Australian Alps Ministerial Forum

The Ministers responsible for participating agencies, which are in turn responsible for high-level inter-government relationships and the MoU.

Australian Alps National Parks Heads of Agencies Group

The Heads (or their representatives) of participating agencies meet at least annually to consider strategic issues and direct the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on policy, priority and emerging issues.

Australian Alps Liaison Committee

The Australian Alps Liaison Committee facilitates the development, co-ordination and implementation of the Co-operative Management Program. Its members include a senior officer from each of the participating agencies in NSW, Victoria, ACT and the Australian Government.

Australian Alps Program Manager

The Australian Alps Program Manager is the only full-time employee of the Program and is responsible for co-ordinating the day to day work of the Program and ensuring the annual works program, as agreed by the Australian Alps Liaison Committee, is carried out. The Program Manager position is hosted by each of the State/Territory park agencies for three years at a time. During this reporting period the position was hosted by Victoria

Australian Alps Traditional Owners’ Reference Group

The Australian Alps Traditional Owners Reference Group was established in 2008. The reference group was established to advise the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on a range of issues relating to the cooperative management of Indigenous cultural values and issues across the Australian Alps national parks.

Reference Groups

A number of reference groups are established to advise the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on specific matters, and to assist with the implementation of the Co-operative Management Program. These groups usually have up to two staff from each of the co-operating agencies as members.

During the reporting period, six reference groups operated under the Australian Alps national parks Co-operative Management Program. They were the:

• Natural Resource Management Reference Group;
• Cultural Heritage Reference Group;
• Visitor Experiences Reference Group;
• Climate Change Reference Group;
• Water and Catchments Reference Group;
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Reference Group.

The terms of reference for each Reference Group are set out in the Strategic Plan, and are aligned to the Key Result Areas in that Plan. In addition to the reference groups, the Alps Operational Group, the Australian Alps Walking Track sub-group and the Feral Horse sub-group exist to advise the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on operational matters.

Refer to Program structure at Attachment 1.

Alps Operational Group 

The Alps Operational Group is composed of Rangersin-Charge; Area, District and Operational Program Managers, and other key operational staff. In most years the Group meets annually to review the previous years work plan and provide advice to the Australian Alps Liaison Committee on the upcoming Annual Works Plan. The AOG did not meet in 2013-14. Annual Program advice was provided to the AALC by a gathering of the Reference Group conveners.

Measures of Success: 

Alps Program / Landscapes and Policy Hub Climate Science actions

Members of the Reference Group connected with the research being undertaken by the Landscape and Policy Hub. Good climate change science is central to the improved future management of biodiversity in the Alps. The Alps Program’s partnership with the National Environmental Research Programs Landscape and Policy Hub has seen research work conducted across a wide array of areas that are contending with current and predicted climate change impacts. This work has been in not only pure science programs but climate change as it relates to economic futures (e.g. snowfall and effects on ski resort tourism), and social and institutional futures (e.g. best possible governance for best biodiversity outcomes). Work continues by the climate futures team in building a final report, available early in 2015, on weather and fire outcomes for the Australian Alps over the next 50years.

For a more detailed explanation of the forum and the Landscape and Policy Hub partnership with AAnp Program refer to KRA 11 and External Liaison sections of the Annual Report.

Staff attending: 52 | Agencies: PV, NPWS, DoE, P&CS, OoEH, DEPI. Other: IUCN, Forests NSW, ACT Environment. Universities: Wollongong, Tasmania, Charles Darwin.

Projects presented: 9 | e.g. Reshaping alpine landscapes, remote detection, bog modelling, grazing & fire, alpine tourism & climate change, improving governance for biodiversity.

Objective

Increase the level of knowledge of staff and stakeholders into the processes both leading to populations becoming vulnerable and to restoring them. Assist in the development of landscape-wide approaches to dealing with Ecological Systems and Processes.

Outcome

Awareness of processes leading to the restoration of endangered flora and fauna. Improvements in approaches to the management of Ecological Systems and Processes particularly relating to cross – landscape management.

Reference group

Climate Change

Measures of Success: 

Seed persistence in soil-seed banks of (sub-) Alpine Bogs and Fens

This 3 year project commenced in 2013-14. AAnp Program is contributing to this joint Australian National Botanic Gardens and CSIRO project. This project is providing a contemporary approach to planning, responding and adapting to climate change. An increase in knowledge of seed persistence, and germination ecology in Alpine Sphagnum bogs and associated fens (ASBAF) will assist mitigation of climate change impacts through appropriate ex situ conservation, better informed restoration, and adaptive management.

The research will assist with the development of landscape-wide approaches to manage endangered ASBAF ecological systems and processes.

Alps site seed collections: 115 | Inc. 17 Tasmanian Highlands

Workshops / presentations to peers & community: 3

Objective

Protected mountain catchments continue to generate sustained yields of high quality water, providing flow regimes to support water-dependent ecosystems and high-value uses such as tourism, hydroelectricity, irrigation and domestic consumption both within the Alps and downstream. Contemporary threat abatement and rehabilitation practices are applied to those catchment areas subject to significant disturbance to reduce erosion, improve hydrologic processes and enhance the health of aquatic and riparian environments.

Outcome

Water and catchment management initiatives are delivered through increased collaboration between park managers, technical specialists, researchers and other stakeholders. The knowledge of agency staff relating to water and catchment functions is enhanced to improve practical management outcomes and assist in assessing catchment condition.

Reference group

Water and Catchments. Two new co-convenors from Parks Victoria commenced this year.

Measures of Success: 

Rehabilitation Field Guide Notebook for the Australian Alps (Yr 2)

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas is a challenging task in the Australian Alps, thanks to extreme climatic conditions, erodible soil and the difficulty in establishing native plants. As part of a 2 year project a Field Guidebook was published in late 2013. The guide is designed for use in the field (it is small, with a tough plastic cover) by national parks, resorts and contractor staff. The writing, designing and printing of the Guide occurred in 2012/13. A print run of 500 copies was made. In early 2014 the guidebook was rolled out via seven workshops across Victoria, NSW and ACT Alps locations. The team from NPWS Assets, Roads and Rehabilitations unit at Tumut lead by Elizabeth McPhee did a marvellous job and inspired participants to pursue excellence in their rehabilitation planning and project delivery.

Aligning protocols for assessing alpine bog type and status across the Australian Alps

To date there was no Alps wide consistency in the management of bogs data. The project reviewed the agencies classification of bogs according to type and ecological status. It also identified inconsistencies amongst existing monitoring protocols. This year saw stage 1 and 2 delivered: 1) Data capture to review, collate and then validate the numerous sets of peatland data. 2) Consultation with stakeholders on the critical components of peatland functionality including associated threats. The Commonwealth had an important nexus to this project with the development of the Department of the Environment’s (2014) Draft Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Recovery Plan. Year 2 of the project will see finalisation of the data and report back to AAnp stakeholders.

Objective

Implementation of contemporary approaches to management of pest plant and animal species in mountain protected areas, through supporting best-practice principles for research, identification and control and, where possible, eradication, of new outbreaks and species, and appropriate responses to pest species problems exacerbated by climate change.

Outcome

Support co-operation and collaboration on identifying and managing emerging and known invasive species to reduce their impact on the natural and cultural values of the Alps.

Reference group

Natural Resources Management. The focus for 2013-14 was on invasive fauna rather than flora. Subgroup to the NRM RG is the Feral Horse Working Group. Four of the NRM group also sit on the eight person Feral Horse group. A number of agency scientists and FH management specialists compliment the other four positions.

Measures of Success:

Feral Horse Projects

Following the rapid increase in feral horses in recent years (Dawson, 2009) the Alps Program identified the need to prioritise specific research into feral horse management. The Alps Program obtained additional funding from the four Alps Partner Agencies (Parks Victoria, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Parks Australia) as well as other land management agencies within the Alps (Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (formerly DSE and DPI) and Forests NSW). The areas of research are:

Horse Impacts Study – An assessment of feral horse impacts in streams and watercourses across the Alps has been carried out using an index methodology developed by Dr David Tongway (CSIRO, Sustainable Ecosystems). This involved on-ground surveying of approximately 200 sites across Kosciuszko National Park, Bago and Maragle State forests in NSW, Namadgi National Park (ACT) and Alpine National Park (Victoria). These randomised sites included areas of known horse populations and areas known to be free of horses. Fieldwork and data analysis has been completed. It was planned to complete the final report in 2013/14, but it has been delayed and will be finalised by the conclusion of 2014.

Develop accurate methods for estimating feral horse density – A PhD project that commenced in early 2012 as a collaborative arrangement between Charles Sturt University (Albury) and the Alps Program was not able to be completed by CSU. The project was transitioned this year to University of Tasmania and will recommence in the summer of 2014-15. The aim of the project is to develop an operational tool for managers to be able to estimate horse density using on-ground (i.e. not-aerial) methods at a management scale, for example within a valley or other defined area.in addition to the development of a management tool, a relationship between feral horse density and impacts may also be achievable.

Development of a design methodology for future Alps Feral Horse Survey – Understanding the dynamics of feral horse populations across the Australian Alps is a key criterion in determining current and future management strategies, as well as for presenting objective data to the public. Alps-wide aerial surveys of feral horse populations have been conducted in 2001, 2003 and 2009. The more recent survey in 2009 provided analysis of a feral horse numbers increase at around 21% (Dawson, 2009). Previous surveys have not covered the full extent of feral horse populations in the Alps, so a new survey design was needed to increase the overall area to be surveyed, yet still allow it to be compared with the previous surveys. In addition, an analysis of data from previous surveys has identified that a more carefully designed survey technique may reduce the standard error of the survey. The project to redesign the survey was undertaken by Dr Stuart Cairns of the University of New England (Armidale, NSW).

Feral Horse Aerial Survey – This project occurs on a five year rotation. The last survey occurred in 2009. The Natural Resource Management reference group’s Feral Hose sub-group had a strong focus on this project during 2013-14. Due to the need to continue to gain improved data a more comprehensive survey was planned and delivered. A more rigorous survey methodology was developed (see above) and a wider geographical area was covered (+120%), meaning many more transects and a greater distance flown (total 2817km). Mountainous terrain and low level flight required stringent safety requirements for the helicopters. A comprehensive air operations plan was developed by the Parks Victoria Air Operations team, and a team of highly skilled professionals from NPWS and PV consisting of air base manager, logistics officer, air technical specialists, navigators, scientists, and communications officers all contributed. The survey occurred over 14 days in April/May.

The survey results have provided numbers less than forecast but validated that populations are increasing. Importantly the coefficient of variation (the margin for error) has reduced from 22% to 11.5%. Population densities for individual areas have been accurately calculated per numbers found in those areas, meaning densities in some areas have increased. The final report is currently at time of printing being scientifically reviewed prior to release.

The cost of the aerial survey consumed approximately 50% of the 2013-14 year’s budget (all projects). Much of this cost was for aircraft operations. Consideration needs to be given on whether this is sustainable as an AALC project. The next survey, due in 2019, may require a special allocation by the Alps partner agencies.

Are feral deer impacting on ecological and social values in the Australian Alps?

From mid-2012 the AALC commenced funding support for a 3-year project investigating the ecological, social and economic impacts of introduced deer across the Australian Alps. Coordinated by Dr Andrew Claridge of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the first year of the project focussed on developing a desktop-based risk-assessment process for ecological assets potentially at threat from deer. This year Alps-wide databases on threatened fauna, flora and ecological communities from each of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria have been collated and a register of assets most at risk from deer developed. Associated with this, a questionnaire for field-based agency staff across the Alps was prepared and sent out for their response. The questionnaire gathered an Alps-wide state of knowledge about deer and their impacts, to calibrate against the earlier desktop analysis. From these two processes a shortlist of ecological assets has been identified. Follow-up field investigations have now commenced, these will aim to gather evidence of deer impacts or otherwise. Other aspects to the 3-year project include looking at the role of deer in spreading weeds; a select analysis of the social and economic impacts of deer on private landholders; and the opportunity to share knowledge and data with Alps agency staff and researchers at a number of other deer management workshops.

To offer an enhanced visitor experience and promote sustainable visitor management across the Alps, and improve marketability through supporting and implementing Australia’s National Landscapes program.

Outcome

The Alps are promoted as, and provide, a national and international destination for world class nature and culture based tourism. Managers are aware of contemporary approaches to sustainable visitor experience in protected areas.

Reference group

Visitor Experiences & Marketing

Measures of Success:

Alps Digital Media

The Australian Alps Smartphone Map and Guide an interactive e-publication .pdf remains popular and monthly figures are looking healthy. On average 246 downloads a month were being accessed. The Smart Phone guide continues as a very successful product of the Visitor Service and Marketing Reference Group.

The iPad displays first introduced in 2012 have been bolstered by another 2 units, one at NPWS Tumut Visitor centre and the second at Bairnsdale Visitor Centre, Victoria. These iPad displays provide people with information within the visitor centre as well as demonstrating the usefulness of the smart phone product. This will hopefully encourage people to download it.

Measures of Success: 

Australian Alps Traditional Owners Reference Group

The AATORG met once in 2013/14. This meeting occurred in May 2014 at Jindabyne. The meeting occurred in tandem with a gathering of Northern and Southern Kosciusko Aboriginal Working Group members and their families, facilitated by NPWS Southern Ranges Region. Unfortunately attendance was low, however discussion remained vibrant with input from interested Kosciuszko groups’ traditional owners.

At this meeting the ‘Cultural and Spiritual Significance of the Alps to Aboriginal People’ project was again discussed. A summation of the final report was provided with opportunity for discussion. Two other presentations – outcomes form the Landscape and Policy Hubs Scenario Planning: Future of Biodiversity in the Alps, and an opportunity to be briefed on the drafting of the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Recovery Plan were conducted.

Meetings of Traditional Owner groups also occurred around the Alps close to home countries, hosted by Alps agency regions. Support to AATORG and within AATORG this year has however been challenged by a variety of factors. Agency restructures, position vacancies, AATORG representatives availability, and sub-group viability e.g. Victorian Alpine & East Gippsland Traditional Owner Reference Group (VAEGTORG) has meant that communications on some issues was not achieved.

Objective

Improved understanding of and respect for the Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage values of the Australian Alps national parks, including sites, places and landscapes, and incorporation of these values into effective conservation and management programs.

Outcome

Contribute to the cultural heritage of the Alps, so that it is better understood, valued and protected by the community.

Reference group

Cultural Heritage

Measures of Success: 

A Statement of Significance on the ‘Cultural and Spiritual Significance of the Alps to Aboriginal People’

The Australian Alps are a place of great cultural significance for the Australian Alps First Peoples, however many people, both Indigenous and non-indigenous, do not know this.

The Alps Program wished to find out from the traditional custodians why the Alps were so important to their ancestors but also to Aboriginal people today. The Alps Program contracted an experienced company (Context Pty Ltd) in 2012 to commence work on firstly a literature review followed in 2013/14 by a consultation process. Context has a well established reputation for an understanding and respect for the cultural heritage of the Australian Alps. Context has completed both stages of the project, and a final report was tabled in June 2014. The report was presented and discussed at AATORG in May prior to its finalisation.

The Alps Program hopes this project will be of great benefit to the Australian Alps First Peoples, in that it will increase awareness and understanding of the importance of the Alps to managers, politicians, indigenous people living away from the Alps and the general public. While the project is a quite small we hope it will build over time so it also provides knowledge to future generations. The project has produced a ‘Statement of Significance’ which now sits in the Australian Alps website. A long term goal is to have these values recognised formally within the Australian Alps National Heritage listing.

Cultural Heritage Workshop

At London Bridge homestead, Googong Foreshores ACT, an enthusiastic group of 27 agency staff and volunteers gathered in April. The torrential rain on the Saturday did not dampen spirits as staff dived into the program. A biennial workshop is run to maintain agency staff and volunteer skills in the maintenance of traditional bush buildings. The comprehensive program provided an understanding of the key principles of cultural heritage conservation and an understanding of the skills required for repair and maintenance of historic places in the Australian Alps. An appreciation of the key factors to be considered in managing cultural heritage places and landscapes was assisted by a presentation on heritage planning and The Burra Charter. Folk from the Kosciuszko, and Victorian High Country Huts Associations and staff left the workshop being able to make a preliminary assessment of the significance of a cultural place and landscape.

Objective

Program agency personnel and other stakeholders will increase and share their knowledge and understanding of the values of the Australian Alps national parks and cooperative program benefits, and acquire best practice skills for managing and communicating these values, and improved cross-agency links.

Outcome

Agency staff and other stakeholders are aware of the benefits of the Program and support its objectives.

Measures of Success: 

Joint Landscapes and Policy Hub – Australian Alps (IUCN) Science Management Forum

In 2011, the Australian Alps Liaison Committee formed a strategic partnership with the NERP Landscapes and Policy Hub to assist in their research aim to develop tools and policy options to better integrate biodiversity into landscape scale planning. As in other years since, Alps managers, field staff representatives, keen stakeholders and fellow researchers came together in April for the annual science management forum. The venue this year was Bright, Victoria. The purpose of the forum was to share with the 52 field program managers and fellow researchers present the status of a variety of projects that were underway or drawing to a conclusion. For hub researchers, it was an opportunity to refine research questions and make progress toward collaborative research that can be completed within the concluding 12 months of the Landscapes and Policy Hub’s research program. A whole day (part II) focus was also facilitated by the Social and Institutional Futures team looking at future options for improved Biodiversity Governance Arrangements.18 agency staff, 6 researchers and 12 other staff from traditional owner groups, local government, ski resorts, and NGO’s worked in small focus groups to provide a consensus of the better options for future governance and the best way forward.

‘News from the Alps’

The ‘News from the Alps’ magazine edition #45 was published in March 2014. Work also progressed on the final hardcopy edition of the magazine, planned for October ’14. The AALC recognised that the magazine is a valuable resource in keeping staff and relevant stakeholders up-to-date on what is happening across the Alps. However hard-copy publishing costs were above what the program could currently afford. The move to an on-line publication, and also a revamp to be a more regular short newsletter plus an annual bumper magazine was approved by the AALC at their June meeting.

Publication Reprints 

Despite the move to digital media the Alps Program sees a place for brochures promoting the Alps to be placed in visitor centres and park management offices. The two Alps brochures, ‘Inspire and challenge your spirit’ and ‘Care for the Alps – leave no trace’ remain an important medium for providing the public with messages on how to care for the Alps as well as providing useful visitor information. Both brochures were reprinted at the beginning of the reporting period and circulated to more than fifty visitor centres and park management offices across the Alps.