Far South CoastRegionAchievement Report 2015-2016

WHO WE ARE................................................................................................

The Far South Coast Region manages over 500,000 hectares in 45 reserves embracing spectacular coastline, escarpment forests and six wilderness areas including Nadgee, NSW’s only coastal wilderness.

There are four management areas: North and Central co-located at Narooma, Merimbula and Bombala, a Strategic Programs Team and Regional Administration Support Team.

WHAT WE DO................................................................................................

Far South Coast Region is responsible for the management of:

• national parks and reserves

• park assets

• people in parks

• native plants and animals

• fire and incidents

• pests and weeds

• Aboriginal cultural heritage

• historic heritage

• appropriate fire suppression, protection and management across the reserve system

• wilderness and wild rivers.

WHERE WE OPERATE................................................................................................

The Far South Coast Region covers almost 1,722,324 hectares from Batemans Bay to the Victorian Border. A continuous chain of national parks and nature reserves stretches

over 200 kilometres along the escarpment and southern tablelands, with several links to coastal forest parks and reserves. The six wilderness areas total over 109,000 hectares.

These national parks offer sanctuary to native animals such as potoroos and wallabies, along with iconic birdlife including precious little penguins and elusive ground parrots. Acquisition of the Murrah Flora Reserves to protect the last known local koala population in March 2016 increased our management area by almost 12,000 hectares.

The region embraces a diversity of eucalypt forests including remnant old growth and rare forest communities. Many threatened plant and animal species are protected as well as ancient rainforests, rich cultural heritage sites, large areas of coastal woodland and heath. Young forests contribute significantly to carbon sequestration in the region and water catchments in parks underpin the region’s agricultural industries and provide water to major population centres.

Rich Aboriginal heritage is reflected in sites dating back many thousands of years, complementing a vibrant contemporary Aboriginal culture. The management of Aboriginal cultural heritage across the landscape, including the handback of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks, is an important focus for the region’s operations.

Historic heritage sites providing glimpses of early settlement and previous land use are scattered throughout the region: the Green

Cape and Montague Island Light Stations, Davidson Whaling Station and the Moruya Pilot Station.

Visitors are drawn to the region’s secluded beaches, stunning coastal walks, great birdwatching, camping and watersports, supporting the regional visitor economy. Iconic experiences include summer coastal camping, the Light to Light walk, Montague Island and the Nadgee Wilderness walk.

Little tern chick at Lake Conjola. C Dove

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T B

urke

SAVING OUR SPECIES..........................................................................................

Little tern breeding success

Volunteers working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on the Far South Coast ensured the fledging of more than fifty little tern chicks at Mogareka this year.

The endangered little terns survived water inundation, busy beaches and predation, to successfully fledge at the Mogareka site, one of the most reliable and successful sites south of Sydney.

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VIC

Bega

Eden

Cooma Narooma

Bombala

CanberraUlladulla

Merimbula

Jindabyne

Queanbeyan

Batemans Bay

Sussex Inlet

Shoalh

aven

River

Clyde Rive

r

Snowy RiverC

otter River

Towamba River

Goodradigbee

River

QueanbeyanRiver

Numeralla River

Bega River

Deu

aR

ive r

Bom

bala

River

Eucumbene Rive

r

Tuross River

Brogo River

Endrick River

Delegate River

Bemboka River

Yowrie

RiverGun

garli

nRi

ver

GoobarragandraRiver

Moruya River

Bredbo River

Delegate River

North

Bombala

Central

Merimbula

PRIN

CESHIG

HWAY

MO

NA

RO

HIG

HW

AY

MONARO

HIGHWAY

Braidwood

Deua NP

Kosciuszko NP

Morton NP

Wadbilliga NP

Monga NP

Nadgee NR

Budawang NP

South East Forest NP

Brindabella NP

Tinderry NR

Bimberi NR

Conjola NP

Kooraban NP

Gourock NP

Ben Boyd NP

Bournda NR

Biamanga NP

Tallaganda NP

Mount Imlay NP

Gulaga NP

Murramarang NP

Scabby Range NR

Merriangaah NR

Kybeyan SCA

Yaouk NR

Bimberamala NP

Berlang SCA

Paupong NR

Nadgigomar NR

Yanununbeyan NPMeroo NP

Tallaganda SCA

Jerrawangala NP

Egan Peaks NR

Dangelong NR

Mimosa Rocks NP

Bournda NP

Bondi Gulf NR

Bees Nest NRBlack Andrew NR

Coornartha NR

Yanununbeyan SCA

Macanally SCAEurobodalla NP

Coolumbooka NR

Parma Creek NR

Araluen NR

Monga SCA

Bermaguee NR

Clyde River NP

Quidong NR

Ironmungy NR

Majors Creek SCA

Kybeyan NR

Narrawallee Creek NR

Nimmo NR

Wee Jasper NR

Badja Swamps NR

Mount Dowling NR

Jerralong NR

Strike-a-Light NR

Corramy RP

Kuma NR

Cuumbeun NR

Scott NR

Burrinjuck NR

Goorooyarroo NR

Numeralla NR

Myalla NR

Binjura NR

Bobundara NRWullwye NRNgadang NR

Mcleods Creek NR

Yurammie SCA

Burnt School NR

Wadjan NR

Burra Creek NR

Montague Island NR

Illawong NR

Queanbeyan NR

Murramarang AA

Meringo NR

Turallo NRYatteyattah NR

Yanununbeyan NR

Good Good NR

Davidson Whaling Station HS

Tollgate Islands NR

Belowla Island NR

Eagles Claw NR

Far South Coast

Southern Ranges

ACT

South Coast

! Major towns

" NPWS work locations

NPWS areas

NPWS estate

Motorway

Primary road

Arterial roads

Major rivers

! Sydney

NPWS RegionFar South Coast

I0 50

Kilometres

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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2015/16.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

RESERVE ESTABLISHMENT AND ACQUISITION................................................................................................

Murrah Flora Reserves

NPWS entered into an agreement for the management of the Murrah Flora Reserves (Murrah, Mumbulla and Tanja State Forests and southern part of Bermagui State Forest).

In all, 11,811 hectares was added to the NSW forest reserve system which will significantly boost habitat connectivity and management consistency throughout the south east coastal forests. These reserves support the last known far south coast koala population and 25 threatened species, including the long-nosed potoroo, the yellow-bellied glider and the powerful owl.The reserves are also significant to the local Aboriginal community and the region will work with the boards of the neighbouring Aboriginal-owned Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks to cooperatively manage the reserves.

RESERVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................................

A key infrastructure capital works project completed this year was the replacement of wooden and log bridges with concrete bridges on trails in South East Forest and Monga National Parks. These trails are essential for fire protection and pest management work, and replacing the bridges before they fail completely will ensure continued safe access for all management operations.

A radio tower was installed in Kybeyan Nature Reserve to remove communication black spots and ensure efficient and safe management operations.

NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS................................................................................................

Dugong relocation

A 340 kilogram, 2.7metre long male dugong was successfully relocated from Merimbula Lake to Queensland’s Moreton Bay, following growing concerns about the animal’s welfare.

A joint operation between NPWS, Sea World and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, with strong support from the RAAF, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Water Police, NSW Fisheries, and Bega Valley Shire Council, achieved this 1,400km move.

The decision to relocate the dugong was taken after veterinarians and marine mammal experts confirmed his condition was deteriorating and on advice that if he stayed in the lake, his outlook was not good.

LEFT and ABOVE: Koalas in the Murrah Flora Reserves. R Summers / D Morgan

BELOW: NPWS, Sea World, ORRCA and Sea Life Aquarium staff capture and relocate the dugong back to Queensland with the help of the RAAF and Merimbula community. C Dickmann

He was initially relocated to Sea World for rehabilitation under the care of veterinarian teams who treated the animal with antibiotics to improve his skin condition.

In February he was safely released to the warm waters off Queensland to join a known population of around 1000 dugongs in that area. We thank the Merimbula locals who monitored the dugong during his two month stay at the lake and for heeding warnings to give the animal space.

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Whale disentanglement team in action freeing the whale calf. S Cohen

NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS................................................................................................

Whale calf disentanglement

A NPWS and Marine Parks crew successfully disentangled a humpback calf caught in fishing gear. The successful rescue off Bermagui saw the calf continue south with its mother.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater survey

Penny Beaver, associated with the University of Tasmania, has been surveying wedge- tailed shearwater (muttonbird) chicks on Montague Island.

Penny was able to remove one of the shearwater chicks from the burrow for a visiting TV crew. They were amazed to see what they described as ‘tiny balls of fluff’ emerging from underground.

Monitoring tagged shearwater chick growth as part of a research project. W Douglas

Montague Island Nature Reserve

Volunteers helped nurture vulnerable and protected species of nesting seabirds that use the island as a seasonal breeding site. Volunteers took part in activities such as weed control, surveying and monitoring while enjoying the scenic ocean views.

Another breeding success: hooded plover fledglings on Wairo Beach,Meroo National Park. C Brandis Montague Island volunteer team. K Myers

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Harvesting produce from Montague Island Heritage Kitchen Garden in February 2016.C Bendixsen

Planting winter seedlings in Montague Island Heritage Kitchen Garden with Australian Garden History Society volunteers in May 2016. C Bendixsen

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND CONNECTING COMMUNITIES................................................................................................

Kitchen garden restoration

After winning the 2015 National Trust NSW Heritage Award in the Landscape Conservation Category, Montague Island’s kitchen garden is now maintained by Australian Garden History Society volunteers, along with local school groups and our field staff.

Much delightful fresh produce has been harvested and the garden is now a feature of NPWS island tours.

Davidson Whaling Station

Davidson Whaling Station at Twofold Bay is the best surviving example of a shore-based whaling station on the east coast of Australia. It’s a popular visitor attraction, and one recent special visitor was Peter Severs, great-great grandson of Alexander Davidson who first established a whaling site at Kiah Inlet.

Peter donated rare artefacts and historical items that were once housed at the station. His cousin Dorothy Turnbull loaned some of her great-great grandfather’s cabinet maker tools.

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ABOVE: Buildings at Davidson Whaling Station. H ClarkRIGHT: Mr Peter Severs (grandson of George Davidson) and Ranger Wendy Noble with donated milk separator are flanked by Lorraine (left) and Mal Leyland (right) of Leyland Brothers fame who were coincidentally visiting the site that day. B Allgaier

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ABOVE and LEFT: Baronda House. K Giblin

HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND CONNECTING COMMUNITIES................................................................................................

Baronda House

The region completed the Conservation Management Plan for Baronda House in Mimosa Rocks National Park. Dating from 1969, the Baronda residence is a distinguished early example of the work of the eminent Australian architect Graeme Gunn. It is ecologically sensitive in drawing its materials from the local environment while maximising the views to surrounding bush and lagoon. The house has significant associations with the eminent Australian artist, Fred Williams who painted his ‘Baronda’ series of landscapes when staying there.

ABORIGINAL JOINT MANAGEMENT................................................................................................

Celebrating ten years of Yuin Joint Management

The 10th anniversary of joint management of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks was celebrated in May 2016 marking a major milestone in the management of these culturally significant parks on the Far South Coast.

The community event or Biriga Bunaan, saw more than 200 people come together at Four Winds near Bermagui to reflect on the partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Yuin Aboriginal Owners and the Gulaga and Biamanga Boards of Management.

One of the most significant achievements of the last 10 years was creating the first joint plan of management for Gulaga and Biamanga National Parks. Iris White, Chairperson of the Gulaga Board of Management, said that the plan is more

than a government document, it speaks about Country in the words of the Aboriginal Owners with a connection to this Country.

“It makes sure that what’s important to the Yuin is protected. It makes sure that the right stories are told and we have the right direction to manage Country properly”, she said.

Paul Stewart, Chairperson of the Biamanga Board of Management said that there had been good progress in employing Yuin people, mostly in permanent jobs around Narooma and Tanja. He now hopes to see the Koori way even more reflected in park management, by going back to the ancestor’s ways for caring for country and looking at traditional burning and other ways to nurture connection.

There are now more than 20 joint management arrangements between NPWS and Aboriginal Owners in NSW. Joint management recognises Aboriginal people’s responsibility for park management and provides the opportunity to participate in planning and decision making for the park, while maintaining access for everyone.

ABOVE and BELOW: Djiringanj Dancers. R Snashall

Volunteers at Biriga Bunaan - celebrating 10 years of joint management. R Snashall

LEFT: Briefing for Stanton Rocks West hazard reduction burn, South East Forest National Park. C Dickmann

BELOW: Conducting Chipmill hazard reduction burn, Ben Boyd National Park. C Dickmann

ABOVE: Pisgar Ridge hazard reduction burn, near Glenbrook, Blue Mountains National Park. D Croft

LEFT: Mount Hay hazard reduction burn. C Connor

PEST AND WEED MANAGEMENT................................................................................................

Montague Island and NPWS star in UK TV series

In February, NPWS introduced Montague Island to a UK film crew as part of a new TV series that sees United Kingdom pest and animal workers learn from the ‘best of the best’. The film crew, guided by Preston Cope, NPWS Area Manager (Narooma), were amazed to see the successful eradication of all pest animals from Montague Island including goats, rabbits and mice.

The island has been pest-free since 2007 and it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to showcase our work, and flattering to hear NPWS described as the best of the best when it comes to wildlife management and conservation.

More than 30,000 shearwaters, crested terns and little penguins nest and breed on Montague Island, making it one of the most significant seabird areas on the east coast of NSW.

The coverage comprised the Seabird Habitat Restoration Project, particularly the way weeds, such as kikuyu grass that is impacting seabird nesting and breeding, are tackled.

The film crew also captured some fantastic footage from the top of the lighthouse highlighting the positive impact of 12 years of revegetation efforts.

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FIRE MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................

Hazard Reduction

Far South Coast Region works with the Rural Fire Service and the Forestry Corporation to reduce the risk of wildfires to the community while conserving biodiversity. The region has performed well since the start of the Enhanced Bushfire Management Program (EMBP) five years ago.

This year, the annual hazard reduction burning target of 16,087 hectares was exceeded, with the completion of 19,805 hectares from 23 burns. Looking ahead, we have prepared burn plans to cover 150 per cent of the EBMP targets for hazard reduction over the next twelve months.

As an active member of the Bega, Cooma-Monaro, and Lake George Bushfire Management Committees, NPWS is helping undertake a state wide review of regional bush fire risk management plans, coordinating research that will provide new insight into the opportunities and risks of various management strategies.

ABOVE and RIGHT: Filming on Montague Island Nature Reserve by United Kingdom TV crew. S Cohen

BELOW: Montague Island lighthouse and associated buildings. S Cohen

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Green Cape lighthouse, Ben Boyd National Park. J. Spencer

PRIORITIES FOR 2016/17................................................................................................

Our key priorities cover park experiences, environment and heritage asset activation and protected area management. We will continue to deliver on core business including fire and incident management, priority pest and weed management, conservation of threatened native plants and animals, providing visitor facilities and experiences, and existing Aboriginal joint management commitments.

Park Experiences

• Operate and maintain high value visitor facilities to improve park experiences

• Support the broader NPWS initiatives to assess the condition and relevance of our visitor infrastructure

• Work to enhance high value visitor precincts.

Environment and Heritage Asset Activation

• Identify new revenue opportunities for Far South Coast Region

• Support, communicate and implement planned camping fee increases.

Protected Area Management

• Support the implementation of the NPWS Asset Stewardship Strategy in a way that is most resource effective

• Support, implement and encourage the continued Asset Maintenance System mobility project.

Fire Management

• Work to prevent, prepare for and respond to bushfires in NPWS reserves

• Work with other land management and fire agencies to implement fire management for the NPWS reserve system.

Pest and Weed Management

• Implement critical pest and weed management program activities contained in the Regional Pest Management Strategy

• Manage those critical pest management requirements of the NPWS reserve neighbours that are prioritised by the Regional Pest Management Strategy.

Native Plants and Animals

• Support Saving our Species actions to maximise the number of threatened species secured in the wild for 100 years

• Apply a strong risk management approach to our management of threatened species off NPWS reserves

• Develop strategies to reduce the impact and time required to deliver our management of native species at low risk.

Aboriginal Joint Management

• Work with Aboriginal communities and meet our commitments to existing formal Aboriginal Joint Management arrangements or undertakings across Far South Coast Region.

Business Improvements

• Commit to developing, contributing to and implementing a sustainable service across Far South Coast that will allow us to deliver on our priorities and work efficiently and effectively into the future.

Workplace People, Culture and Capability

• Implement Zero in Parks and prioritise workplace health and safety in everything we do.

CONTACTS.............................................................................................

NPWS FAR SOUTH COAST REGIONCorner Merimbula & Sapphire Coast Drives, (PO Box 656 )Merimbula NSW 2548Phone: 02 6495 5000 Fax: 02 6495 5055Email: fscr@environment.nsw.gov.au

Appendix 1Far South Coast Region parks and reserves (May 2016)

Reserve Area Hectares

Far South No. Reserve name Reserve No. Bombala Central Merimbula North Coast Area Area Area Area Region

1 Araluen NR N0846 658.03 658.03

2 Badja Swamps NR N0529 542.8 542.8

3 Bell Bird Creek NR N0403 56.3 56.3

4 Ben Boyd NP N0003 10774.13 10774.13

5 Berlang SCA N0257 2314.85 2314.85

6 Bermaguee NR N0406 874.59 874.59

7 Biamanga NP N0071 13608.99 13608.99

8 Bondi Gulf NR N0700 1887.98 1887.98

9 Bournda NP N0082 2664.42 2664.42

10 Bournda NR N0411 6084.17 6084.17

11 Broulee Island NR N0413 30.21 30.21

12 Clyde River NP N0163 146.02 146.02

13 Coolumbooka NR N0713 1520.16 1520.16

14 Dangelong NR N0782 4919.74 4919.74

15 Davidson Whaling Station HS N0213 27.56 27.56

16 Deua NP N0047 121695.23 121695.23

17 Eagles Claw NR N0571 1.36 1.36

18 Egan Peaks NR N0426 2081.43 2081.43

19 Eurobodalla NP N0095 3025.12 3025.12

20 Frogs Hole NR N0969 77.41 77.41

21 Gourock NP N0164 7857.36 7857.36

22 Gulaga NP N0165 4762.75 4762.75

23 Illawong NR N0438 52.15 52.15

24 Ironmungy NR N0829 710.38 710.38

25 Kooraban NP N0167 11470.43 11470.43

26 Kybeyan NR N0823 431.81 431.81

27 Kybeyan SCA N0260 4194.13 4194.13

28 Majors Creek SCA N0273 667.13 667.13

29 Meringo NR N0832 48 48

30 Merriangaah NR N0831 5645.1 5645.1

31 Mimosa Rocks NP N0021 5841.3 5841.3

32 Monga NP N0169 27018.24 27018.24

33 Monga SCA N1026 1003.32 1003.32

34 Montague Island NR N0596 87.45 87.45

35 Mount Imlay NP N0023 4708.03 4708.03

36 Nadgee NR N0458 21413.17 21413.17

37 Nadgigomar NR N0870 1730.14 1730.14

38 Quidong NR N0843 749.67 749.67

39 Scott NR N0864 150.63 150.63

40 South East Forest NP N0111 81169.99 13729.83 16564.93 111464.75

41 Tallaganda NP N0170 16604.26 16604.26

42 Tallaganda SCA N0262 5191 5191

43 Wadbilliga NP N0048 6949.14 88560.97 95510.11

44 Wadjan NR N0874 90.94 90.94

45 Yurammie SCA N0279 209.07 209.07

Grand Total 108317.04 138936.31 64584.57 188763.9 500601.82

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Abbreviations: AA = Aboriginal Area, CCAZ = Community Conservation Area Zone, KCR = Karst Conservation Reserve, HS = Historic Site, NP = National Park, NR = Nature Reserve, OEH = Office of Environment & Heritage, RP = Regional Park, SCA = State Conservation Area

Federal electorates within the Far South Coast Region

No. Federal Electorate Bombala Area Central Area Merimbula Area North Area

1 Eden-Monaro x x x x

2 Gilmore x

3 Hume x

Appendix 2Government electorate boundaries in the Far South Coast (May 2016)

Local Government areas within the Far South Coast Region

No. Local Government Area Bombala Area Central Area Merimbula Area North Area

1 Bega Valley x x x

2 Eurobodalla x x x

3 Goulburn Mulwaree x

4 Queanbeyan - Palerang x

5 Snowy Monaro Regional x x x

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NSW electorates within the Far South Coast Region

No. State Electorate Bombala Area Central Area Merimbula Area North Area

1 Bega x x x x

2 Goulburn x

3 Monara x x x

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Appendix 3Volunteer groups active in the Far South Coast Region

No. Group name Type of work Bombala Central Merimbula North

1 Regional Advisory Committee Community engagement - planning

and advice x x x x

2 Far South Coast Shorebird

Recovery Program Threatened species x x x

3 Quoll Latrine Monitoring Threatened species x

4 Seabird Habitat Restoration Project Threatened species x

5 Friends of Davidsons Whaling Station Heritage x

6 Koala Survey volunteers threatened species x