The Autumn season Gwangal morann (late March to mid June) incorporates the following:
Cool mornings and warm, still days. Red sunrises and golden evenings. Honeyeaters and wrens searching for moths and insects. Birds forming flocks and migrating north. Skinks and tortoises hibernating. Eels heading to sea for breeding. Possums beginning to breed. Flowering of Manna gums and candlebarks. Red and white “fly agaric” fungi. Flowering of Banksias and Heath.
(Thanks to Brambuk )
UPCOMING EVENT: Working bee on Redgum Walking Track
Activity Leader: Rodney Thompson Date: Saturday 8th May 2021, Time: 10-1pm
BYO: hat, sunscreen etc and your lunch.
Please note this should be up on Park Connect in the next couple of days.
Note that we do hope to have further activities in the next few months, but are having difficulties due to COVID rules, staff shortages etc. Please be patient.
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to our Autumn issue. Apologies that it is a bit late and has very short notice of our event
next week, and it has no timetable of future activities. We may be doing so well against Covid compared to the rest of the world, but that certainly doesn’t mean smooth progress. Rules, rules. Plus, the pressures on staff with the management plan being due out soon, some illness in our committee and here we are! In addition to group meetings, we are hoping to help Parks with some individual projects. Some of us have committed to updating some of the visitor information sheets, and we hope to assist in digitising the herbarium samples that were mostly collected by Ian McCann and the Stawell Field Naturalists. If you are one of those who volunteered to do these, how are you going? Do let
Hannah know. We would love to have more of your voices in our newsletter.
Margo Sietsma
PRESIDENT’S REPORT or, as Rodney dubbed it, PREZ SEZ
Welcome to FOGG’s 1st newsletter for 2021, and to an action-packed year of activities …. except the action has been very slow to start with; post-Covid, health problems within the committee, computer glitches – and as Margo said, time pressure on Parks staff. We apologise for the lateness of notification of events so far, but I am providing a provisional calendar for the rest of the year
(see below); although none of these activities have yet been approved by Parks. As soon as this happens, you will all be notified.
We have had two outings so far this year, with our third coming up on Saturday 8th May. After all the Restrictions last year, it has been wonderful to gather together again, see each other, welcome new members, and share our interests and knowledge.
Our February event, finding and looking at reptiles, led by David Steane (who has a fascinating amount of knowledge about them) had to be abandoned due to Covid restrictions.
Hannah (our Parks rep) organised our annual Clean-up-Australia Day on 13th March. Six of us braved the Covid to pick up lots of rubbish at McKenzie Falls, mostly small bits and stuff, with a few of the proverbial but unwelcome nappies around the car park. Thanks to Margo, our numbers were swelled by an enthusiastic visiting school group: we stayed around the tracks at the top,
while the youngsters descended & ascended the many steps to the bottom of the Falls. A group of very conservation-aware students who did a very great job. See Geoff’s report later in newsletter.
April 10th saw a gathering of the Clan for an intriguing look/think about some local land formations, led by Graham Parkes and Ben Gunn. There was much discussion among members about the possible causes of these (see Graham’s report). This is one of the things I love about FOGG, when members, with their varied fields of interest and expertise, come together and share information. Underlying this is the shared love and treasuring of ‘the bush’, and its conservation.
Six of our members were among the 20 volunteers who took part in the Great Gariwerd Bird Survey around the central Grampians, with another 20 participants from the Dunkeld end doing the southern end. This was a highlight of the year, ten weeks of much learning and excitement,
culminating in the Survey on 17/18 April. Many hours of preparation but rewarding ++; we hope it has been just as rewarding for the survey results! Hannah enthusiastically threw herself into the organisation and preparation of it all, helped by other Parks staff at the dinner, and did an amazing job. Greg Kerr’s teaching was amazing too. See Hannah’s and John’s reports.
Our friend this past year has been La Nina; as a result of excellent rains in Spring, the bush in the mountains is bursting with green bushiness, and beautiful to be amongst (as long as you’re not trying to walk through it, paths are so valuable!) Our gardens and native planting are likewise thriving.
We are researching the procurement of the herbicide Phytoclean, for use by members in the Grampians, to help prevent the spread of Phytopthora, which is still killing some of our beloved plants.
Proposed FOGG calendar for the rest of 2021
Details of these are yet to be finalised, with leaders and Parks.
Activities are on 2nd Saturday of each month.
June: Fungi: Leigh, Win.
July: Talk at Brambuk – update on pest management from Parks; may open to public too.
Aug: Walk along part of Peaks trail with Neil Marriott & Andrew Cunningham. Peaks Trail, meeting near Roses Gap.
Sept: Orchid walk: Win, Leigh
October: Working Bee: Removal of African Weed Orchid within Park. Hannah will suggest good locations for this.
November: Bats: Margo is organising
December: Christmas Break-up: Zumsteins with walk to Fish Falls, or, Lake Wartook.
Yours in anticipation of many more exciting adventures in Grampians-Gariwerd,
Leigh Douglas.
OUR VERY BUSY PARK STAFF HAVE MUCH TO REPORT:
FROM RHONDA, OUR CHIEF RANGER, UPDATE from the Grampians Team
What a different Easter from last year back to full capacity so a busy time for all our team. One of our growing issues is waste management and this has unfortunately increased we believe over Covid due to the feeling of safety that comes with disposable items. But where to dispose of them.
This Easter we placed a skip bin at Plantation Campground as in past years this is the campground where we have had the most rubbish left in bags at trees. Well, it certainly worked as the photo shows with the entire skip bin full and three large tandem trailer loads all around it. What to do is our next question as this is not sustainable with our budget.
Last week saw the departure of Derek Sandow. Derek was acting in the Team Leader Environment position and prior to this was our Grampians Ark Coordinator. Derek will be greatly missed by the team and the park as his work over the last two years to reinvigorate the Grampians Ark program by bringing the resources inhouse rather than contractor delivery and his work on the Brushtailed Rock Wallabies was amazing. Derek and his family are moving to the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia where he will take up a role rewilding the Yorke Peninsula. We are working hard on getting this team leader position filled as it is so vital to many aspects of our work here but there are many pressures on us at the moment regarding resources.
Hope you are all enjoying the crisper mornings
Rhonda McNeil
FROM HANNAH, OUR COMMUNITY RANGER
This week concludes the first ever Great Grampians Bird Survey – The GGBS! It has been an almighty 10 weeks delivering the Bird Ecology Course with Greg Kerr and a hugely successful weekend with Volunteers coming home with many beautiful bird stories. Volunteers completed 144 bird surveys this weekend at 36 remote sites across Gariwerd, the same sites from which
Deakin University collect mammal data from each year. The data collected from Volunteers was entered into Birddata which is now accessible to the public. The aim of this project is to determine how effective the Grampians Ark project has been at controlling foxes and feral cats. Cat baiting began last year, however before this occurred, we contacted Dr Greg Kerr to collect base line bird data at the 36 mammal sites – which we can now call the mammal and bird sites. Greg returned to the same sites after the baiting had occurred and will be writing a report on his findings. This will be an ongoing project for the park, much like the mammal surveying that occurs each year.
Personally, it has been a great learning opportunity to deliver such a program for Gariwerd. I have been astounded by the passion and commitment each of the 40 Volunteers brought to class each week and their willingness to support an important project for the park. Creating an opportunity like this for the community to connect to this landscape has been the highlight. Volunteers are
invaluable at assisting us as land managers to protect, manage and advocate for Gariwerd, I would like to thank each of them for their passion and dedication in assisting us to collect bird data that will contribute to the bigger picture of conservation. Below are a few details about the program
Facts & Figures
Volunteer hours for 10 week bird ecology program 1,520
Volunteer hours for Autumn survey weekend 608
Total Volunteer Hours 2,128
TOTAL GNP Volunteer hours for 2019-2020 (All volunteer programs contribution) 3,159
Work Days Contributed (7.6 hours per day) 266
Bird Species Surveyed by Greg 93
Bird Species Surveyed by Volunteers 40+
Total Bird Surveys entered into Birdata at the 36 sites
(Not including Greg’s 2020 and 2021 data) 171
Total Species surveyed (Not including Greg’s 2020 and 2021 data) 84
Grants: This project received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Australian Heritage Grants Program – Nature Glenelg Trust were fortunate to receive $88,000 for this project which allowed us to deliver the 10 week bird ecology course to the 40 volunteers.
Gariwerd was in the same bucket of money as Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage property, Kakadu National Park – just to name a few. This project was funded with the support of the Victorian Governments Weeds and Pests on Public Land program and is helping to ensure that Victoria’s natural environment is healthy, valued and actively cared for.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Han Auld, Community Engagement Ranger – Visitors and Community, Grampians National Park
E: P: 8427 2787 M: 0498 777 615
And here is a report from one of our members:
FOGG first informed members back in March 2020 that Parks Vic were inviting up to 40 volunteers to partake in “The Great Gariwerd Bird Survey”, the beginning of systematic bird surveying in the national park. The survey was to be preceded by a 10-week course conducted by Glenelg Nature Trust’s senior ecologist Dr Greg Kerr.
Covid forced a delayed start, and it was not until early February 2021 that 20 volunteers met in Halls Gap and 20 in Dunkeld. The general format of each weekly course session was: meet at 5pm at various field locations for a spot of bird-watching, then back to the classroom for 2 hours of Greg presenting on various aspects of bird ecology (evolution, plumage, moulting, calls, migration
etc.); in the final hour he presented photos of bird species for attendees to identify. Not all species occurred in Gariwerd.
There were many interesting details presented during Greg’s ecology talks. For instance, genetic based colour pigmentation in plumage is generally confined to black and white and the earthy tones; red, green, yellow and blue are obtained from the bird’s diet. Thus, when you see a male scarlet or flame robin in all their brilliant breeding magnificence, they are indicating to potential
mates that they are very good at sourcing food!
The ten weeks were soon over and the survey weekend loomed. It was not immediately apparent why it had to be on a given weekend, and not spread over a month or so to suit volunteers and when conditions were most suited to maximum bird abundance; but then it became clear as the Parks co-ordinator Han Auld doled out walkie-talkies and spot-trackers, which volunteers used to
sign-off after each surveying session, and in case of mishap and insurance claims. Being held under Parks Vic auspices made it only practical to hold on a predetermined weekend. A special mention should be made here of the endless enthusiasm and effort Han devoted to the project – she was a
very positive force. The methodology was 20-minute surveys over 2 hectare sites. Volunteers were divided into pairs and assigned two sites per pair. The sites had been previously adopted for mammal surveys by Mike Stevens and now there was a bird overlay on the same locations. Hopefully this will be
extended in the future to include other environments, especially Northern Gariwerd. Forty volunteers surveyed 36 sites Sat & Sun the 17th & 18th of April, once each morning and evening. 69 species were recorded in the Birdlife BirdData app, amongst them Stubble Quail (covey of 5 birds), a Wedge-tailed Eagle landing on a site and a Peregrine Falcon on another, a flock of 92
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos passing overhead in dribs and drabs, a Swift Parrot, 2 separate sightings of Southern Emu-wrens, a Speckled Warbler, Striated Fieldwrens, Gilbert’s Whistlers, a Crested Shrike-tit, Forest Raven, a Restless Flycatcher, a Flame Robin and a Hooded Robin.
Sunday evening Parks Vic treated the group to an Indian meal in the Halls Gap Hall. Speeches & presentations were made and there was a general feeling of camaraderie and of a job well done.
Some had travelled far to be a part of it (Melbourne & Ocean Grove for example, back and forth over 11 weeks!) and the majority will be looking forward to the Spring survey mid-October.
John King.
Just in is another message from Nature Glenelg Trust.
An exciting citizen science opportunity in the Grampians awaits You!
NGT is in the early stages of developing a volunteer-based wetland monitoring program to learn more about the ecological responses of two restored wetland systems in the southern Grampians. The Walker, Gooseneck, and Brady Swamp wetland complex, and Green Swamp, have undergone
significant hydrological changes over the past few years, with support and involvement from the community playing a key role. These works, which straddle Parks Victoria reserves and NGT’s wetland restoration reserves, have supported the recovery and conservation of a range of wetland dependent species such as fish, frog and birds, many of which are threatened. Equally, the
transformation of these systems has provided new opportunities for the community to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
This citizen science monitoring program will allow community members to connect to these wetlands in a new way, and collectively learn more about their rich ecology. The data collected will complement and build on existing knowledge gained through conventional monitoring methods of fish, frogs and birds. Remote technologies will be used to record data on key fauna groups: acoustic loggers called AudioMoths will be aimed at recording frogs and birds, while field cameras will focus on recording wading birds. Equipment will be deployed in early May, with data retrieval and downloads occurring each month. This monitoring program will provide new opportunities for people to
volunteer, as many activities can be completed from home on a desktop (e.g. sorting through images, identifying birds and frogs). There will however, still be opportunities for people to get out in the field, and assist with the monthly data downloads. Interested volunteers will be invited to join us in a tour of the wetland sites in mid-May. This will be a chance to see the equipment deployed, learn more about the history of the sites and the monitoring program. For more information and to register, please see flyer below.
We look forward to working with the volunteers and seeing these incredible wetland systems from another lens (literally)!
To register your interest contact .
Email | Postal | PO Box 354, Warrnambool, VIC
FROM ANDREW MCKINNON, AREA CHIEF RANGER
This is to inform you of a conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park between March and October 2021.
Heritage listed for its biodiversity and cultural values, the Grampians landscape is home to more than 800 indigenous plant species, a wide range of wildlife and the majority of Aboriginal rock art sites in south-east Australia.
To help protect this unique landscape, Parks Victoria regularly undertakes conservation programs to control invasive animals, including feral goats.
On a few days each month from 29 March until late October, a crew of qualified and experienced volunteer shooters will target these pest animals in remote sections of the parks. During the operation, access to some sections of the parks will be temporarily restricted and people may be able to hear gunshots. Key visitor areas will not be affected.
TWO INTERESTING PIECES FROM THE STAWELL NEWSPAPER
1. Sightings of the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot have provided further encouragement for Park Rangers about the health of native animal habitat in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
The small species of bandicoot, listed as Endangered in Victoria, was detected on surveillance cameras that were placed in the national park following reports from a member of the public. It’s the first recorded sighting by Park Rangers in two years and follows recent camera footage that confirmed an increase in the park’s small population of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies, which are listed as Critically Endangered. As with other animals in the area, it appears that bandicoots may be benefiting from a combination of recent factors including rainfall levels, a lack of large-scale bushfires and Parks Victoria’s conservation work, such as the Grampians Ark program. Parks Victoria’s Grampians ark coordinator Derek Sandow said these sightings are really encouraging news for this native animal that faces threats from cleared habitat and introduced
predator species. “Reports of koalas and goannas and other animals not seen for some time in the Grampians give us encouragement about the health of the national park and our conservation efforts,” he said.
The Grampians Ark program targets foxes and feral cats, which can have a devastating impact on birds and small mammals, such as bandicoots.
The program is being funded by the Victorian Government’s $33.67 million Biodiversity Response Planning and Weeds and Pests on Public Land initiative.
The Southern Brown Bandicoot is a ground-dwelling marsupial with a grey-brown coat and a long tapering snout. Mostly active after dusk, they play an important role in the ecosystem by turning over soil which helps increase the rate of leaf litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Excepting the Grampians region, the bandicoot is typically found in southern and lower lying parts
of Victoria.
2. SISTERS ROCKS
One of Stawell’s natural landmarks is set to change hands after the Northern Grampians Shire Council moved to return the Sisters Rock site to traditional owners at their April meeting on Monday. The council voted to move and accept the recommendation to transfer the Sisters Rocks site to the
Victorian Government, who will then decide the appropriate public body to determine the management arrangements and associated funding for the land. As part of the process the council also had the assurance that the transfer of ownership will not affect the Western Highway Duplication (Ararat to Stawell) project. “From the Council’s perspective it would be a powerful act of reconciliation that we can perform on behalf of the community in recognising indigenous culture”.
The land will be returned to the WJJWJ Peoples as part of the Traditional Owners Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) (TOS Act). Sisters Rocks are a culturally significant site to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and
Jupagulk Peoples (WJJWJ Peoples), who have been seeking changes to the land’s ownership for some time. The Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) is the entity that represents the WJJWJ Peoples and they have expressed their aspiration for the Sisters Rocks site to be returned to the WJJWJ Peoples.
The Sisters Rocks, along the Western Highway are a grouping of granite tors which form a dramatic landmark on the eastern approach to Stawell. The area has been a picnic and tourist destination since settlement in the area. The rocks facing the public access are now heavily covered in graffiti which dates back over most of the 20th century. It is an area of debate whether this is an historical record or ugly disfigurement of the natural beauty of the rocks.
The Victorian Heritage Database lists Sisters Rocks as socially and aesthetically significant at a local level and an important landmark in the area with a level of significance as ‘recommended for Heritage Overlay’ since 2004. The site, comprising of approximately four hectares, is reported to be one of the first successful attempts at nature conservation in Australia. An application for the land was applied for by a local body member under the then Land Act to protect the site from being demolished for building stone. The title was issued and in 1887 transferred to the Borough of Stawell.
The Barengi Gadjin Land Council have expressed their thanks for this decision.
“This is a positive demonstration from council to recognise and encourage the healing of country for our people and the broader community. This decision means a lot to our families. This isn’t about the past, it’s about the future, and it’s important we take the necessary steps to develop a strong relationship and increase the visual presence of our culture across the region.” Dylan Clarke, BGLC Chairperson.
FOGG ACTIVITY REPORTS
Clean Up Australia Day
For the Grampians Gariwerd our Clean Up Australia Day occurred six days after the national event but the delay was a sensible choice to avoid crowds of tourists who flood the national park on the Labour Day long weekend.
FOGG members totaling half a dozen plus one community member gathered at Halls Gap with our Parks Vic leader Joy to be briefed on the task for the day. McKenzie Falls was to be our destination and we were most grateful for the youth of Waverly Christian College who also joined the Working Bee. Clearly the youthful legs of year 11 and 12 students were more appropriate to descend and ascend the steps to the bottom of the falls. After an acknowledgment to the traditional owners of the land of our national park and an OH&S briefing, the short convoy set off for the Falls car park. On arrival there was some discussion of the, weather and a predicted band of rainfall but for the time it was warm and overcast, good. As expected, division of labour saw the enthusiastic students head off with Joy to deal with the track to the bottom of the falls while FOGGs members scoured the car park and picnic areas before the first drops of rain began to fall. Some members opted for the wet weather gear although the rainfall could only be considered light. In small groups/pairs we traversed the pathways to the falls viewing platform at the Bluff, the
Broken Falls and other pathways meandering around the top of the falls.
As expected, the groups collected a selection of aluminium cans, stubbies and plastic water bottles but the general consensus was not the volume of rubbish collected but the number of smaller items left behind. Tissues, lolly wrappers, band aids, cigarette butts etc. were prevalent but it would take a long time to fill a garbage bag with these items. Sadly, we also came across quite a
few disposable nappies. The tongs were very welcome as we loaded them into our bags. With good timing rainfall became a little more intense as we all returned with our loot to the car park and it was agreed we had done well without moving to work on other locations. Perhaps the most satisfying vibe from the day was to hear that the students expressed dismay that people
would discard their rubbish in such an environment. For the future it is gratifying to know that there is a generation who may have a stronger ethos to respect our environment. On the return journey to Halls Gap our ‘pull the pin’ decision became a better one as heavier rainfall spread across the Grampians/Gariwerd. As I pen these notes (later the evening of our working bee) the web tells me that 15mm or more than half inch of rain has fallen at Mt William. Let’s hope this first substantial rain event of the Autumn heralds a good season for the park and its surrounds.
Strum
MYSTERY MOUNDS IN THE MUD
One of our favourite areas in the region is the open forests east of Gariwerd. Over the years Di and I became increasingly intrigued by numerous round earth mounds we were seeing in these magnificent Red Gum forests. Our son, Tom and partner Matilda regularly join us on our walks and have helped us to map and record our observations. Over the last year we have drawn on the insights of our local archaeologist Ben Gunn, and Jake Goodes from Parks Victoria who have been assisting us to better understand the mounds.
Apparently, the “donut” shaped mounds are similar to the remains of Aboriginal dwellings found elsewhere in Victoria. An invitation from Ben and Leigh provided us with the opportunity to take a stroll in one area of Red Gum forest between Halls Gap and Stawell, with 22 FOGGS members, to talk about the earth structures. On 10 April our hardy walkers braved the drizzly conditions and looked at a number of mounds that are representative of about sixty in this area. Most of the mounds are about 14 to 18 meters in diameter, consisting of an outer, excavated, round depression ring, an inner raised ring and a central depression. On the edge of each mound there are the remains of a tree or stump. Within some mounds charcoal and timber remains can be seen poking through the soil. A rough calculation indicates that over 7 cubic meters of soil was excavated from the outer depression to form the inner mound. Although the hydrology of the area has been changed by the construction of the Wimmera-Mallee channel system, we have noted an old braided stream system nearby. Ben then gave us a briefing on Aboriginal mounds in the Western District, the Murray and the odd ones near Bendigo, including their locations and variety of uses. Often mounds such as these are
located where different ecosystems meet, such as around Gariwerd where the open forests meet the base of the ranges.
Some very interesting discussion followed. In particular, one of the members who is into soils (from Agricultural research) suggested we need to be able to dismiss the mounds as NOT being gilgai formations (naturally occurring mounds developed by soil expansion and contraction), particularly as the mounds appear to be largely confined to one soil type. Gilgai formation may
also be responsible for the surrounding trench. He is in discussion with a soil specialist.
Another member thought we had yet to adequately dismiss soil-uprise from very large red gum roots, while another suggested we do soil density probing (a very narrow probe) – something that might be more use than ground penetrating radar and should be investigated further.
Since our walk another suggestion is that the mounds may be the remains of charcoal kilns used for the production of fuel during and following the Second World War and this also warrants further investigation. Representatives of the three Traditional Groups, the Gunditj Mirring, Barengi
Gadjin and Eastern Maar, have carried out a field inspection of the area we walked with the FOGGS. All our observations have been provided to Aboriginal Victoria for the State records. My son Tom has done a magnificent mapping job in a form that can be used by Aboriginal Victoria. We hope that soil and archaeological surveys will provide us with insights into these fascinating
mounds. Regardless, we believe that the area requires careful management and protection.
Graham Parkes
GOLTON GORGE
The Walking Track Support Group have now finished their work on the Golton Gorge track. It was to have had an official opening, but it was cancelled due to it being a total fire ban that day. Another opening was planned, but then the virus restrictions came in. The walk is now open to the public but there is still no word on an official opening. Several FOGG members have worked with
the Walking Track Support Group.
ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS, JANUARY 15 and MARCH 2, 2021.
After our acknowledgement of country, the January meeting was totally spent on discussions on the draft management plan. Several of us had already circulated our comments to the group and others commented and gave their thoughts. We had hoped to hear comments from the traditional owner groups but found they were completely snowed under, with many requests and quite
under- staffed.
Assorted comments: the language in the plan could end up being divisive . How does GG management set the joint management up so it has the most chance of success? It appears to be Melbourne driven. Disappointed that the AG was not consulted Far too short a time for feedback What will be done with the feedback? Will reasons be given for accepting or rejecting comments?
Rhonda told us that PV will publish a discussion paper on the web, with a table to help the community see how PV gets the balance right. There will be a workshop with traditional owners in February. The management plan will go to the minister in June. Kevin was given the task of collating our thoughts and producing a group response, but we were encouraged to also send in our individual comments, (which several of us did.) We were encouraged to look at the PV website and Facebook pages when drafting our submissions, also to
make it clear at the beginning whether it was an individual response or on behalf of a group (eg FOGG, rock climbers) and how many in the group.
Kevin sent us a copy of the group response in good timing for our next meeting.
March 2 Meeting: All present, no apologies. Acknowledgement of country.
Kevin thanked Cecilia Myers for her help in finalising the group submission on the draft management plan. We agreed that it was well done.
We had hoped that some traditional owners would be present, but that has not been possible. They continue to have problems with Covid restrictions, only zoom meetings, the time pressure for them to get their responses in. Barry reminded us that there were a number of different groups and that informal conversations over a cuppa were often very helpful. Rhonda then took us on a tour of the precinct. $5.8 million dollars has been allotted to upgrading
the precinct. However, this money is not going to GNP but to Parks Vic Commercial unit. Rhonda showed how run down much of the front site is, toilets, education room, display areas. She mentioned there is some discussion of adding showers to the toilet area. The education room may be able to give FOGGS a more suitable area to store records, books etc. We then moved to the shop area which has re-opened but the cafe remains closed. Then down the path to the cultural centre. The garden needs attention. The cultural centre will remain closed for the time being, except with permission from Rhonda. It too needs maintenance to the roof and more. The collection of cultural items is stored safely. We returned to the Mural Room for discussion on the staff situation and Rhonda drew us a diagram of it. Also a diagram of how PV is organised. See below for both. It was clear to me then, but should have been before, just how much is expected of our local staff. The revamp of the cultural area, the GPT, and legal issues such as deaths within the Park are all outside their control, yet much time needs to be spent advising these teams who often have little experience of being in a national park like this. And this time has to come out of their existing responsibilities.
GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK STAFF STRUCTURE (as at March 2021)
Under Rhonda as Chief Ranger are three teams.
Tammy leads Visitors & Communities, which has Seasonal Rangers, Volunteers & Schools (Hannah), Walking Tracks, Information, Education, Interpretation. Derek leads Environment & Heritage, which covers Grampians Ark, Biological responsibilities, Rangers, Aboriginal issues.
Johnno leads Park Operations, which includes Peaks Trail, Facilities, Roads.
There are currently several empty positions, due to illness, and some awaiting new staff.
PARKS VICTORIA’S MANAGEMENT (as at March 2021)
Under the Parks Vic CEO are seven areas:
People & Culture, Fire & Emergency, Legal, Construction, Commercial, Marketing, Operations. The Grampians Team sits under “Operation”. HR, Finance and IT sit under “People & Culture”
The next AG meeting will be on May 11, with the major topic being Fire.
Margo Sietsma
ARTICLE FROM PARKWATCH MARCH EDITION (SHORTENED)
Who is Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park there for? Parks Protection Campaigner Phil Ingamells takes a look at the Greater Gariwerd Landscape draft management plan. After a bizarre group of bare-chested neo-Nazis stormed Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park in January, burning a cross and waving supremacist symbols atop the landscape, it might be time to take a deep breath and consider, coolly, whose park it actually is – and why we manage it. Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is public land, but that requires a bit of clarification. There are many categories of public land established under various old or new laws, and though the “public” might own these areas, activities on that land are commonly restricted. With a management plan for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park well overdue, Parks Victoria faced a bit of a dilemma: Traditional Owner status has not been legally established, but almost certainly will be during the life of the new plan. Parks Victoria has (consistent with government policy to work with Aboriginal communities
regardless of legal status) engaged strongly with three local Aboriginal organisations in the process of drawing up a draft plan for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, nearby Black Range State Park, and a number of smaller reserves they manage: the “Greater Gariwerd Landscape”.
Those communities have put forward strong views on a number of issues, including increased protection for flora and fauna, more traditional fire management, avoiding light pollution of the night sky, and the restitution of Aboriginal place names. But the most contentious issue is a re-assessment of the impacts of rock climbing and bouldering on the extensive rock art sites and other culturally significant places. Largely through a lack of activity management by Parks Victoria in recent times, rock climbing has
expanded beyond control. And, a bit like the claims of the cattlemen of the high country, some climbers have asserted an imagined right to traditional access.
Our National Parks Act has created a vehicle for resolving conflict: comprehensive park plans that ensure the objectives of the Act are met.
The draft Greater Gariwerd Landscape management plan Parks Victoria has produced is promising; it’s thoughtful, thorough, and based on good research and wide public consultation. However, VNPA has asked Parks Victoria to strengthen some aspects of the plan, especially where issues of ‘balance’ or ‘compromise’ turn up. The National Parks Act doesn’t allow compromise; it
asks for visitor access that is supportive of and consistent with long-term protection of all native species in the park. As with any other law in Victoria, the Act must be respected and followed. In Parks Victoria’s own words, the proposal for the now half-constructed Grampians Peaks Trail just “emerged” during the life of the previous plan. Proposals contrary to a legally required
management plan should never just “emerge”; if they are to proceed at all, they should go through an additional transparent planning process including full public consultation. We might all have to do a bit of listening and learning. And those of us who aren’t Aboriginal might have to admit that, for all of the remarkable work ecologists, conservation activists and land managers have done over the years, we still don’t have all the answers. There is a task ahead of us. And a strong partnership with people who can lay claim to a virtually
timeless association with these wonderful hills might just be a good way to steer management on the right path. But we must have a plan that will serve the park well – and a plan that we stick to!
BOOK NEWS
There’s quite a bit happening with new books. We still have copies of our reprint of Ian McCann’s wildflower book available to members at $10 plus postage if needed. Also available at various local stores is an excellent new fold-out leaflet by Joy O’Brien, “Wildflowers of the Grampians: A Guide to Common and Notable Species” which has photos of 111 local flowers with a great deal of information on flower and leaf characteristics, flowering time and more. And FOGG member Judy has sent in a review of the book I have recently written and published with Anthea Nicholls of Pomonal Publishing.
Book Review: “Grampians to Gariwerd” written by Margo Sietsma, publ. 2020. (Available through the author, and at Halls Gap News Agency and Pomonal store) “This is an interesting collation of diary entries from early trips to a family holiday house in Halls Gap in 1986. The author has added comments 30 years later when it was her permanent home. I found the anecdotes charming and also they brought back memories of our own walks and adventures in the Grampians, comparing the experiences we had when our children were small, to the ones we have now as senior walkers! I can recommend this book as an absorbing read.
Judy Gardner
BITS AND PIECES
The Easter weekend saw a huge number of visitors enjoying our Park in perfect weather. Among them was a group of Junior Field Naturalists to whom a couple of us were able to show bits of our natural environment: Catherine and Clive their bush property, Anthea and I, the Botanic Garden and a walk to Venus Baths. Courtesy of FOGGS, each family was given a copy of the geology
brochure, and we fielded many enquiries about edible plants, insects (especially ants) and more. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm and it is so important to engage the next generation. We had many visitors walking through the Botanic garden in Halls Gap, which is all Grampians Flora. There’s a poster about FOGGS on the noticeboard and membership forms can be taken. Last year we got a sizable grant from DELWP which we are busy spending. I’ll let you know as things progress.
HG Wildflower show cancelled
The HG Wildflower show, which has been held almost every year since 1938, has had to be cancelled, as have so many other local ecological events (Lake Bolac Eel Festival, Cavendish Red Gum Festival etc). FOGGS have often had a display there, and in 2005 we used the Wildflower Show to celebrate our 21st birthday.
HISTORY BITS
Tidying up my photo albums I came across a copy of the Halls Gap monthly newsletter “Fill the Gap” from November 1994.There’s an article headed “F.O.G.’S NEWS”. (1994 was before we added Gariwerd to our title). The article reports that our next activity was to meet at the Giant Koala at Dadswell’s Bridge to look for small milkworts with the Department of Conservation and
Environment. It also has details of our application for a grant to research the impact of foxes on the small mammal populations of the Grampians Heathlands. Unfortunately, we didn’t receive the grant but some FOGGIES assisted Ed Muelman in his PhD research into small mammal populations. I find it interesting that even though Halls Gap was already a cat-free town, we concentrated on foxes and had no thought as to the impact of cats.
FOGG COMMITTEE
President: Leigh Douglas Ph: 53564282 .
Vice President: Rodney Thompson
Secretary: Alison Bainbridge 0417 883 445 secretary@friendsofgrampiansgariwerd
Treasurer: Judith Thompson 53836247
Newsletter editor: Margo Sietsma 0429 201 139
FOGGS Mailing address: C/- PO Halls Gap 3381
Website: friendsofgrampiansgariwerd.org.au
Facebook: Friends of Grampians
PARK STAFF
Our community liaison w PV: E: M: 0498 777 6
General Inquiries: 5361 4000 or 131963.
Rhonda McNeil is Ranger in Charge