Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p49
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 142224–145261

large wildfires appeared to increase, possibly as a result of hotter and drier summers, leading to ecological impacts and infrastructure damage.

  A positive trend was identified in relation to the Botanic Gardens living collection, where well-trained staff utilised good horticultural practices and cultural education programs to promote and educate visitors. Significant work was completed on Aboriginal interpretive gardens and further direction from cultural heritage strategies will allow completion of works under way.

  Research recorded a positive trend. Research capacity and output were significantly boosted via a grant from the Australian Research Council. A wide range of research indicated high conservation values and strong natural heritage management performance.

Booderee National Park is home to the people of Wreck Bay who have a strong relationship with their country that is expressed through ongoing traditions, cultural practices, beliefs and knowledge. Management and use of the land by past and present generations have helped to shape the landscapes we see today.

The traditional owners have a strong sense of belonging to the landscape and they wish to be more involved in caring for their country through joint management of the park. They particularly wish to enable all knowledge holders to pass on cultural knowledge and traditions to future generations.

Traditional owners want to see cultural information and site records appropriately and safely collected, stored and used. It is important to the traditional owners that protocols and processes for protecting cultural heritage and cultural sites are in place and implemented.

Traditional owners will guide and be involved in all aspects of managing the park's natural and cultural heritage. Traditional owners and Parks Australia will work together, sharing knowledge, to look after country through proper fire management, and managing weeds and feral animals. Traditional owners wish to use specific areas of the park for customary purposes and to explore opportunities for traditional owners to gain economic benefits from country.

Opportunities for younger generations of Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council members to gain knowledge about and be involved in caring for country will be a priority in all these activities.

Results of past wildlife surveys indicate that Booderee's terrestrial and marine native fauna is diverse and abundant. A number of animal species listed as threatened or migratory under Part 13 of the EPBC Act occur in the park and in addition several listed marine species from a range of groups (for example, seals, birds, turtles, sea-horses and sea-dragons) are either known or expected to occur there.

The management of terrestrial fauna is closely linked to the management of vegetation communities. The park's diverse vegetation communities include relict rainforest, littoral rainforest, forest, woodland, wet and dry heath, coastal scrub and grassland communities. Extensive seagrass beds are a feature