
ag
em
en
t
Th
e B
ud
ela
h N
atu
re R
ese
rve
Fire
M
an
age
me
nt
Str
ate
gy w
as p
rep
are
d in
20
06
. T
he
la
st
ma
jor
bu
sh
fire
in
th
e r
ese
rve
are
a
wa
s in
19
51
. T
he
re h
as b
ee
n a
lo
w in
cid
en
ce
o
f b
ush
fire
in
th
e a
rea
sin
ce
. N
on
e h
as
occu
rre
d in
th
e r
ese
rve
sin
ce
th
e p
rop
ert
y w
as
acqu
ire
d b
y N
PW
S in
20
02
. B
uilt
asse
ts a
t risks a
re c
on
fin
ed
to
th
e
“Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct.
A
bo
rigin
al
sca
rre
d t
ree
s a
re a
lso
su
sce
ptib
le t
o f
ire
. In
ge
ne
ral n
o t
wo
fire
s s
ho
uld
occu
r w
ith
in a
2
0 y
ea
r p
erio
d t
o p
rote
ct
ve
ge
tatio
n
co
mm
un
itie
s.
Be
yo
nd
th
is m
axim
um
th
resh
old
p
rescrib
ed
bu
rnin
g m
ay b
e c
on
sid
ere
d a
s a
m
ea
su
re t
o p
rese
rve
bio
div
ers
ity.
Hig
h
inte
nsity f
ire
s s
ho
uld
be
avo
ide
d.
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
tra
ils a
nd
wa
ter
sto
rage
use
d f
or
fire
ma
na
ge
me
nt
exis
t o
n t
he
re
se
rve
(se
e
6.1
0).
Life
, p
rop
ert
y a
nd
n
atu
ral a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
va
lue
s a
re p
rote
cte
d
fro
m f
ire
.
Fire
fre
qu
en
cie
s a
re
ap
pro
pria
te f
or
co
nse
rva
tio
n o
f n
ative
pla
nt
an
d
an
ima
l co
mm
un
itie
s.
6.7
.1 I
mp
lem
en
t th
e B
ud
ela
h N
atu
re R
ese
rve
Fire
M
an
age
me
nt
Str
ate
gy,
inclu
din
g f
ire
tra
il m
ain
ten
an
ce
, a
sse
t a
nd
cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
pro
tectio
n a
nd
th
e
pre
scrib
ed
bu
rn p
rop
osa
l.
6.7
.2 P
art
icip
ate
in
th
e M
ore
e P
lain
s B
ush
Fire
M
an
age
me
nt
Co
mm
itte
e.
Ma
inta
in c
oo
pe
rative
a
rra
nge
me
nts
with
Ru
ral F
ire
Se
rvic
e b
riga
de
s a
nd
fire
co
ntr
ol o
ffic
ers
an
d s
urr
ou
nd
ing la
nd
ow
ne
rs in
re
ga
rd
to f
ue
l m
an
age
me
nt
an
d f
ire
su
pp
ressio
n.
6
.7.3
Su
pp
ress a
ll b
ush
fire
s in
th
e r
ese
rve
as s
oo
n a
s
po
ssib
le t
o m
inim
ise
da
ma
ge
to
na
tura
l a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
va
lue
s a
nd
su
rro
un
din
g p
rop
ert
ies.
6.7
.4 M
an
age
th
e r
ese
rve
to
pro
tect
bio
div
ers
ity in
a
cco
rda
nce
with
th
e id
en
tifie
d f
ire
in
terv
al gu
ide
line
s
for
ve
ge
tatio
n c
om
mu
nitie
s.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
20
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
6.8
Vis
ito
r U
se
T
he
prim
ary
pu
rpo
se
of
na
ture
re
se
rve
s a
re
the
co
nse
rva
tio
n o
f n
atu
ral a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
an
d t
o p
rovid
e o
pp
ort
un
itie
s f
or
ed
uca
tio
n a
nd
scie
ntific r
ese
arc
h.
Th
e r
ese
rve
ca
n p
rovid
e a
re
so
urc
e f
or
pe
op
le
to e
njo
y,
ap
pre
cia
te a
nd
un
de
rsta
nd
th
e
na
tura
l a
nd
cu
ltu
ral e
nviro
nm
en
t.
Use
of
the
re
se
rve
mu
st
be
ca
refu
lly m
an
age
d s
ince
it
is
a s
ign
ific
an
t a
rea
of
rem
na
nt
ve
ge
tatio
n.
Ina
pp
rop
ria
te v
isito
r u
se
wo
uld
in
clu
de
o
rie
nte
erin
g,
ca
mp
ing,
ho
rse
rid
ing a
nd
use
of
ma
na
ge
me
nt
tra
ils b
y u
na
uth
orise
d v
eh
icle
s.
Pu
blic
use
an
d v
isita
tio
n o
f th
e r
ese
rve
is
su
pp
ort
ed
wh
ere
it
me
ets
th
e o
bje
ctive
s o
f th
e
rese
rve
, is
co
nsis
ten
t w
ith
th
is p
lan
of
ma
na
ge
me
nt
an
d w
he
re it
is s
up
po
rte
d b
y t
he
N
PW
S.
Vis
ito
r u
se
is
ap
pro
pria
te a
nd
e
co
logic
ally
su
sta
ina
ble
. V
isito
r u
se
e
nco
ura
ge
s
ap
pre
cia
tio
n o
f th
e
rese
rve
’s v
alu
es.
Th
e lo
ca
l co
mm
un
ity
is a
wa
re o
f th
e
sig
nific
an
ce
of
the
a
rea
an
d o
f m
an
age
me
nt
pro
gra
ms.
6.8
.1 P
ub
lic u
se
is c
on
fin
ed
to
na
ture
ap
pre
cia
tio
n,
rese
arc
h a
nd
ed
uca
tio
na
l u
se
s a
s a
pp
rove
d b
y t
he
N
PW
S.
Th
e r
ese
rve
will
no
t b
e p
rom
ote
d f
or
ge
ne
ral
recre
atio
na
l u
se
or
vis
ito
r a
cce
ss.
6
.8.2
Pro
hib
it o
rie
nte
erin
g,
ca
mp
ing,
ho
rse
rid
ing,
an
d
the
use
of
ma
na
ge
me
nt
tra
ils b
y p
ub
lic v
eh
icle
s
(un
less v
eh
icle
use
is a
uth
orise
d b
y t
he
NP
WS
).
6.8
.3 P
erm
it o
rga
nis
ed
gro
up
vis
its,
su
bje
ct
to lim
its o
n
nu
mb
ers
an
d o
the
r co
nd
itio
ns if
ne
ce
ssa
ry t
o m
inim
ise
im
pa
cts
.
6.8
.4 B
uild
a s
imp
le s
he
lte
r o
n t
he
Ma
cin
tyre
Riv
er
to
assis
t p
eo
ple
in
vo
lve
d w
ith
ed
uca
tio
na
l a
nd
re
se
arc
h
activitie
s in
th
e f
ield
. 6
.8.5
Ma
inta
in a
cce
ss g
ate
s a
nd
tra
ilhe
ad
sig
na
ge
to
co
ntr
ol u
na
uth
orise
d a
cce
ss.
6
.8.6
Ca
rry o
ut
co
mm
un
ity o
pe
n d
ays a
nd
eve
nts
an
d
en
co
ura
ge
pa
rtic
ipa
tio
n f
rom
su
rro
un
din
g c
om
mu
nitie
s.
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
Lo
w
6.9
Re
se
arc
h a
nd
Mo
nit
ori
ng
In
itia
l flo
ra a
nd
fa
un
a r
ese
arc
h h
as b
ee
n
un
de
rta
ke
n in
th
e r
ese
rve
.
Fu
rth
er
rese
arc
h w
ill im
pro
ve
un
de
rsta
nd
ing o
f th
e r
ese
rve
’s n
atu
ral a
nd
cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
, th
e
pro
ce
sse
s t
ha
t a
ffe
ct
the
m a
nd
th
e
requ
ire
me
nts
fo
r m
an
age
me
nt
of
sp
ecie
s.
Re
se
arc
h e
nh
an
ce
s
the
kn
ow
led
ge
an
d
ma
na
ge
me
nt
of
the
re
se
rve
.
Re
se
arc
h h
as
min
ima
l e
nviro
nm
en
tal
6.9
.1 E
nco
ura
ge
or
un
de
rta
ke
re
se
arc
h in
to t
he
re
se
rve
ge
ne
rally
. 6
.9.2
Se
lecte
d r
ese
arc
h a
nd
mo
nito
rin
g t
op
ics in
clu
de
(b
ut
are
no
t co
nfin
ed
to
):
•
eco
logic
al re
co
ve
ry w
ith
th
e la
nd
use
re
ce
ntly
ch
an
ge
d f
rom
gra
zin
g t
o n
atu
re c
on
se
rva
tio
n,
an
d
the
eff
ects
on
ve
ge
tatio
n w
ith
ch
an
ge
s in
na
tura
l
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
21
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
imp
act.
flo
w r
egim
es (
se
e a
lso
6.2
.2 &
6.2
.4);
•
su
rve
ys o
n g
ap
s in
kn
ow
led
ge
on
na
tive
fa
un
a
pre
se
nce
, d
istr
ibu
tio
n a
nd
ab
un
da
nce
(se
e a
lso
6
.3.1
, 6
.3.2
& 6
.3.3
);
•
su
rve
ys o
n p
red
icte
d a
nd
kn
ow
n t
hre
ate
ne
d
sp
ecie
s (
se
e a
lso
6.3
.1);
•
cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
va
lue
s;
an
d
•
pe
st
co
ntr
ol m
eth
od
s (
se
e a
lso
6.6
.5).
6
.10
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Op
era
tio
ns
an
d O
the
r U
se
T
he
“A
thlo
ne
” h
om
este
ad
pre
cin
ct
inclu
de
s
sig
nific
an
t b
uilt
asse
ts t
ha
t a
re e
sse
ntia
l fo
r th
e d
ay t
o d
ay m
an
age
me
nt
op
era
tio
ns;
inclu
din
g N
PW
S s
taff
acco
mm
od
atio
n,
wo
rksh
op
an
d o
ffic
e.
Bo
un
da
ry f
en
ce
s a
re m
an
age
d in
co
-op
era
tio
n
with
re
se
rve
ne
igh
bo
urs
. B
ou
nd
ary
fe
nce
b
rea
ks o
n t
he
re
se
rve
are
de
ve
lop
ed
fo
r a
bo
ut
30
% o
f th
e b
ou
nd
ary
, b
ut
are
an
im
po
rta
nt
fea
ture
of
eff
ective
bo
un
da
ry f
en
cin
g.
A t
imb
er
ve
hic
le b
rid
ge
ove
r B
oo
ma
nge
ra
Cre
ek is r
ate
d t
o 3
.7 t
on
ne
s g
ross.
Up
gra
de
w
ork
s w
ere
co
mp
lete
d in
20
06
. R
e-
asse
ssm
en
t o
f th
e b
rid
ge
is r
equ
ire
d in
20
11
. T
he
re a
re a
pp
roxim
ate
ly 3
0 k
ilom
etr
es o
f m
an
age
me
nt
tra
ils in
th
e r
ese
rve
. A
ll tr
ails
are
4
WD
dry
we
ath
er
acce
ss o
nly
. S
om
e in
tern
al fe
nce
s a
nd
sh
ee
p y
ard
s h
ave
p
rove
d u
se
ful in
mu
ste
rin
g s
tra
y liv
esto
ck.
S
tra
tegic
re
mo
va
l is
re
qu
ire
d o
f m
ost
inte
rna
l
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
facili
tie
s
an
d o
pe
ratio
ns
ad
equ
ate
ly s
erv
e
ma
na
ge
me
nt
ne
ed
s
an
d h
ave
min
ima
l im
pa
ct.
6.1
0.1
Co
ntin
ue
to
ba
se
a N
PW
S R
an
ge
r a
t “A
thlo
ne
” p
recin
ct
to m
an
age
Bu
de
lah
Na
ture
Re
se
rve
an
d o
the
r re
se
rve
s in
th
e M
ore
e d
istr
ict,
su
bje
ct
to s
taff
ing a
nd
b
ud
ge
tary
co
nstr
ain
ts.
6.1
0.2
Ma
inta
in a
ll “A
thlo
ne
” h
om
este
ad
pre
cin
ct
bu
ilt
asse
ts,
esse
ntia
l fo
r d
ay t
o d
ay o
pe
ratio
ns,
in a
go
od
w
ork
ing o
rde
r.
6.1
0.3
Re
pla
ce
an
d m
ain
tain
bo
un
da
ry f
en
cin
g in
co
-o
pe
ratio
n w
ith
re
se
rve
ne
igh
bo
urs
an
d in
acco
rda
nce
w
ith
th
e N
PW
S B
ou
nd
ary
Fe
nce
Po
licy.
6.1
0.4
Asse
ss t
he
Bo
om
an
ge
ra C
ree
k b
rid
ge
in
20
11
in
acco
rda
nce
with
a s
tre
ngth
asse
ssm
en
t re
po
rt
(Rya
n,
20
06
); im
ple
me
nt
an
y f
urt
he
r u
pgra
de
wo
rks a
s
requ
ire
d,
su
ch
as r
ep
lacin
g d
eckin
g (
refe
r to
ma
p).
6
.10
.5 M
ain
tain
all
exis
tin
g t
rails
(re
fer
to m
ap
) to
a
sta
nd
ard
in
acco
rda
nce
with
th
eir f
ire
tra
il a
nd
m
an
age
me
nt
tra
il cla
ssific
atio
ns,
inclu
din
g a
ctivitie
s
su
ch
as g
rad
ing,
sla
sh
ing a
nd
sp
rayin
g.
No
ne
w t
rails
w
ill b
e c
on
str
ucte
d.
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
22
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gie
s /
Ac
tio
ns
Pri
ori
ty
fen
ce
s,
lea
vin
g s
om
e k
ey f
en
ce
s in
pla
ce
. A
po
we
r lin
e t
rave
rse
s t
he
re
se
rve
fo
r a
bo
ut
70
0 m
etr
es,
cu
rre
ntly m
an
age
d b
y C
ou
ntr
y
En
erg
y.
Ke
lvin
gto
n R
oa
d t
rave
rse
s t
he
re
se
rve
fo
r a
bo
ut
on
e k
ilom
etr
e a
nd
is
ma
na
ge
d b
y t
he
Mo
ree
Pla
ins S
hire
Co
un
cil.
F
ou
r d
am
s a
re lo
ca
ted
on
th
e r
ese
rve
; o
nly
tw
o o
n B
oo
ma
nge
ra C
ree
k T
rail
are
re
qu
ire
d
lon
g-t
erm
as w
ate
rin
g p
oin
ts t
o a
id in
bu
sh
fire
su
pp
ressio
n.
Th
e g
rou
nd
ta
nk a
t th
e “
Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
is r
equ
ire
d f
or
do
me
stic w
ate
r.
6.1
0.6
Ma
inta
in e
xis
tin
g b
ou
nd
ary
fe
nce
tra
ils t
o a
m
inim
um
sta
nd
ard
pe
rmittin
g b
asic
ve
hic
le a
cce
ss.
C
on
str
uct
bo
un
da
ry f
en
ce
bre
aks o
r tr
ails
wh
ere
p
ossib
le w
he
n b
ou
nd
ary
fe
nce
s a
re r
e-p
lace
d.
6.1
0.7
Pre
pa
re a
nd
im
ple
me
nt
an
in
tern
al fe
nce
re
mo
va
l str
ate
gy,
en
su
rin
g k
ey in
tern
al fe
nce
s a
nd
sh
ee
p y
ard
s a
re r
eta
ine
d a
nd
ma
inta
ine
d t
o a
n
eff
ective
sta
nd
ard
. 6
.10
.8 P
erm
it e
xte
rna
l a
uth
oritie
s t
o m
ain
tain
th
e
po
we
r lin
e a
nd
Ke
lvin
gto
n R
oa
d a
cco
rdin
g t
o r
ele
va
nt
agre
em
en
ts w
he
re a
pp
lica
ble
. 6
.10
.9 R
eta
in t
he
tw
o d
am
s o
n B
oo
ma
nge
ra C
ree
k
Tra
il.
Re
tain
th
e o
the
r tw
o t
o t
he
so
uth
with
a lo
ng-
term
vie
w t
o c
losin
g (
de
-co
mm
issio
nin
g)
the
m,
pe
nd
ing
a r
evie
w o
f th
e f
ire
ma
na
ge
me
nt
str
ate
gy.
Re
tain
th
e
gro
un
d t
an
k in
th
e “
Ath
lon
e”
ho
me
ste
ad
pre
cin
ct
(re
fer
to m
ap
an
d s
ee
6.6
.7).
Lo
w
Lo
w
Lo
w
Lo
w
Hig
h p
rio
rity
activitie
s a
re t
ho
se
im
pe
rative
to
ach
ieve
me
nt
of
the
ob
jective
s a
nd
de
sire
d o
utc
om
es.
Th
ey m
ust
be
un
de
rta
ke
n i
n t
he
n
ea
r fu
ture
to
avo
id s
ign
ific
an
t d
ete
rio
ratio
n in
na
tura
l, c
ultu
ral o
r m
an
age
me
nt
reso
urc
es.
Me
diu
m p
rio
rity
activitie
s a
re t
ho
se
th
at
are
ne
ce
ssa
ry t
o a
ch
ieve
th
e o
bje
ctive
s a
nd
de
sire
d o
utc
om
es b
ut
are
no
t u
rge
nt.
Lo
w p
rio
rity
activitie
s a
re d
esira
ble
to
ach
ieve
ma
na
ge
me
nt
ob
jective
s a
nd
de
sire
d o
utc
om
es b
ut
ca
n w
ait u
ntil
reso
urc
es b
eco
me
a
va
ilab
le.
23
REFERENCES Bradstock, R., Kenny, B. & Tasker, E. (2003). Guidelines for Ecological Sustainable Management. Final Report for NSW Biodiversity Strategy. Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville. Brosnan, Maureen (2004). Murphy Family History. Informal publication. DLWC (1999). Stressed Rivers Assessment Report: Barwon Region, Border Rivers Catchment. Dept of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney. DWE (2007). Draft Water Sharing Plan NSW Border Rivers Regulated Rivers Water Sources. Department of Water and Energy (NSW). Henderson, Adam (Feb 2007). Budelah Nature Reserve Aboriginal Site Survey. Internal NPWS report. Henderson, Adam (June 2007). Budelah Nature Reserve Fauna Survey. Internal NPWS report. High Ground Consulting (2008). Conservation Management Strategy “Athlone” Precinct Budelah Nature Reserve. A Report to the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Hunter, John T. (2006). Vegetation and Floristics of Budelah Nature Reserve. A Report to the NPWS. Keith, David (2004). Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes; The Native Vegetation of NSW and the ACT. Dept of Environment and Conservation (NSW). Mitchell, Geoff (2006). Birds of Budelah Nature Reserve August 2006. A list compiled from the records of NPWS, NPWS Northern Plains Regional Advisory Committee and Tamworth Birdwatchers. MDHSBC (1998). A History of Mungindi to 1988. Mungindi and District Historical Society Book Committee. Southern Cross Printery, Toowoomba. Murphy, Norman (2003). The Following May Interest Someone Some Day. Informal publication. NPWS (2001). Athlone/Thorndale (now Budelah NR) internal acquisition paper. NPWS (2005). Fire Management Manual. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. NPWS (2006). Budelah Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy. Dept of Environment and Conservation (NSW). Ryan, Nick (2006) Strength Assessment for Boomangera Creek Bridge. Landvison Solutions P/L. Report commissioned by NPWS. Tongway, D & Hindley, N (1996). Understanding More About Your Landscape: A Method for Monitoring Landscape Productivity. CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystem, Canberra.
APPENDIX 1 - BIRDS RECORDED IN BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Flightless Birds Quail Cuckoos
Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Stubble Quail Coturnix novaezealandiae Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis
Waterbirds Brown Quail Coturnix australis Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Painted Button-quail Turnix varia Nightbirds
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Grassland Birds Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae
Darter Anhinga melanogaster Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Barking Owl Ninox connivens
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus magnirostris Barn Owl Tyto alba
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Swamp Birds & Waders Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Brolga Grus rubicundus Kingfishers
White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae
Great Egret Egretta alba Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor Red-backed Kingfisher Todiranohus pyrrhopygia
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Red-kneed Dotterel Erythogonys cinctus Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus
Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Pigeons & Doves Songbirds
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena
Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Tree Martin Cecropis nigricans
Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Fairy Martin Ceocropis ariel
Black Swan Cygnus atratus Parrots Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Red-tailed Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae
Grey Teal Anas gibberifrons Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis
Maned (Wood) Duck Chenonetta jubata Galah Cacatua roseicapilla White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii
Birds of Prey Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Pink Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus
Grey Goshawk (grey morph) Accipiter novaehollandiae Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica
Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Eastern Ringneck Barnardius barnardi Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta
Brown Falcon Falco berigora Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Blue Bonnet Northiella haematogaster Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostamus temporalis
APPENDIX 1 - BIRDS RECORDED IN BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE (Cont.)
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
White-browed babbler Pomatostamus superciliosus Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Little Woodswallow Artamus minor
Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus
Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus cruralis White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen
Variegated Wren Malurus lamberti Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Australian Raven Corvus coronoides
White-winged Wren Malurus leucopterus Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor Introduced Birds
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Feral Pigeon Columba livia
Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris
White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apica Zebra Finch Poephila guttata
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Double-barred Finch Poephila bichenovii
Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana Plum-headed Finch Aidemosyne modesta
Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis Spotted Bowerbird Chlamydera maculata
Varied Sitella Daphoenositta chrysoptera White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos
Brown Treecreeper Climactus picumnus Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus personatus
Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosis
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus
Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzona cyanotis Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus
APPENDIX 2 - FAUNA RECORDED IN BUDELAH NATURE RESERVE
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Frogs Snakes
Striped Burrowing Frog Cyclorana alboguttata Green Tree Snake Dendrelaphis punctulata
Knife-footed Frog Cyclorana cultripes Yellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia psammophis
New Holland Frog Cyclorana novaehollandiae Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis
Waterholding Frog Cyclorana platycephala Spotted Black Snake Pseudechis guttatus
Warty Waterholding Frog Cyclorana verrucosa Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis
Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea Coral Snake Simoselaps australis
Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii Mammals - Egg Laying
Desert Tree Frog Litoria rubella Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus
Desert Froglet Crinia deserticola Mammals - Marsupials
Eastern Sign-bearing Froglet Crinia parinsignifera Striped-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura
Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps
Salmon-striped Frog Limnodynastes salmini Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula
Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus
Crucifix Frog Notaden bennetti Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
Reptiles - Turtles Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor
Broad-shelled Turtle Chelodonia expansa Mammals - Placentals
Eastern Long-necked Turtle Chelodonia longicollis White-striped Freetail Bat Austronomus australis
Reptiles - Geckos Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii
Prickly Gecko Heteronotia binoei Southern Freetail Bat Mormopterus sp 4
Dubious Dtella Gehyra dubia Lesser Longeared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Common Dtella Gehyra variegata Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus
Reptiles - Dragons Introduced
Burns’s Dragon Amphibolurus burnsi Brown Hare Lepus capensis
Nobbi Dragon Amphibolurus nobbi Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata Fox Vulpes vulpes
Reptiles - Goannas Feral Cat Felis catus
Sand Monitor Varanus gouldii Feral Pig Sus scrofa
Lace Monitor Varanus varius House Mouse Mus musculus
Reptiles - Skinks Black Rat Rattus rattus
A striped skink Ctenotus ingrami
Tree Skink Egernia striolata
Broad-banded Sand-swimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii
Spotted Burrowing Skink Lerista punctatovittata
Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides
