draft plan in 1999 so as to bring it to completion. Further Issue Workshops were convened and the Consultative Committee and the Management Group researched and discussed management issues that required supplementation and/or updating from the first draft. Publication of the Draft Management Plan provided opportunity for wider community comment that has been incorporated. ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 13
THE PLANNING PROCESS B.2.1 Figure 1: Planning Process for Anglesea Heath Management FORMATION OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OF INITIAL WITH KEY GROUPS WORKING PARTIES FIELD DAYS WITH INTEREST GROUPS & COMMITTEE USER GROUPS IN SUBMISSIONS FROM KEY INTEREST GROUPS DRAFT PLAN CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE COMMENT LAUNCH/ SESSION PUBLIC EXHIBITION PERIOD SUBMISSIONS FROM GENERAL PUBLIC AND KEY INTEREST GROUPS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE COMMENT ON PLAN APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN COMMITTEE COMMENT
State Park. For example, Angahook-Lorne State Park had 539,518 visitors who spent an estimated $10.73 per person per visitor day in 1998. This amounts to $5.79 million dollars per year to the local economy (Reed Sturgess 1998). SOCIAL VALUES The area offers opportunities that complement other features along the Great Ocean Road. In particular, it offers the opportunity for visitors to experience a sense of remoteness. People who visit Anglesea Heath value the range of recreational and leisure activities that are available. Anglesea Heath contributes to an enhanced quality of life for the permanent and non-permanent population of Anglesea and environs, now and for future generations. Both the Mining Area and Anglesea contribute to employment opportunities in the local community. 18 ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002
Anglesea, Loch Sport, Providence Ponds and Wilsons Promontory. The species was originally recorded in Anglesea Heath west of the Anglesea River (Kentish, 1982). Since 1982, its known distribution has been restricted to an area of approximately 2,300 hectares, east of the Anglesea River in Anglesea Heath and the Anglesea Flora Reserve (Lock, 1995; Mills, 1992; Wilson, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996). Management actions identified to recover the species include: reduction and control of habitat fragmentation, enhancement of habitat at key sites through management of fire (section D.5.4), restriction of access and high impact recreation in important habitat; cat and fox control (sections D.5.2, D.7.1, D.7.2); captive breeding and possible re- introduction of captive-bred animals to Anglesea Heath. ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 25
managed to provide the optimum requirements for those species; Encourage and promote research on significant fauna species and communities (section D.10.1); Develop an ecological burning program that promotes species diversity and protects habitats of significant fauna and their communities (section D.5.4); Minimise the impact of pest animals, pest plants and other threatening processes on the fauna of Anglesea Heath (section D.5). ACTIONS Major Actions to be undertaken for this Key Management Area are to: Implement the recommendations of the Action Statements for New Holland Mouse and Rufous Bristlebird; Develop and implement a coordinated pest animal control program involving Deakin University, adjacent land managers and other interested parties (section D.5.2); Work in conjunction with the recovery team, as required, to ensure the highest possible likelihood of success and continued vigour of the New Holland Mouse. RESEARCH Significant information and knowledge the natural values of Anglesea Heath have been gained through research. Continued support by the Management Group (section C.4.3) in the pursuit of further understanding about the ecology of Anglesea Heath will be integral to the conservation of the Heath’s biodiversity. 26 ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002
be upheld, then threatening processes that hydrology, must be mitigated through management. AIMS Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Maintain natural hydrological systems and regimes; Maintain riverine and wetland ecology and health. STRATEGIES Management Strategies for this Key Area are to: Ensure siltation and turbidity do not detrimentally effect water quality; Ensure that all management actions are undertaken to minimise detrimental effects on hydrological systems and are generally in accordance with the Code of Forest Practices (sections D.5.4 and D.7.2); Investigate and mitigate processes that threaten aquatic values or alter hydrology. ACTIONS Major Actions to be undertaken for this Key Management Area are to: Implement erosion control measures where water quality is being compromised by soil disturbance and erosion (section D.4.1); Monitor ground water quality and surface water quality; Rationalise river/creek crossings and remove those that are not identified by Appendix 1, Map 4, or the track audit, as being open to the public. 28 ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002
involving all land management agencies in the region, ‘unless managed, plant communities will become floristically impoverished and indigenous species will ultimately be unable to regenerate due to competition from non-indigenous species’ (Carr et al, 1992). Local community groups have worked tirelessly to control pest plants in Anglesea Heath (section D.9.1); this involvement should be encouraged and supported by larger scale programs undertaken by land managers. A preliminary list of major environmental weeds of the area has been compiled (see Appendix 5). AIMS Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Maintain biodiversity within Anglesea Heath; Minimise the introduction and spread of pest plants; ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 29
communities (Wilson et al, 1997,1999). In Anglesea Heath, Cinnamon Fungus has lethal effects on a number of indigenous species including Grass Trees, Horny Cone Bush, various pea species and most plants in the Proteaceae family. Evidence of Cinnamon Fungus damage was initially observed in Anglesea Heath in 1972. However, the pathogen was not there until recently (Wilson et al, 1997). The pathogen represents a serious threat to the nationally significant flora and fauna communities that exist there (section D.3.1 and D.3.2). The occurrence of Cinnamon Fungus within Anglesea Heath has not fully been mapped. However, field observation suggests it is widespread (Wilson et al, 2000). The pathogen is most frequently spread downhill with drainage water. Zoospores swim or are carried in this ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 31
dependence of vegetation communities on fire (section D.3.1). Research that will determine the vital attributes of species within Anglesea Heath should be encouraged, as this information could help to guide future ecological management of fire for the area (section D.10.1). The risk of fire spreading from open campfires is a significant threat to Anglesea and the adjoining Angahook-Lorne State Park. This risk will be minimised through the prohibition of open fires in conjunction with increased visitor awareness and ranger patrols (section D.8.1). The risk of spread of Cinnamon Fungus (section D.5.3) from fire management vehicles is present whenever fire fighting or prevention works occur off-road in Anglesea Heath. This risk will be minimised by the implementation of washdown procedures. ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 33
hectares is freehold land owned by Alcoa). The Anglesea Power Station was commissioned in 1969 and has been operated since then by Alcoa and is essential to the production of aluminium at Alcoa’s Point Henry Smelter, near Geelong. Alcoa’s mining rights extend to 2061 and this Management Plan allows Alcoa continued use and management of the Mining Area and any future expansion of that area, in accordance with the requirements of the Mines (Aluminium Agreement) Act 1961. The aims, strategies and actions listed below are and will remain the responsibility of Alcoa. Where possible, opportunities will be sought to utilise the post-mined area for the future benefit of Anglesea Heath, possibly through research and/or recreation opportunities. In addition, any rehabilitation works undertaken within the Mining Area will be undertaken to be consistent with, and complement the values and management strategies of, the surrounding Anglesea Heath. AIMS Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Minimise impact of coal mining and power generation on surrounding environment; Utilise economic reserves of coal; Restore post-mined areas to meet community and legislative requirements. STRATEGIES Management Strategies for this Key Area are to: Coordinate mine planning to minimise impact on Anglesea Investigate viability of the area providing for recreational and other activities as an alternative to the Anglesea Heath; Investigate the suitability for post-mined areas to be used as a venue for trialing environmental monitoring 34 ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002
B. Marshall (Austral Heritage Consultants) was commissioned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to undertake an archaeological survey of the Angahook-Lorne State Park and Anglesea Heath in 1995. The study area was approximately 6,000 hectares but included only a small part of Anglesea Heath. The survey revealed the presence of significant archaeological sites both in Anglesea Heath and in State Park. The accompanying report written by Marshall (1995) states: ‘Anglesea Heath contains the Anglesea River and this river is likely to have been the major focus of past aboriginal occupation, both for subsistence and transport throughout the hinterland. Therefore, it is likely that topographic units such as gullies and swamps will have relatively high site densities and are more likely to be better sampled than they were in Angahook-Lorne State Park’. Marshall’s report makes a series of recommendations that need to be followed, especially with regard to road and track construction and maintenance. The Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd has, in conjunction with Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), recently appointed a Cultural Heritage Officer to liaise with land management agencies regarding proposed development and site identification and protection. has appointed a Corporate Relations Officer with specific responsibilities for Aboriginal liaison and consultation. The Officer is based in Perth, but is available to support cultural liaison activities in Anglesea Heath. AIMS Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Protect the Aboriginal cultural heritage within Anglesea Protect significant archaeological sites. 36 ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002
Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Restrict drive vehicle and trail bike access in Anglesea Heath to the designated network of roads and tracks, i.e. in accordance with Appendix 1 (section D.7.2); Control the impact of vehicles on the conservation and biodiversity values (section C.2). STRATEGIES Management Strategies for this Key Area are to: Promote responsible use of Anglesea Heath; Increase ranger presence in the Anglesea Heath; Control fragmentation and other environmental impacts by prohibiting use by four-wheel drive vehicles and trail bikes within Anglesea Heath; Encourage 4WD and trail bike club involvement in management of roads and tracks. ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 39
ACTIONS Major Actions to be undertaken for this Key Area are to: Ensure that all military training operates a permit or authority developed by the Management Group (section C.4.4); Permit military training on a limited number of specific sites and monitor and evaluate impacts on conservation values (section C.2) and adherence to permit conditions; Apply a no fires condition to all Defence Force training permits; Liaise with the relevant designated Defence Force Unit Training coordinator in planning and monitoring training in Anglesea Heath. ANGLESEA HEATH MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 45
knowledge, and understanding can contribute to management and conservation of Anglesea Heath. Currently, this information and knowledge circulates within a relatively small scientific, conservation and land management forum. Information about Anglesea Heath’s natural values and major issues needs to be relayed to the broader community. Future management arrangements will encourage a flow of information throughout the wider community (section C.4). Stakeholders will have the opportunity to exchange information with the Management Group and participate in Issue Workgroups (section C.4.5). In addition, increased information will be available to visitors through ranger presence, the distribution of an Anglesea Visitor Guide, and on-site interpretation (section D.8.1). ANGLESEA MANAGEMENT PLAN ~ NOVEMBER 2002 47
STRATEGIC PLAN - MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND STRA TEGIES It is expected that schools, recreational users, local media, scientists, clubs and local traders will participate in, and benefit from, the continuing development of information concerning Anglesea Heath. The local community is potentially a ‘task force’ that will be encouraged to heighten their sense of ownership and understanding of the significance of Anglesea Heath. AIMS Management Outcomes for this Key Area are to: Maintain the high level of participation and awareness local conservation groups have for Anglesea Heath; Increase the level and diversity of community participation in Anglesea Heath; Raise community awareness of major issues pertaining to Anglesea Heath (section D.8.1). Management Strategies for this Key Area are to: Promote and increase community awareness through a wide of publications (e.g. newsletters, local papers, and business and community brochures); Continue to encourage volunteer and community involvement in Anglesea Heath and promote participation of the wider community. ACTIONS Major Actions to be undertaken for this Key Management Area are to: Continue to support the participation ANGAIR Inc. and other organisations in conservation programs and activities in Anglesea Heath; Undertake measures to record information held by community groups so that it is readily accessible to managers and the wider community; Develop and implement a long-term volunteer strategy that: incorporates the skills and interests of volunteer groups in Anglesea Heath management activities; includes a regularly updated register of suitable volunteer projects; encourages younger volunteers to become involved in conservation programs in Anglesea Heath; Encourage volunteer groups to continue to seek alternative funding for approved projects within Anglesea Heath; Actively involve local community participants in the Consultative Committee and the Issue Related Working Groups. Inform the local community of Management Group activity. Actively promote and support the participation of Issue Related Workgroups (section C.4.5) in the planning process for Anglesea Heath (section B.2.1); Liaise closely with adjacent landowners and managers regarding management actions and projects within Anglesea
ANGLESEA HEATH - APPENDICES APPENDIX 2 - SIGNIFICANT FLORA cont. Regionally significant - (according to Carr 1995) Phylloglossum drummondii Clubmoss Pimelea octophylla Woolly Rice-flower Pimelea phylicoides Heath Rice-flower Platysace heterophylla Slender Platysace Poa rodwayi Velvet Tussock-grass Prasophyllum elatum Tall Leek-orchid Pterostylis plumosa Bearded Greenhood Pimelea humilis Dwarf Bush-pea Pultenacea scabra Rough Bush-pea Rhytidosporum procumbens White Marianth Scaevola albida Pale Fan-flower Schizaea asperula Rough Comb-fern Schizaea bifida Forked Comb-fern Schizaea fistulosa Narrow Comb-fern Schoenus breviculmis Matted Bog-sedge Regionally significant - (according to Carr 1995) cont. Sphaerolobium vimineum Leafless Globe-pea Spyridium vexilliferum Winged Spyridium Stipa mollis Supple Spear-grass muelleri Wiry Spear-grass Styllidium inundatum Hundreds and Thousands Styllidium perpusillum Slender Thelymitra antennifera Rabbit-ears Thelymitra aristata Great Sun-orchid Thelymitra flexuosa Twisted Sun-orchid Thelymitra rubra Salmon Sun-orchid Thomasia petalocalyx Thysanotus juncifolius Rush Fringe-lily Thysanotus tuberosus Common Fringe-Lily Tricostularia pauciflora Needle Utricularia tenella Pink Bladderwort Key Description of level of threat to taxa in Australia and Victoria according to Parks Victoria data 2001: endangered in Australia V species vulnerable in Australia R species rare in Australia e species endangered in Victoria v species vulnerable in Victoria, at risk of endangerment r species rare in Victoria but not considered otherwise threatened. k species poorly suspected to fit into a VROT category * denotes species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 1988. Sources: Carr (1995) M. Mac Donald (pers. comm.) (1996) Parks Victoria 2001
ANGLESEA HEATH - APPENDICES APPENDIX 4 - LEGISLATION AND OTHER AGREEMENTS COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Public Land Use and Management Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 Native Title Act 1993 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Enviromental Agreements Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development 1990 Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment 1992 VICTORIA Public Land Use and Management Land Conservation (Vehicle Control) Act 1972, and regulations Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 Wildlife Act 1975 Forest Act 1958, and regulations Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987, and regulations (including the Conservation, Forests and Lands (Anglesea Heath) Regulations 2000) Land Act 1958 Final Recommendations - Melbourne Area, District 1 Review (LCC, 1987) Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Victoria 1997 Fire Management Country Fire Authority Act 1958 Otway Fire Protection Plan 1995 Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land in Victoria 1995 Mineral and stone extraction Mines (Aluminium Agreement) Act 1961 Mineral Resources Development Act 1991 Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 Cultural Heritage Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Act 1972 Heritage Act 1995
ANGLESEA - APPENDICES APPENDIX 5 ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS Scientific Name Common Name Risk Genista Cape Broom V laurina Pincushion Hakea Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog V Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cats Ear Hypochoeris radicata Cats Ear Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit S laevigatum Coast V Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass S Lotus corniculatus Birds Foot Trefoil V Malus domestica Domestic Apple N Melaleuca armillaris ssp. armillaris Giant Honey-myrtle V Oxalis purpurea Large-flower Wood-sorrel Paraserianthes lophantha Cape Wattle V Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum V Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu V Picris echiodes Bristly Ox-tongue Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine V Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum V Plantago coronopus Bucks-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Prunus cerasifera V Psoralea pinnata Blue Psoralea V Senecio jacobaea Ragwort P Solanum furcatum Nightshade P Sollya heterophylla Blue Bell V Sonchus asper s.l. Rough Sow-thistle Taraxacum officinale Dandelion P Sonchus oleraceus Trifolium dubium Suckling Clover Vellereophyton dealbatum White Cudweed Vulpia myuros Rat’s-tail’s Fescue S Watsonia meriana cv bulbillifera Wild Watsonia V RISK RATING CATEGORIES (Rating as Carr, et. al., 1992) V Very serious threat to one or more vegetation formations in Victoria S Serious threat to one or more vegetation formations in Victoria P Potential threat to one or more vegetation formations in Victoria N Not a threat but may have visual impact ? Risk rating unknown SOURCES: Ecology Australia, 1995 Carr, pers. comm., 1996