3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Park vision A future visitor to Cape Liptrap Coastal Park will find a park characterised by spectacular and diverse coastal scenery, and the opportunity for a wide range of recreational activities. It is a place favoured by many for holidays by the sea. The park remains a to several rare species of native plants and animals and has significant areas of heathland and coastal forest. The condition of the range of ecosystems is maintained by the careful application of prescribed burning, based on research and monitoring which continues to improve understanding of the management requirements for long-term conservation of biodiversity. The park provides excellent opportunities for activities including swimming, surfing and fishing, as well as walking and sightseeing. It remains a focal point for the neighbouring townships and settlements and makes a major contribution to the local economy. Visitor numbers have increased but high- quality day-use facilities have prevented adverse environmental impacts. Comprehensive information, interpretation and education services add to the interest and enjoyment of a visit. Effective community liaison has resulted in strong support for park management and the formation of volunteer groups who undertake projects in the park. Zoning A park management zoning scheme has been developed to: provide a geographic framework with which to manage the park; indicate which management directions have priority in different parts of the park; indicate the types and levels of use appropriate throughout the park; assist in minimising existing and potential conflicts between uses and activities, or between these and the protection of park values; provide a for assessing the suitability of future activities and development proposals. Two management zones apply to the park; Conservation, and Conservation and Recreation. In addition, a Special Protection Area − Cultural Values is designated, with management requirements additional to those of the underlying primary zones. Table 1 specifies the management zones and overlay characteristics, and figure 2 shows their location. Management directions Major management directions for the park are outlined below. Conservation The ecological condition of the existing diverse and intact forest, heathland and headland communities will be improved by restoring age-class diversity. The species diversity, structure and age- class diversity of the coastal dune communities will be restored in the long- term. The knowledge of how to conserve the park’s natural values with minimal disturbance to the environment will be improved. An ecological fire management plan for the park will be developed. Pest plants, animals and pathogens will be monitored, controlled and where possible eradicated to protect the parks natural values. Flora and fauna listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act will be managed in accordance with approved Action Statements.
Historic and cultural features will be managed in accordance with the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter) (ICOMOS 1988) and within the provisions of the Heritage Act 1995 (Vic.). Aims Preserve and protect features of cultural, archaeological and historical significance. Provide opportunities for people to learn about and understand the park’s historic and cultural values. Management strategies Protect, preserve, interpret and manage features and of cultural or historical significance in accordance with the principles outlined in the Burra Charter (ICOMOS 1988) and the provisions of the Heritage Act. Collect and record information relating to sites of cultural and historical significance. Continue to provide interpretive materials that improve visitors’ appreciation of the park’s cultural and historic aspects. Maintain the historic cemetery at Walkerville and provide interpretive material. Manage and protect the limekilns and associated relics at Walkerville in accordance with the Heritage Action Plan. Liaise with Heritage Victoria to identify and assess historical sites and prepare a plan for the management of all significant cultural and historical sites within the park.
Strategies for visitors TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND TRACKS ROAD CLASS CURRENT/ PROPOSED COMMENT/USES MANAGEMENT ACTION RATIONALE Venus Bay No. 1 Beach Venus Bay No. 2 Beach Bay No. 3 Beach Venus Bay No. 4 Beach 4,A,O / 4,A,O Managed by the South Gippsland Council. Provides access to Venus Bay Beach and surf lifesaving club. 5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by the Gippsland Shire Council. Provides access to Venus Bay Beach. 5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by the South Gippsland Shire Council. Provides access to Venus Bay Beach. 5,D,O / # Managed by Parks Victoria. Provides access to Venus Bay Upgrade and reseal road. Improve carparking. Seek to have road included in the park. Managed by the South Gippsland Shire. Upgrade road and improve carparking. Seek to have road included in the park. Managed by the South Gippsland Shire. Upgrade road and improve carparking. Seek to have road included in the park. Beach. — Venus Bay No. 5 Beach 5,C,O / 5,C,O Managed by Parks Victoria. Provides access to Venus Bay Beach. Upgrade road and improve carparking. Walkerville Road * 4,A,O / 4,A,O Provides access to residential and the Foreshore Reserve at Walkerville North. Cape Liptrap Road 4,B,O / 4,B,O Managed by the South Gippsland Shire Council. Provides access to Cape Liptrap lighthouse and views areas. Five Mile Track 5,E,O / 5,E,O Managed by the South Gippsland Council. Provides 4WD access to beach. Bear Gully Track 5,B,O / 5,B,O Provides access to campsites within the Bear Gully Camping Area. Seek to have road excluded from the park. Relocate and improve carparking facilities. section of track across dune. Establish alternative access to beach for horse riders and walkers. Improve drainage. Formalise track and turning circle with camping area. Maitland Beach Track 5,E,O / Closed Provides access for launching boats from Maitland Beach. Close and replace with walking track to beach and neighbouring headland.
Ensure that park staff are adequately trained in emergency procedures. Include information on visitor safety in park information. Install warning and regulatory signage where appropriate to advise visitors of risks to public safety. Provide information on beach safety at major swimming beaches. Continue to support the Surf Lifesaving Association of Victoria in the provision of lifesaving services at Bay No.1 Beach.
Aims Increase community awareness of park management activities, including prescribed burning, pest and animal control and visitor management activities. Encourage conservation and sound land management practices on private land adjacent to the park. Management strategies Maintain liaison with local community groups and landowners and, where appropriate, involve them in relevant aspects of planning and managing the park. Apply and encourage the application of the Good Neighbour Program to management issues on or near the boundary of the park. Maintain the strategic partnership with the South Gippsland Shire Council regarding road maintenance and provision of services, including garbage and waste disposal.
8 IMPLEMENTATION This plan provides the strategic framework that governs the development and delivery of all management programs and actions affecting Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. The management programs for the park are prepared annually, in accordance with Parks Victoria’s Corporate Plan and as a part of statewide, prioritised programs. The performance of the plan’s implementation will be measured by monitoring and recording the number of strategies implemented to June each year. Amendments may be made to the plan from time to time consistent with an authorised approval process. A partial or complete review of the plan will be considered from five to ten years after its publication.
Appendices APPENDIX 1 THREATENED FLORA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME THREATENED STATUS1 FFG ACT2 AUSTRALIA VICTORIA STATUS ACTION STATEMENT Adriana quadripartita Coast Bitter-bush v Atriplex paludosa spp. Paludosa Marsh Saltbush r Caladenia vulgaris Slender Caladenia k Eucalyptus kitsoniana Bog Gum R r Hydrocotyle comocarpa Fringed Pennywort v Monotoca glauca Currant-wood r Prasophyllum affine Heathland Leek-orchid E k Pterostylis pedoglossa Prawn Greenhood v Schoenus turbinatus Top-bog Sedge r Sowerbaea juncea Rush Lily r Source: NRE 2002a Threatened in Victoria (TIV) status: v vulnerable d depleted r rare k species poorly known National threatened status: E endangered V vulnerable R rare Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) status
FIGURE 1 CAPE LIPTRAP COASTAL PARK REGIONAL LOCALITY PLAN N 0 5 10 K I L O M E R E S Cartography by Charles Walsh Nature Tourism Services 00/4 Koonwarra Dumbalk Wonthaggi Meeniyan Inverloch Bunurong Marine Park Bay Foster Toora Anderson Wildlife Management Cooperative Area Tarwin Lower Bald Hills Fish Creek Port Franklin Nature Conservation Reserve Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Kings Flat Nature Conservation Reserve Waratah Bay Corner Marine and Coastal Park Major road Minor road Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Other parks and reserves Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Walkerville Point Shallow Marine and Coastal Park Yanakie Wilsons Promontory National Park MELBOURNE