VWHUÀHOG3DUN...mountain bike policy. x Permit mountain bike riding on open roads and vehicular...

57
Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park Management Plan April 2020

Transcript of VWHUÀHOG3DUN...mountain bike policy. x Permit mountain bike riding on open roads and vehicular...

  • Churchill National Parkand Lysterfield Park

    Management Plan

    April 2020

  • Authorised and published by Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Copyright © Parks Victoria 2020 This Management Plan for Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct management of the parks until the plan is reviewed. The 1998 plan was finalised following consideration of the 17 submissions received on the Draft Plan. The 2020 amendment was finalised following consideration of input received during a two month consultation period, where over 600 people provided feedback on proposed changes to the plan. For further information Phone: 13 1963 Copies may be downloaded from the Parks Victoria website (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au) or purchased from: Parks Victoria Information Centre Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: 13 1963

  • AMENDMENTS

    The following amendments to the Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park Management Plan (1998) were approved by the Parks Victoria Board on 28 April 2020. Amend second sentence of Summary to:

    Their natural values, the Lysterfield Lake and panoramic views of Melbourne and nearby ranges make the Parks an attractive setting for activities including mountain biking, picnicking, bushwalking, sailing, windsurfing and horse riding.

    Amend first paragraph of 1.3 Significance of the Parks to include:

    Mountain biking is a key activity in the park, with the extensive trail network recognised as a regionally significant recreation asset.

    Amend 1.3 Cultural values to include: All of Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park are areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.

    Amend 1.5 Legislation and guidelines to include:

    Western Port and South-east Melbourne Conservation Action Plan (Parks Victoria, 2020).

    Amend 1.6 Park management aims (Other) to:

    Co-operate with local, State and interstate government authorities, Traditional Owners, the community and other interested organisations to assist in the management of the Parks.

    Amend 3.5 Cultural heritage by inserting the following sentence at the beginning of the second paragraph:

    Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, all of Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park are areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.

    Amend 3.5 Cultural heritage (management strategies) by including:

    Protect Aboriginal cultural heritage through the cultural heritage management planning process prior to

    any new works. Amend 5.1 The Park visitor by changing to:

    The Parks offer three distinctive visitor experiences. Lysterfield Lake visitor area caters for water-based recreation and has facilities for large numbers of visitors. The forest settings, hilltops and northern fringes of the Lake offer solitude, close to nature experiences and good views. The extensive mountain bike trail network offers an exciting range of trails catering to all abilities, including a skills park to help new users learn and practice new skills.

    Amend 5.1 The Park visitor by changing to: In 2018-19 the parks received over 1.2 million visitors, making them one of Parks Victoria’s most popular areas in the State. The parks are a valuable green refuge within a suburban context which provide the local population with opportunities for nature-based recreation; visitors from further afield are drawn to the regionally significant mountain bike trails which cater to a range of ages and abilities.

    Amend 5.1 The Park visitor by removing: Entry fees are collected at Lysterfield Park during weekends and peak periods over summer and on public holidays. Fees are not currently collected at Churchill National Park.

    Amend 5.2.1 Vehicle access (Management strategies) to include:

    Liaise with Casey City Council to develop a parking area outside the park to accommodate horse floats.

    Amend 5.2.2 Day visits by changing: Churchill National Park attracts over 80 000 people per year, mostly during spring and autumn. Lysterfield Park attracts over 120 000 people per year, mostly during summer.

    TO The parks attract over 1.2 million people per year, mostly during summer.

  • Amend 5.2 Visitor recreation activities and facilities to include the following section for Mountain Biking:

    5.2. Mountain Biking The park provides extensive opportunities for mountain bike riding, with a trail network that caters to all age groups and levels of ability. Mountain bike riding is permitted on open roads and vehicular tracks, shared management vehicle/walking/bike tracks and mountain bike trails (figure 5 and appendix 4). The ‘Statewide Mountain Bike Guideline’ sets out guidelines for safe cycling and methods to minimise the impacts of bicycle riding on park values. All mountain bike trails are rated for difficulty to assist users to ride within their ability. Aims Provide opportunities for mountain

    bike riding. Protect park values and avoid

    conflicts with the activities of other park visitors.

    Management strategies Manage mountain biking, including

    e-Bikes/power-assisted bicycles, in accordance with the Parks Victoria mountain bike policy.

    Permit mountain bike riding on open roads and vehicular tracks, shared management vehicle/walking/bike tracks and mountain bike trails in accordance with figure 5 and appendix 4.

    Prohibit power-assisted bicycles that don't meet the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act (1983) definition of a bicycle are prohibited on all tracks and trails within the park.

    Prohibit cycling on ‘walkers only’ tracks.

    Provide opportunities for new mountain bike trails within the conservation and recreation zone in both Lysterfield Park and Churchill National Park. New trails are required to meet Parks Victoria’s state-wide mountain bike guidelines, and are conditional on environmental and cultural heritage assessments.

    Prohibit new trail development within the Conservation Zone and within areas subject to the Special Protection Area overlay.

    Where appropriate promote single direction policy on blue (more difficult) and black (very difficult and extremely difficult) graded trails.

    Maintain shared management vehicle/walking/bike tracks to ensure rider and pedestrian safety.

    Encourage bike riders to adhere to the industry ‘Mountain Biking Code’.

    Support mountain biking groups to volunteer to maintain tracks in the park.

    Amend 5.3 Visitor information and interpretation (Management strategies) to include:

    Provide mountain biking specific information such as trail maps and the mountain biking code to encourage safe riding.

    Amend 5.4 Commercial operations (Management strategies) to include:

    Work with local council and stakeholders to manage its interface at the park entrance as there is currently a proposed café development adjoining Lysterfield Park entrance. This will include pedestrian flow, car parking space and safety for all users.

    Amend Appendix 2 Significant Fauna to include Southern Toadlet (Pseudophryne semimarmorata), listed as vulnerable on the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (2014).

  • AMENDMENTS

    Amend Table 1 Management Zones and Overlays to reflect revised management zoning and overlays.

    TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

    ZONE OVERLAY

    CONSERVATION & RECREATION

    CONSERVATION RECREATION DEVELOPMENT

    SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA

    SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

    AREA / LOCATION

    1513 ha of the park. Most of the Parks.

    193 ha of the park 18 ha (1%) of the park. Main visitor areas.

    447 ha (26%) of the park 45 ha (2,6%) of the park.

    VALUES Registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites and Environmental values including native vegetation (relatively weed‐free to weed‐infested), native fauna populations, non‐ indigenous eucalypts, pasture and the Lake.

    Provides primarily for protection of environmental values

    Provides primarily for high use visitor nodes with a concentration of recreation and/or interpretation facilities.

    Registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites and overall an area of Aboriginal cultural sensitivity. Very high value of wetland, riparian and swamp habitat and resident flora and fauna species including endangered and depleted Ecological Vegetation Classes.

    Significant state‐wide infrastructure commitments.

    GENERAL MANAGEMENT AIM

    Protection of environmental and cultural values while allowing for recreation. Dispersed recreation and tourism activities are encouraged. The level of activities and small‐scale recreation facilities are provided without significant impact on natural processes. Further recreation development would only be considered after on‐ground assessment of Aboriginal cultural heritage and environmental values.

    Protection of environmental and cultural values while allowing for recreation.

    Small areas with a high level of facility development catering for high numbers of visitors.

    Protect specific natural or cultural values in specific areas and sites where a special management focus is required. Further recreation development in the Special Protection Area is not supported due to significant environmental values.

    Special management provisions are needed to protect and manage licenced state-wide infrastructure.

  • Amend Table 3 Existing and Proposed Recreation Facilities to update existing and proposed visitor sites and services in Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park.

    TABLE 3 EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITIES

    SITE TOILETS

    PICNIC TABLE SEATS

    BARBECUE FACILITITES PARK INFO

    WALK TRACK SHELTER COMMENTS

    Churchill National Park

    Churchill visitor area

    1 block E (10 tables) 2 gas Information board E + P E Established day visitor area. Install new tables and seats. Refurbish shelter. Construct walking and cycling track link to Police Paddocks

    Lysterfield Park

    Lysterfield visitor area 2 blocks E (20 tables) 10 electric

    Visitor Centre and information board

    E P

    Established day visitor area with two breakwaters, swimming beaches, boat rigging area, bird hide, additional beach proposed. No entry after closing time

    Boys Farm site E E Established Historic Trail with interpretative signs. Maintain historic artefacts. Donelan Homestead site E Lookout and interpretation of site required. Provide information board.

    Lysterfield Hills Lookout P P E

    Construct walking and cycling track linking the Parks and viewing platform. Install 1 seat.

    Monbulk Ck Lookout E Install 1 seat. Interpretation of view required.

    Tramline Quarry E E E Interpretation of site required. Dandenong Lookout P E Install 1 seat.

    Dargon Homestead Interpretation of site required.

    Horse riding trails E

    E existing facility: P proposed facility

  • AMENDMENTS

    Amend Table 2 Summary of Recreation Activities to include Mountain Biking:

    TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

    ACTIVITY

    ZONES OVERLAYS

    CONSERVATION & RECREATION

    RECREATION DEVELOPMENT

    SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA

    SPECIAL MANAGEMENT

    AREA

    Mountain Biking YC YC YC* YC

    YC conditional – refer to relevant section for details * restricted to existing trails (refer figure 5)

    Amend Appendix 4 Management of Roads and Tracks to recognise current names, status, and management strategies of roads and tracks:

    APPENDIX 4 MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND TRACKS

    Track or Route

    COMMENTS/USES

    STATUS/CLASS

    MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

    Current Proposed Abrahams Track Acacia Nature Walk Aneurysm Army Track East Army Track West Asling Break Ballart Track Bayview Track Beach Road Bellbird Track Boys Farm Track Boys Farm Heritage Walk Buckle Down Casuarina Track Channel Track Cloverdale Track Dargon Track Donelan Track Dog Pound East Boundary Track East West Break Eastern Horse Trail Echidna Track Eumemmering Track Farm Trail

    Internal track Walking track MTB (15) Public access to Churchill NP Internal track Slashed break Internal track Internal track Access to Beach car park Internal track Internal track Walking track MTB (16) Internal track Internal track Slashed break Internal track Internal track MTB (17) Internal track Slashed break Horse trail Horse trail Internal track MTB trail (20)

    MVO 2 W C MTB G O 1 MVO 1 MVO 3 MVO 2 MVO 1 O 1 MVO 3 MVO 2 W D MTB F MVO 1 MVO 2 MVO 3 MVO 3 MVO 3 MTB F MVO 3 MVO 3 MVO 2/H MVO 3/H MVO 3 MTB F

    MVO 2 W B MTB G O 1 MVO 1/W - MVO 2 - O 1 MVO 3 MVO 2 W C MTB F MVO 1 MVO 1/W MVO 3 MVO 1 MVO 2 MTB F MVO 1/H MVO 3 MVO 1/H MVO 1/H - MTB F

    - - - Seal with bitumen. Realign unsightly straight sections. Close to bicycles. Close and rehabilitate. - Close and rehabilitate, subject to SEC agreement. Maintain as sealed road. - - - - - The section (Channel Walk) between Army and Link Tracks is for walkers only.

    - - - - Horse access between Nodosa and Echidna only. Close and rehabilitate to south of Echidna.

    Maintain as slashed break. All weather horse trail. All weather horse trail. Close and rehabilitate to South of former Native Cherry Tk.

    Close and rehabilitate. -

  • Follow Me Glen Track Granite Link Granite Track Grassy Spur Walk Gully Break Gun Club Track Horswood Road West Hug Humping Hound Lake Circuit Trail Lake Track Lamberts Track Lanes Track Lil Shawty Link Track (Churchill) Logan Park Road Lower Blair Witch Lower Buckle Lyster Track Lysterfield Hills Track Lysterfield Hills Track East Mahogany Track Middle Native Cherry Track Native Track Native Track Nodosa Track North Boundary Track Powells Track Pump Track Pusilla Track Quarry Track Red Gum Ridge Track Short Cut Walk Skills Park Snipe Snipe Track South Break Southern Horse Trail State MTB Course Stonemason Track Sugar Glider Track Sunset Track Swampy Break Syphon Walk Thompson Track Trailmix Tramline Walk Upper Blair Witch Upper Buckle Valley View Track

    MTB trail (11) Internal track MTB trail (9) Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track Public access to Lysterfield Park and boat ramp

    MTB trail (6) MTB trail (18) MTB trail (1) Internal track Internal track Internal track MTB trail (21) Internal track Internal track MTB trail (7) MTB trail (2) Internal track Internal track New track Internal track MTB (4) Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track MTB (14) Slashed break Internal track MTB (5) Internal track Walking track MTB (19) MTB trail (12) Internal track Slashed break Horse trail MTB trail (10) Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track Internal track MTB (13) Walking track MTB trail (8) MTB trail (3) Internal track

    MTB G MVO 3 MTB H MVO 3 MVO 3 MVO 3 MVO 2 O 1 MTB F MTB F MVO 2/E MVO 2 MVO 2 MVO 2 MTB F MVO 2 MVO 1/H MTB F MTB F MVO 2 MVO 2 - MVO 2 MTB F MVO 3/H MVO 3 MVO 2 MVO 3 MVO 1 MVO 1 MTB F MVO 2 MVO 2 MTB F MVO 1 W C MTB EFG MTB F MVO 1 MVO 3 MVO 3/H MTB G MVO 1 MVO 3 MVO 3 MVO 3 W C MVO 3 MVO 1/E W B MTB F MTB F MVO 2/W

    MTB G MVO 2 MTB H MVO 2 MVO 2/W MVO 3 MVO 1/H O 1 MTB F MTB F MVO 2/E MVO 1 MVO 1 MVO 2 MTB F MVO 2 MVO 1/H MTB F MTB F MVO 2 MVO 2 MVO 1 MVO 1 MTB F MVO 1/H MVO 3 MVO 1 MVO 1/H MVO 1/W MVO 1 MTB F - MVO 2 MTB F MVO 1/W W B MTB EFG MTB F MVO 1 MVO 3 MVO 1/H MTB G MVO 1/W - MVO 2 MVO 2 W C W C MVO 1/E W B MTB F MTB F MVO 2/W

    - - - - MVO and walkers only. - All weather track and horse trail. Maintain as sealed road. Close after hours. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Develop new trail. - - Rename to Echidna Track. - Former Nth Boundary Track LLP. All weather horse trail. Close and rehabilitate the section between Army and Link Tracks subject to SEC agreement. Close to bicycles.

    - - Close and rehabilitate. - - Close to bicycles. - - - - Maintain slashed break. All weather horse trail. - Close to bicycles. Close and rehabilitate. - Maintain slashed break. - - - - - - MVO and walkers only.

  • AMENDMENTS

    Wallaby Track West Boundary Track Woodland Walk

    Internal track Internal track Internal track

    MVO 1 MVO 3 MVO 3

    MVO 1 MVO 1 MVO 3/W

    - - -

    STATUS:

    O

    Open to public vehicles

    CLASS:

    1

    All vehicle - all weather

    MVO Management vehicles, walkers and cyclists

    2 4WD - all weather

    H Horse trail 3 4WD - dry weather only W Walkers only B A well-defined walking track, benched and drained MTB Cyclists only C A walking track, defined through use, which may be

    benched or drained D A walking track or path defined through use but

    having no basic construction E Easy – wide, smooth surface, gentle gradients, free of

    obstacles. F More difficult – single track with moderate gradients,

    variable surface and obstacles. G Very Difficult – single track with steep gradients,

    variable surface and many obstacles. H Extremely Difficult – very steep gradients, highly

    variable surface and unavoidable, severe obstacles.

    Amended figures (shown on following pages): Amend Figure 3 – Management Zones: Replace map to show revised management zones and overlays. Amend Figure 5 (NEW) - Trail Network: Include new map to show existing trail network.

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    LYSTERFIELDLAKE

    Lysterfield South

    Lysterfield

    Horswood Rd

    MONASHFW

    Y

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    RD

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    Heatherton Rd

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    Kelletts

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    Lysterfield Park and Churchill NP Management Zones

    Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying on this information.Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

    0 1 20.5 Km

    Coordinate System: GDA 1994 VICGRID94Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic

    ¹17/03/2020

    Unsealed road

    ! 4WD

    Sealed road

    Planning Area

    Waterbody

    OVERLAYSSpecial Protection Area

    Special Management Area

    ZONESRecreation Development

    Conservation and Recreation

    Zone 1Conservation Zone

  • LysterfieldHills Lysterfield

    Park

    ChurchillNational Park

    Dandenong PolicePaddocks Reserve

    100

    90

    100

    80

    100

    110

    120

    110

    130

    100

    120130

    140

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    160

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    130120

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    160200

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    CHURCHILL PARK DR

    WELLINGTON RD

    WELLINGTON RD

    LYSTERFI ELD

    RD

    WELLING

    TON

    WELLINGTON RD

    GLENEAGLES DR

    BELGRAVE - HAL

    LAM RD

    HEATHERTON RD

    LAMBERTS TRK

    POW

    ELLS

    T

    RK

    SWAMPY BRK

    LYST

    ERFIEL D

    H

    I LLS

    TRK

    LYSTER TRK

    EAST WEST BRK

    GLE

    N

    TRK

    WEST BO

    UN

    DA

    RY TRK

    EAST B

    OUND

    ARY TRK

    ECHI

    DNA

    TR K

    GUN CLUB TRK

    LAMBERTS TRKNODO

    SA BRK

    SCEALYS TRK

    PUSI

    LLA

    B

    RK

    EAST BOUNDARY TRK

    BOY

    S FARM

    TRK

    QU

    AR

    RY

    TRK

    QUARRY TRK

    NATIVE TRK

    LANSDOWNE RD

    BAYVIEW TRK

    LOG

    AN

    P

    ARK

    RD

    GLE

    N

    RD

    BRA

    E

    RD

    POW

    ELLS

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    D

    HORSWOOD RD

    Lysterfield

    Narre Warren North

    Endeavour Hills

    LysterfieldSouth

    MO

    NASH FW

    Y

    Lysterfield Lake

    Eume mmerring

    Creek

    GRANITE PEAK TRAIL

    MA

    HO

    GA

    NY

    T

    RK

    EQUE

    STRIAN

    TRL

    LAKE C IRCUIT TRA

    IL

    CHA

    NNEL TRK

    LAKE

    CIR

    CUIT

    W

    ALK

    Hallam NorthRoad Carpark

    HomesteadJunction

    BuckleJunctionTrig Point

    Lookout

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    1. Lake Circuit Trail 6.3km

    2. Lower Buckle 2.4km

    Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Trails

    3. Upper Buckle 0.7km

    4. Middle 1.9km

    5. Red Gum 1.2km

    See legend for trail difficulty ratings

    6. Hug 1.5km

    7. Lower Blair Witch 0.6km

    16. Buckle Down 0.3km

    17. Dog Pound 0.6km

    18. Humping Hound 1.7km

    19. Skills Park

    20. Farm Trail

    8. Upper Blair Witch 2.0km

    9. Granite Link 0.2km

    10. State MTB Course 6.4km

    13. Trailmix 1.0km

    12. Snipe 0.7km

    11. Follow Me 1.2km

    14. Pump Track

    15. Aneurysm 1.5km

    21. Lil shawty

    SE

    E INS

    ET

    Park Entrance

    Information

    Parking

    Toilets

    Picnic area

    Barbecue (Electric)

    Boat ramp

    Parks Victoria office

    Drinking water

    PV

    Freeway/Highway

    Main road

    Sealed road

    Unsealed road

    Lysterfield Park

    Other park/reserve

    Lake/waterbody

    www.parks.vic.gov.auDisclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying on this information. Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. Cartography by Parks Victoria June 2019 For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps

    Km0 10.50.25

    4WD

    Walking track

    Shared management vehicle/ walking/ bike track

    Creek/stream Mountain Bike Trail Difficulty Rating

    More difficult

    Very difficult

    Extremely difficult

    Easy

    Trail junction

    Mountain bike trail

    Gate

    No swimming

    Swimming

    Sheltered area

    Lysterfield Park and Churchill NP Management Plan Mountain Biking trail

    PV

    1

    14

    19 19 19

    13

    LysterfieldVisitor Area

    BeachPicnic Area

    Lysterfield Lake

    LA

    KE

    CIRC

    UI

    T

    W

    ALK

    Boat TrailerCarpark

    Mountain BikeCarpark Mahogany

    (Trail head)

    24hCarpark

    Spotted GumCarpark

    Visitor Centre Carpark

    Pump Track

    Skills Park

  • CHURCHILL NATIONAL PARK

    AND

    LYSTERFIELD PARK

    MANAGEMENT PLAN

    April 2020

    This 1998 plan was evaluated in 2009 and amended in April 2020.

  • ii Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    This document may be cited as:

    Parks Victoria 2020. Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park Management Plan. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

    Photo credits

    Cover: Parks Victoria

    Disclaimer This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determination applications covering land or waters within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan, and the implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth). The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the State or Federal Governments and Victorian Aboriginal communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in the publication.

  • Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park iii

    FOREWORD

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park take in much of the southern side of the Lysterfield Hills and form a valuable public land link between the Dandenong Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.

    The parks protect significant natural values while offering a range of opportunities for visitors, including appreciating the native vegetation and wildlife of Churchill National Park, exploring Lysterfield Lake, and walking and cycling on the extensive trail networks.

    This Management Plan was first developed and approved in August 1998. A review of the plan was undertaken in 2009 to ensure that it could continue to provide up-to-date direction for management of the parks. Following a period of public consultation, the plan was amended in April 2020 to address changes in recreation so that park values would continue to be protected. This Management Plan has been prepared under Sections 17 and 18 of the National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) and is approved for implementation.

    The Plan will provide the basis for management of the two parks until it is reviewed.

    Matthew Jackson Chief Executive Officer Parks Victoria

  • iv Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

  • SUMMARY

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park v

    The Parks, totalling 1668 ha, are a scarce haven for wildlife and people close to Melbourne. Their natural values, the Lysterfield Lake and panoramic views of Melbourne and nearby ranges make the Parks an attractive setting for activities including picnicking, bushwalking, sailing, windsurfing and horse riding.

    The two Parks, which are physically linked, will be managed as an integrated area for conservation and recreation.

    Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of high quality experiences in forested and lake settings.

    Major management directions are summarised below:

    provision of new walking and cycling trails, linking the two Parks and adjoining public land in the Dandenong Ranges and the Dandenong Valley; upgrading of trails

    around Lysterfield Lake and between the Lake and Churchill visitor area; and development of several minor entry points to improve access to the Parks;

    improvement of existing facilities in the main visitor areas at Lysterfield Lake and in Churchill National Park;

    conservation of other areas of the Parks in an essentially undeveloped condition;

    re-establishment of indigenous vegetation on degraded and pastured areas;

    special protection for significant natural and cultural features.

  • vi Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

  • Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park vii

    CONTENTS

    FOREWORD iii

    SUMMARY v

    1 INTRODUCTION 1

    1.1 Location and planning area 11.2 Regional context 11.3 Significance of the Parks 11.4 Creation of the Parks 21.5 Legislation and guidelines 21.6 Park management aims 3

    2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4

    2.1 Park vision 42.2 Management directions 42.3 Zoning 5

    3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 7

    3.1 Geological and landform features 73.2 Vegetation 73.3 Fauna 83.4 Landscape 93.5 Cultural heritage 9

    4 PARK PROTECTION 11

    4.1 Fire management 114.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 114.3 Soil conservation 12

    5 THE PARK VISIT 13

    5.1 The Park visitor 135.2 Visitor recreation activities and facilities 14

    5.2.1 Vehicle access 145.2.2 Day visits 165.2.3 Bushwalking 165.2.4 Cycling 175.2.5 Horse riding 175.2.6 Swimming 185.2.7 Boating 185.2.8 Fishing 18

    5.3 Visitor information and interpretation 195.4 Commercial operations 19

  • viii Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    5.5 Risk management and public safety 20

    6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 21

    6.1 Friends and volunteers 216.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 216.3 Schools education 21

    7 OTHER ISSUES 22

    7.1 Authorised uses 227.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 227.3 Lysterfield Lake water management 23

    8 IMPLEMENTATION 24

    REFERENCES 25

    TABLES

    1 Management zones and overlays 62 Summary of recreation activities 143 Existing and proposed recreation facilities 154 Priority management strategies 24

    APPENDICES

    1 Significant flora 262 Significant fauna 273 Major environmental weeds 294 Management of roads and tracks 30

    FIGURES

    1 Location End of Plan2 Land tenure End of Plan3 Management zones End of Plan4 Visitor facilities End of Plan

  • Introduction

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 1

    1 INTRODUCTION

    1.1 Location and planning areaChurchill National Park and Lysterfield Parkare located on the southern foothills of theDandenong Ranges, 35 kilometres south-east ofthe Central Business District of Melbourne(figure 1).

    This Management Plan covers 1668 ha in thefollowing areas (figure 3):

    • Churchill National Park (271 ha);

    • Lysterfield Park (1397 ha).

    It replaces previous plans for ChurchillNational Park (NPS 1978) and recreation useat Lysterfield Lake (CFL 1986).

    1.2 Regional contextThe Parks are close to the south-easternsuburbs and adjoin the Pakenham andLysterfield growth corridors (figure 1).

    They are a major component of the open spacelinks between the Dandenong Creek Valley andthe Dandenong Ranges (MPW 1995).

    Figure 2 shows other major open space parksand reserves in the area, which include:

    • Dandenong Ranges National Park – a majortourist attraction with tall trees andrainforest gullies;

    • Police Paddocks Reserve – abuts ChurchillNational Park and offers developed facilitiesand opportunities for active and passiverecreation in natural bushland;

    • Dandenong Valley Parklands – offering awide range of recreation opportunities in asemi-natural setting;

    • Birds Land Reserve – a Yarra Ranges ShireCouncil bushland reserve adjacent toMonbulk Creek and the Parks.

    1.3 Significance of the ParksChurchill National Park and Lysterfield Parkmake a valuable contribution to Victoria’sparks system, which aims to protect viablerepresentative samples of the State’s naturalenvironments occurring on public land. Parks

    also provide opportunities for visitors to enjoyand appreciate natural and cultural values, andmany make important contributions to tourism.

    The Parks are assigned the IUCN Category III(Natural Monuments) of the United Nation’sList of National Parks and Protected Areas.Category III areas are managed primarily forprotection of outstanding natural features,recreation, education and research.

    The Parks contain viable patches of relativelyundisturbed native vegetation, which is scarceclose to Melbourne. The forest types aresimilar to those on the western and southernslopes of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    The Parks are a major component of habitatlinking the Dandenong Creek Valley and theDandenong Ranges.

    Significant features are summarised below.

    Natural values

    • Areas of relatively undisturbed open forestwith large mature trees.

    • Panoramic views across Melbourne andthe Dandenong Ranges from high knollsand rocky outcrops.

    • Natural backdrop to the surrounding urbandevelopment.

    • A major wetland with many waterbirds,including migratory species.

    • A diversity of wildlife including manysignificant species of birds.

    • A large population of Eastern GreyKangaroos.

    • A Regional Site of Botanical andZoological Significance.

    Cultural values

    • Disused aqueducts from the days whenLysterfield Lake was used for water supply.

  • Introduction

    2 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    • Ruins of old homesteads, dairies anddisused quarries, reminders of previousland uses.

    Tourism and recreational values

    • Quality picnic facilities in forested andlake settings.

    • A large waterbody (Lysterfield Lake)offering sailing, windsurfing andswimming opportunities close toMelbourne.

    • Opportunities for extended walking andcycling in the Parks and to the DandenongCreek Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.

    • Bushland offering a sense of remotenessand tranquillity close to Melbourne.

    • Opportunities for large group functions ina natural setting.

    • Opportunities for commercial operationsto provide services, facilities andinformation for visitors.

    1.4 Creation of the ParksChurchill National Park (originally 193 ha andreferred to as Dandenong National Park) wascreated in 1939 by the reservation of a sectionof the Dandenong Police Paddocks. TheDandenong National Park was gazetted on12 February 1941. Sir Winston Churchill washonoured in the renaming of the Park in 1944.Churchill National Park was included onSchedule Two of the National Parks Act 1975(Vic.) in 1975.

    Lysterfield Park (originally 1151 ha) wasincluded on Schedule 3 of the National ParksAct on 19 May 1981 as a result of the NationalParks (Amendment) Act 1981 (Vic.). The Parkwas created following the decommissioning ofthe Lysterfield Reservoir (built in 1936) andplacement of its catchment under themanagement of the then National Parks Servicein 1979. Minor amendments were made to thePark in 1984 (1 ha net addition) and 1988 (roadclosure). It was opened to the public in 1986.

    As a result of the National Parks (YarraRanges and Other Amendments) Act 1995(Vic.) additions were made to ChurchillNational Park (Churchill extension 78 ha) and

    Lysterfield Park (Lysterfield north-easternextension 125 ha). A further area of 121 hawas added to Lysterfield Park as a result of theNational Parks (Amendment) Act 1997 (Vic.)(Lysterfield western extension). Theseadditions complete the implementation of theState Government’s strategy to link the Parks.

    This strategy is a component of a broaderstrategy to establish a public land corridorlinking the Dandenong Ranges to themetropolitan parks in the Dandenong CreekValley. That strategy commenced in 1971 withplacement of a proposed public open spacereservation on private land between the twoParks. Linking was achieved progressively byacquisitions in the Parish of Narre Warren. In1990 the State Government acquired part ofCrown Allotment 70A and part Monbulk Pre-emptive Right (ZA Nominees land) abutting thenorth-east boundary of Lysterfield Park, andpart of Crown Allotments 71, 72 and 73 (Kingsland) abutting the eastern boundary ofChurchill National Park. The acquisition ofpart of Crown Allotments 59, 60 and 71 (VanBeers land) in 1993 completed the public landlink between the Dandenong Valley and BirdsLand.

    1.5 Legislation and guidelinesChurchill National Park and Lysterfield Parkare reserved and managed under the provisionsof the National Parks Act. The Act requires theDirector to preserve and protect the naturalenvironment of the Parks and their natural andother features, and subject to this to provide forthe use of the Parks by the public forenjoyment, recreation and education. The Actalso provides for appropriate research.

    The Land Conservation Council (LCC 1994)recommended that Lysterfield Park should beused and managed as a Regional Park and thatthe Lysterfield extension (north-easternextension) should be added. The LCC did notmake recommendations on the western half ofLysterfield Park, as these areas are outside theMelbourne 2 Study Area. The LCC noted thatthe Lysterfield extension (north-easternextension), Churchill National Park andLysterfield Park should be managed as part ofan integrated unit.

  • Introduction

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 3

    The Parks are managed in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines for the managementof parks and LCC recommendations, and withother plans and guidelines, including:

    • Port Phillip Area Fire Protection Plan (CNR1992);

    • Melbourne Parks and Waterways Guide toPriorities for Melbourne’s Open SpaceNetwork (MPW 1995);

    • Regional Strategy Plan (UYVDRA 1992).

    1.6 Park management aimsThe National Parks Act, in particular sections4, 17 and 18, provides the basis formanagement of the Parks. The followingmanagement aims are derived from thosesections, and as such broadly govern all aspectsof park management.

    Resource conservation

    • Preserve and protect the naturalenvironment.

    • Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with the minimum of interference.

    • Maintain biodiversity.

    • Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

    Park protection

    • Protect human life, the Parks and adjacentlands from injury by fire.

    • Eradicate, or otherwise control, introducedplants, animals and diseases.

    The Park visit

    • Provide opportunities for appropriaterecreation and tourism.

    • Promote and encourage an appreciation,understanding and enjoyment of the Parks’natural and cultural values and theirrecreational opportunities.

    • Encourage appropriate park use andvisitor behaviour, and foster aconservation ethic in visitors and anunderstanding of minimal impactbehaviour.

    • Take reasonable steps to ensure the safetyof visitors.

    Other

    • Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding andmanagement of the Parks.

    • Co-operate with local, State and interstategovernment authorities, the communityand other interested organisations to assistin the management of the Parks.

  • Strategic directions

    4 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

    2.1 Park visionA future visitor to Churchill National Park andLysterfield Park finds a forested haven, instriking contrast to surrounding urbandevelopment. The Parks contain representativesamples of the biological communities of thesouthern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges andare the major component of a bushland corridorlinking the Dandenong Ranges to theDandenong Valley. The native wetlandsfringing Lysterfield Lake are a protected habitatfor fauna, including migratory birds. Theexotic eucalypt plantations offer expansiveareas for passive recreation.

    High quality visitor facilities and interpretationof natural and cultural values cater for largenumbers of visitors. There are opportunitiesfor intensive water-based activities atLysterfield Lake, and recreation in naturalsettings elsewhere in the Parks. Many visitorsenjoy views of Melbourne and the DandenongRanges and take advantage of the Parks’ linkwith long-distance walking and cycling trailsalong the bushland corridor through to theDandenong Ranges and the Dandenong Creek.

    2.2 Management directionsMajor management directions for the Parks areas follows.

    Resource conservation

    • Special protection will be given to thesignificant natural features, includingwildlife habitat surrounding theheadwaters of Lysterfield Lake and theEastern Grey Kangaroos in ChurchillNational Park.

    • Indigenous vegetation will be conserved.

    • Indigenous vegetation will be re-established on degraded and pasturedareas and, where appropriate, in plantationareas within Lysterfield Park.

    • Developments outside day visitor areas atLysterfield and Churchill, except asindicated to improve visitor access (section5) will be avoided.

    • Healthy Eucalypt plantations withinLysterfield Park will be retained, as asetting suitable for recreation in popularrecreation areas.

    • Significant cultural features will beprotected.

    • The natural landscape will be conserved,and protected from the effects ofdevelopments.

    Park protection

    • Indigenous plant and animal communitieswill be protected from pest plants andanimals.

    • Visitors, the Parks and adjacent lands willbe protected from fire in accordance withthe requirements of the Port Phillip AreaFire Protection Plan (CNR 1992).

    The Park visit

    • New walking and cycling trails will beprovided, linking the Parks, major featuresand adjoining public land, and minor entrypoints will be developed to improve accessto the Parks.

    • Existing facilities in the Parks will beimproved by extending and upgrading theswimmers-only areas and boat rigging areaat Lysterfield Lake, and installing new andimproved picnic facilities at ChurchillNational Park.

    • Interpretative services for the Parks will beimproved by providing new and wideropportunities for worthwhile visitorexperiences.

    • Visitors will be encouraged to explore theParks’ natural environment, particularlyduring the cooler weather, and to enjoy theextensive recreation opportunities.

    • School and community groups will beencouraged to use the Park.

    • Current market survey findings on visitorprofiles, patterns of behaviour,

  • Strategic directions

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 5

    expectations and preferences will be usedin planning park management.

    • A signs plan for the Parks, includingdesign guidelines, will be prepared andimplemented.

    Community awareness and involvement

    • Awareness and pride in the Parks and theirnatural, cultural and recreation values willbe promoted.

    • Public support and involvement in parkmanagement programs will be encouraged.

    2.3 ZoningA park management zoning scheme has beendeveloped to:

    • provide a geographic framework in which tomanage the Parks;

    • indicate which management directions havepriority in different parts of the Parks;

    • indicate the types and levels of useappropriate throughout the Parks;

    • assist in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween those and the protection of parkvalues;

    • provide a basis for assessing the suitabilityof future activities and developmentproposals.

    Two management zones apply to the Park –Conservation and Recreation, and RecreationDevelopment.

    In addition, special protection areas and specialmanagement areas are used to summariserequirements additional to those of theunderlying primary management zones.

    Table 1 specifies the management zone andoverlay characteristics, and figure 3 shows theirlocation.

  • Strategic directions

    7 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    TABLE 1 MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

    ZONE OVERLAY

    CONSERVATION ANDRECREATION

    RECREATION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALPROTECTION AREA

    SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA

    AREA/LOCATION 1646 ha; 98.7% of the planningarea. Most of the Parks.

    22 ha; 1.3% of the planningarea. Main visitor areas.

    39.7 ha; 2.4% of the planningarea. Northern reaches ofLysterfield Lake.

    618 ha; 37 % of the planningarea. Areas surroundingLysterfield Lake dominated byplantations.

    VALUES Native vegetation (relativelyweed-free to weed-infested),non-indigenous eucalypts,pasture and most of the Lake.

    Sites with substantial facilitiesin natural and semi-naturalsettings.

    Wetland areas, breeding habitatfor water birds.

    Exotic eucalypt plantationsproviding opportunity forpassive recreation. A smallsection is occupied by the ParkDepot and Lake wall.Areas occupied by majortransmission lines.

    GENERALMANAGEMENTAIM

    Protect natural environmentsand provide for sustainabledispersed recreation activitiesand small-scale recreationfacilities without significantimpact on natural processes.

    Provide primarily for high usevisitor nodes with aconcentration of recreationand/or interpretation facilities.

    Protect specific natural orcultural values in specific areasand sites where a specialmanagement focus is required.

    Highlight areas or sites wherespecial management provisionsare needed to provide for aparticular non-standard use oractivity.

    AMENDED: see updated table at start of document

  • Resource conservation

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 8

    3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

    3.1 Geological and landformfeatures

    The planning area’s main landform features arethe Lysterfield Hills and Lysterfield Lake.

    Hornfels forms the major ridge of theLysterfield Hills and there are granodioriteoutcrops on the north and south mid to lowerslopes.

    The ridgeline and major spurs of the planningarea have many large exposed granitic rocksthat form impressive vantage and interestpoints.

    Generally the geological and landform featuresare not subject to damage from visitor use.

    Aim

    • Minimise the impact of managementactivities and visitor use on significantlandform features.

    Management strategy

    • Monitor impact of visitor use on exposedgranite rocks.

    3.2 VegetationThe planning area includes a significant amountof viable, relatively undisturbed forest, butmuch of the indigenous vegetation has beensubjected to some level of disturbance fromprevious land uses including timber harvesting,quarrying, grazing, dam construction andclearing for power lines. There are also severalnon-indigenous eucalypt plantations, and largeareas of pasture.

    Approximately half of the Lysterfield north-eastern extension supports native vegetation.This vegetation is relatively weed free andcontains the largest trees in the planning area.More than half of the Lysterfield westernextension supports native vegetation. There issome weed infestation but sites that have notbeen grazed for some time are regeneratingnaturally and a revegetation program hascommenced.

    Lysterfield Park is a regional site of botanicalsignificance (UYVDRA 1989a). The Park is arefuge for a large number of native species andcontains regionally significant species that areuncommon in both the Eastern Highlands andGippsland (appendix 1).

    Eight regionally significant vegetationcommunities have been identified in theplanning area: Herb-rich Forest (14% of theplanning area), Valley Forest (3.3%), ShrubbyFoothill Forest (3.9%), Damp SclerophyllForest (4.1%), Heathy Woodland (7.2%),Riparian Forest (1%), Swamp Scrub (6.0%)and artificially created wetlands (Cook 1994;Cheal et al. in prep.). Some stands of relativelyweed-free Swamp Scrub are the mostundisturbed examples of this community in theMelbourne region. A small area of HeathyWoodland in Churchill National Park isadjacent to power lines and prone todisturbance from maintenance works. Thecanopy of Messmate in the Damp SclerophyllForest in Lysterfield Park is suffering fromsevere dieback, which may be related to largeBell Miner colonies or to infection byCinnamon Fungus. Rare species that occur inthis community require protection from firemanagement activities.

    A total of 167 native species has been recordedin the planning area, including more than 30regionally significant species (appendix 1).

    The plantations (636 ha) within the LysterfieldPark were first established in the early 1950sand includes ten species of eucalypt. Theycreate a forested setting for recreation but someare showing signs of poor health or growth.

    Aims

    • Conserve native plant communities, as faras practicable, in their natural condition, andmaintain genetic diversity.

    • Provide special protection for significantplant species and communities.

    • Restore indigenous communities.

  • Resource conservation

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 9

    • Revegetate pasture areas, degradedindigenous communities and plantationswith indigenous species.

    • Restore native vegetation to areas infestedwith introduced plants.

    • Increase knowledge of significant plantspecies and communities.

    Management strategies

    • Prepare a revegetation plan for theplanning area, giving priority to pasturesites on the Churchill extension (10 ha),Lysterfield north-eastern extension (60 ha),and Lysterfield Park (10 ha), and retainingimportant views (section 3.5).

    • Assess the health and growth potential ofthe plantations. Revegetate plantationareas which are unsuitable as recreationsettings.

    • Monitor significant species.

    • Collect and store seed from localprovenances of overstorey and understoreyspecies to meet the Parks’ revegetationrequirements.

    • Investigate the dieback of Messmate inLysterfield Park (section 3.3 and 4.2).

    • Minimise fire protection slashing in areasof Damp Sclerophyll Forest in ChurchillNational Park (consistent with achievingfire protection objectives) and monitorvegetation.

    3.3 FaunaNative faunal habitat has been severelymodified and degraded within the extensiveareas of plantations and pasture. Despite this,the fauna of the Parks is very diverse becauseof the range of vegetation communities andvariety of habitats, including the Lake andwetlands. Over 200 native species have beenrecorded, including 15 listed as threatened inVictoria, and over 40 considered significant atthe State and Regional level (NRE 1998;UYVDRA 1989b) (appendix 2).

    Twenty-seven species of mammals occur in theParks, including the Koala, Eastern GreyKangaroo, Black Wallaby and Platypus(SOS 1994).

    A total of 172 species of birds has beenrecorded in the planning area. Lysterfield Parkis a Regional Site of Zoological Significance(UYVDRA 1989b). Lysterfield Lake environsare a significant viable waterbird, habitat closeto Melbourne. This wetland allowsopportunities for feeding, breeding and refugefor at least 26 species of waterbirds, includingthe migratory Latham’s Snipe and regionallysignificant waterbirds such as the Darter, LittleEgret, Pied Cormorant and Great CrestedGrebe. The wetlands are protected fromdisturbance.

    The planning area supports several species ofreptiles including the White-lipped Snake andBlack Rock Skink, and seven species of frogs.

    Eastern Grey Kangaroos are found throughoutthe planning area but most are contained withinthe perimeter cyclone fence at ChurchillNational Park. This population of EasternGrey Kangaroos, estimated to be between 70and 150, bred from eight kangaroos releasedinto Churchill National Park in 1969. Thehealth of this mob may be threatened byinbreeding, and release into a larger area of theParks is desirable.

    The perimeter cyclone fence effectivelyexcludes most pest animals (except foxes) andprotects park assets (sections 4.2 and 5.2.2).There are also several unconnected sections ofcyclone fence around the perimeter of theplanning area. Completion of the perimeterfencing around the boundary south ofWellington Road would be beneficial.

    Faunal records were collected in the Parksmainly in the 1970s and early 1980s. Moreinformation is required on distribution,abundance and ecology, particularly of reptiles,amphibians and invertebrates.

    The large populations of Bell Miners in theParks may be linked to the severe defoliation ofmature Messmates and may be affecting thepresence and abundance of other species.

  • Resource conservation

    10 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    Aims

    • Protect native fauna from management andvisitor activities.

    • Maintain the genetic diversity of fauna.

    • Increase knowledge of the distribution andmanagement of significant species.

    Management strategies

    • Monitor the presence and habitat ofsignificant species (appendix 2) andmanage according to approved Flora andFauna Guarantee Action Statements.

    • Enhance faunal habitat by revegetatingcleared land (section 3.2) and controllingweed species (section 4.2).

    • Investigate the health, population size andhabitat requirements of the Eastern GreyKangaroos within the perimeter fencing atChurchill National Park, and monitor andmanage according to expert advice.

    • Subject to expert advice on populationdynamics, habitat requirements, completionof necessary perimeter fencing andregeneration of indigenous vegetation to amaturity that can withstand browsing,remove the barrier to kangaroo movementsbetween the fenced area in ChurchillNational Park and other areas.

    • Monitor eucalypt dieback and investigatethe link with Bell Miner populations. Seekexpert advice if dieback spreads.

    • Encourage wildlife surveys, particularly inareas previously not surveyed.

    • Monitor the presence of koalas andplatypus.

    3.4 LandscapePanoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges andsurrounding foothills, and of south-eastMelbourne and the city centre, are availablefrom the northern ridgeline of the Parks. Partof the ridgeline overlooks the LysterfieldValley, a Recorded National Trust Landscape

    (NTA 1981) which features large flat rocks andtors, mostly on adjoining private land.

    Lysterfield Lake catchment, also a RecordedNational Trust Landscape (NTA 1981), hasviews of forest largely unimpaired by builtstructures. Lysterfield Lake is an attractivewaterbody with its northern reaches fringed byswamp vegetation and waterbird habitat.

    Visual intrusions include high voltage powerlines and pylons across Churchill NationalPark, vegetation control work beneath the lines,vegetation clearance for firebreaks to the westof the Lake, extensive quarrying to the north,an incomplete housing subdivision andretarding basin to the south, and views ofpower lines over the dam wall at LysterfieldLake.

    Aims

    • Maintain opportunities for panoramic viewswithin and from the Parks.

    • Rehabilitate, ameliorate or minimiseundesirable visual intrusions.

    Management strategies

    • Maintain opportunities for panoramicviews from the Lysterfield Hills Lookout.

    • Screen, where possible, the Boral andPioneer quarry operations from theLysterfield Hills walking track.

    • Screen, where possible, electricitytransmission lines from view from the mainrecreation node at Churchill NationalPark.

    • Encourage sufficient vegetation on SouthBreak and Cloverdale Track to reduce theview of the vegetation clearance from theLake.

    3.5 Cultural heritageThe Parks fall within the boundaries of theWoiworung and the Bunurong tribes, ancestorsof the present-day Wurundjeri AboriginalCommunity. The adjoining Police PaddocksReserve contains important Aboriginalarchaeological features. A significant feature

  • Resource conservation

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 11

    of the early history of Victoria, this site iswhere early Aboriginal/European interactionoccurred (DCE 1990).

    All Aboriginal material and sites are protectedunder the Archaeological and AboriginalRelics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and theAboriginal and Torres Strait IslandersHeritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth).

    The Lysterfield area was settled in the early1850s and much of the land was cleared forfarming (Coulson 1958). There are remains ofan early settler’s homestead (Dargon) andorchard near Monbulk Creek.

    Churchill National Park was used for quarryingand firewood cutting in the 1920s and 1930s,and there is evidence of a rock crushing plantnear Stonemasons Track (DCE 1990).

    A major water storage (Lysterfield Lake) andassociated aqueducts across the planning areawere constructed during the 1930s. Dairyfarms and a Church of England Boys Societytraining farm ‘Boys Farm’ were converted toeucalypt plantations to protect water quality.There are opportunities to interpret prior landuse and settlement, and other cultural values.

    Aim

    • Protect significant archaeological andhistoric sites.

    Management strategies

    • Identify, protect, manage and interpretAboriginal sites and places in the Parks inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelinesand in consultation with the localAboriginal community and AboriginalAffairs Victoria.

    • Investigate, in co-operation with relevantexperts, the significance of the Dargonhomestead site, Church of England BoysSociety training farm, other home andgarden sites, aqueducts and formerquarries. Protect and interpret sites asappropriate.

  • Park protection

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 12

    4 PARK PROTECTION

    4.1 Fire managementThe National Parks Act requires the Director ofNational Parks to ensure that appropriate andsufficient measures are taken to protect parksfrom injury from fire. Current fire protectionmeasures are in accordance with the PortPhillip Area Fire Protection Plan (CNR 1992).This Plan includes provision for themaintenance of fire protection tracks and firebreaks. There is also frequent liaison withprivate landholders, municipal and utilityauthorities and the local Country Fire Authorityfor the common purpose of fire managementwithin the Parks and on adjacent land.

    Slashing of strategic fire breaks is the majorfire pre-suppression work performed. Thereare areas with identified flora values whichneed to be avoided (section 3.2). The extent ofslashing on defined breaks may vary accordingto seasonal factors. Fuel reduction burning isrestricted to small areas of the Parks wherethere is a need to protect identified assets.

    Fire management includes the deliberate use orexclusion of fire to achieve particularconservation objectives, such as protectingassets or promoting certain vegetationcommunities or wildlife habitat.

    Aims

    • Protect human life, property and park valuesfrom damage by fire.

    • Minimise the adverse effects of fires and firesuppression methods.

    • Maintain fire regimes appropriate to theconservation of native flora and fauna.

    Management strategies

    • Carry out fire protection works accordingto the Fire Protection Plan.

    • Undertake ecological burning to promotepopulations of threatened flora or fauna orplant communities in accordance with anapproved action statement or rehabilitationstrategy based on sound research.

    • Rehabilitate fire control lines and otherdisturbed areas resulting from unplannedfires and fire suppression activities as soonas possible after the fire.

    • Notify the public of planned burns byerecting appropriate signs and placingnotices on information boards.

    • Ensure that park values are consideredwhen the Emergency Response Plan(section 5.5) or Fire Protection Plan arereviewed.

    4.2 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

    Over 130 species of non-indigenous plantsoccur in the planning area, most of which arethe legacy of clearing, grazing and timber andfirewood cutting. Eight species of majorenvironmental weeds in the Parks (appendix 3)also occur on neighbouring land.

    Blackberry, the most significant weedmanagement problem, restricts access acrossgullies and lower slopes of the Lysterfieldwestern extension.

    Severe dieback of Messmate in the north-westpart of Lysterfield Park, which may be causedby Cinnamon Fungus or Bell Miners, requiresinvestigation (sections 3.2 and 3.3).

    Plantation species, particularly of SouthernMahogany and Spotted Gum, are spreading intothe native vegetation.

    At least ten species of introduced animals occurin the planning area. Foxes, feral cats, dogs,rabbits and pigs are major pests. Pest animalcontrol programs are directed mainly at foxesand pigs.

    Many domestic animals enter the planning area(except the enclosed Churchill National Park)through the fences of neighbouring properties(sections 3.3 and 6.2).

  • Park protection

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 13

    Aims

    • Control, and where possible eradicate, non-indigenous plants, animals and diseases.

    • Minimise the impact of control programs onnative flora and fauna.

    • Minimise the potential for the introductionand spread of pest plants and animals, anddiseases.

    Management strategies

    • Prepare a pest management strategy for theplanning area which details species andareas to be treated, and methods of control.Give priority to the Special ProtectionArea, areas with native vegetation andpasture areas.

    • Give priority to monitoring and controllingBlackberry, Boneseed, Bridal Creeper,Spanish Heath and Sweet Pittosporum.

    • Control, and where possible eradicate,foxes and pigs.

    • Determine whether Cinnamon Fungusoccurs in the Damp Sclerophyll Forest inLysterfield Park, and if it is present followParks Victoria guidelines for controland/or containment.

    • Minimise soil disturbance during wildfiresuppression, road maintenance and facilitydevelopment works, in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines.

    • Promote responsible pet ownership in thelocal community and among adjacent landowners.

    • Liaise with neighbouring land owners toco-ordinate pest plant and animal controlefforts.

    4.3 Soil conservationThe soils of the planning area are generallylight grey gritty sandy loams over mottledyellow clay and have low bearing strength inwet conditions (SGAP 1991; Coffey & Partners1980). Erodibility ranges from very high on theupper slopes to moderate/high on the middle tolower slopes. Soils along the western shorelineof the Lake are very prone to erosion andaccess is prohibited. Sections of the south-eastern and south-western shoreline area areactively eroding through wave wash, steepgradients and concentrated stormwater runoff.

    Unformed tracks and some steeper managementtracks and horse riding trails become unstableunder wet conditions, and use during theseperiods accelerates erosion. A number of thesetrails require closure and rehabilitation.

    Aim

    • Prevent and control soil erosion caused byvisitor and management activities.

    Management strategies

    • Minimise soil erosion from constructionworks by utilising appropriate managementtechniques.

    • Investigate and implement methods ofpreventing erosion to the swimmingbeaches and south-eastern shoreline.

    • Close and revegetate inappropriate trails.

    • Close tracks to vehicles and horses asnecessary to prevent damage to tracks.

  • The Park visit

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 14

    5 THE PARK VISIT

    5.1 The Park visitorThe Parks offer two distinctive visitorexperiences. Lysterfield Lake visitor areacaters for water-based recreation and hasfacilities for large numbers of visitors; theforest settings, hilltops and northern fringes ofthe Lake offer solitude, close-to-natureexperiences and good views.

    In 1996-97 the Parks received over 200 000visitors. New suburbs developing near theParks will attract many first-time visitors.Provision for older visitors and the increasingnumber of families with young childrenparticipating in nature-based recreation alsoneeds to be addressed. The Parks have thecapacity to cater for the increasing number ofvisitors in the cooler weather and away fromthe developed areas.

    Entry fees are collected at Lysterfield Parkduring weekends and peak periods over summerand on public holidays. Fees are not currentlycollected at Churchill National Park.

    Providing for the visitorThe Parks’ main strength is as a natural settingfor recreation by visitors from nearby suburbs.However, there is also scope to promote themas a stop for tourists exploring the DandenongRanges.

    Future developments will include improvedaccess and picnic facilities at ChurchillNational Park, and upgraded facilities atLysterfield Park.

    Three major trail networks are proposed to joinregional trails and link major features ofinterest for walkers. Cycle routes and horsetrails will also be improved.

    The Parks (apart from the Lysterfield Parkdeveloped area after closing hours) areaccessible to walkers from the adjoiningMonbulk Creek Retarding Basin, Birds LandReserve and Police Paddocks Reserve(figure 2).

    Aims• Provide opportunities and quality services

    and facilities for use and enjoyment of theParks.

    • Develop an understanding of visitor profiles,attitudes, needs and satisfaction.

    • Provide for visitors in accordance with theoverview of future visitor management.

    Management strategies• Permit recreational activities in

    accordance with table 2.

    • Provide and maintain facilities andservices which highlight, but are in keepingwith, the area’s distinctive character(sections 5.2, 5.3, and table 3).

    • Apply current market survey findings onvisitor profiles, patterns of behaviour,expectations and preferences to assist inpark management.

    • Establish a program to determineappropriate levels of recreational activityconsistent with protecting visitorexperiences and park values.

    • Monitor visitor numbers and use to ensureadequate provision of facilities consistentwith appropriate types and levels of use.

    • Encourage use of the Parks, especiallyLysterfield Park, in non-peak periods andaway from the main visitor areas.

    • Encourage all visitors to adopt minimumimpact techniques and to adhere to codesof conduct appropriate to their activity.

    • Liaise with tourism bodies to promote theParks to the local community and as anattraction to people touring the DandenongRanges.

    • Liaise with State and local tourism bodiesto co-ordinate tourism initiatives with parkmanagement.

  • The Park visit

    15 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

    ZONES OVERLAYS

    ACTIVITYCONSERVATION& RECREATION

    RECREATIONDEVELOPMENT

    SPECIALPROTECTION

    AREA

    SPECIALMANAGEMENT

    AREA

    Picnicking Yes Yes No NoCamping No No No NoWalking Yes Yes Yes YesBicycle riding YC YC No YCHorse riding YC* YC* No YC*Orienteering/Rogaining Yes* No No NoRock climbing/Abseiling No No No NoFishing YC No No NoFirewood collecting No No No NoMotor boating (including launchingand mooring)

    No No No No

    Boating (non-motorised) YC YC No N/ASwimming No YC No NoWater-skiing No No No NoDogs No No No NoSailing/Windsurfing YC YC No No

    Y Yes - appropriate YC conditional - refer to relevant section for details No Not appropriate N/A Not applicable * Lysterfield Park only

    • Collect entry fees at Lysterfield Park.

    • Review entry fees annually.

    5.2 Visitor recreation activities andfacilities

    5.2.1 Vehicle accessThere are two public vehicle access points intothe Parks: Churchill Park Drive, which leads tothe Churchill National Park visitor area, andHorswood Road leading to the Lysterfield Parkvisitor area.

    Several small car parks on the boundary of theParks give access for walkers, cyclists andmanagement vehicles.

    Aims• Maintain or provide access to the Parks’

    main visitor areas and appropriate locationson boundaries.

    • Provide and maintain an appropriatenetwork of management roads and tracks.

    Management strategies• Manage access and management roads and

    tracks in accordance with figure 4.

    • Provide small car parks at minor entrypoints on the boundary at Hallam NorthRoad and Ryans Road (figure 4).

    • Liaise with VicRoads to improve signage tothe Parks on major feeder roads.

  • The Park visit

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 16

    TABLE 3 EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATIONFACILITIES

    SITE TOILETS PICNICTABLESSEATS

    BARBECUEFACILITIES

    PARK INFO WALKTRACK

    SHELTER COMMENTS

    Lysterfieldvisitor area

    2 blocks E(47 tables)

    21 electric Visitor Centreandinformationboard

    E P Established day visitor area with two breakwaters,swimming beaches, boat rigging area, bird hide,additional beach proposed. No entry after closing time.

    Churchillvisitor area

    1 block E(16 tables)

    5 gas Informationboard

    E + P E Established day visitor area. Install new tables and seats.Refurbish shelter. Construct walking and cycling tracklink to Police Paddocks.

    Boys Farmsite

    E E Established Historic Trail with interpretative signs.Maintain historic artefacts.

    DonelanHomesteadsite.

    P E Lookout and interpretation of site required. Provideinformation board.

    LysterfieldHills Lookout

    P P E Construct walking and cycling track linking the Parksand viewing platform. Install 1 seat.

    Monbulk CkLookout

    P P P Install 1 seat. Interpretation of view required.

    TramlineQuarry

    P P P Interpretation of site required.

    DandenongLookout

    P E Install 1 seat.

    DargonHomestead

    P Interpretation of site required.

    Horse ridingtrails.

    E Provide small information board at major trail entrypoints.

    E existing facility P proposed facility

    AMENDED: see updated table at start of document

  • The Park visit

    17 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    5.2.2 Day visitsChurchill National Park attracts over 80 000people per year, mostly during spring andautumn. Lysterfield Park attracts over120 000 people per year, mostly duringsummer.

    Churchill National Park has facilities forsmaller numbers of visitors. It has 70 carspaces and six picnic areas, a shelter andtoilets.

    Lysterfield Park has facilities for large numbersof visitors and has 500 car spaces, 21 electricbarbecues, 20 picnic areas, changing rooms andtoilet blocks. The Lake has two swimmers-onlyareas, breakwaters and a boat rigging area. Allfacilities, including the bird hide in the SpecialProtection Area, have access for visitors withlimited mobility.

    When the car parks at Lysterfield Park arefilled to capacity (on average seven days peryear) the entrance is closed until there arevacancies.

    Aim• Establish and maintain day visitor facilities

    that enhance visitor enjoyment of the Parksand are consistent with protecting parkvalues.

    Management strategies• Provide quality facilities and site

    interpretation at the two major visitorareas and other areas in accordance withtable 2 and figure 4.

    • Provide additional seating and barbecuefacilities, and refurbish existing furniture,shelter and barbecue facilities at ChurchillNational Park.

    5.2.3 BushwalkingBushwalking in the planning area is popular.Many visitors, including several bushwalkinggroups, walk there regularly. Eight ‘walkersonly’ tracks are provided and there is anextensive network of management roads andtracks that offer interesting short and longerwalks. A new trail constructed across the

    Lysterfield western extension will provide forlonger walks with excellent views across theLysterfield Hills.

    Access from neighbouring public land willcreate longer walking opportunities between theParks and Dandenong Valley and theDandenong Ranges, but safe pedestriancrossing of Wellington Road and ChurchillPark Drive needs to be provided.

    Aim• Increase the range of bushwalking

    opportunities in the Parks and toneighbouring public land, while minimisingimpacts on park values.

    Management strategies• Provide for bushwalking along existing

    management tracks and along new trails inaccordance with figure 4. Give priority toupgrading the three trail systems: theDandenong Valley to Dandenong RangesTrack, the link between Churchill visitorarea and Lysterfield Lake, and a LakeDiscovery Loop.

    • Designate tracks for ‘Walkers Only’ use inaccordance with figure 4.

    • Extend the walking track network toincorporate the views from rocky outcropsand tors (figure 4).

    • Investigate the feasibility of pedestrianunderpass or overpass links acrossWellington Road and Churchill Park Drive.

    • Provide track notes for walkers, possibly inthe form of a saleable booklet.

    • Monitor any recreational conflict betweenwalkers, cyclists and horse riders.

    • Continue to liaise with Melbourne Waterand the Cities of Casey and Knox and theShire of Yarra Ranges to connect walkingtrails to those on neighbouring public land.

  • The Park visit

    18 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    5.2.4 CyclingCycling is an increasingly popular activity,particularly with family groups. Most of themanagement tracks in the planning area aresuitable for cycling throughout the year. Thesetracks cater for cyclists wishing to explore theParks or further afield along paths on adjoiningpublic and municipal land. Cyclists riding athigh speeds pose risks to themselves and otherpark users.

    Aim• Provide cycling opportunities while

    minimising environmental damage andconflict with other recreation activities.

    Management strategies• Permit cycling in accordance with table 2

    and figure 4.

    • Prohibit cycling on ‘walkers only’ tracks.

    • Encourage the use of the ‘Mountain BikeCode’ (CNR 1993).

    • Monitor the speed and safety of bike ridingand the levels of conflict with walkers.

    • Permit cycling events in the Conservationand Recreation Zone in Lysterfield Park inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelines.

    • Prepare information showing cyclingtracks, possibly in the form of a saleablebooklet.

    5.2.5 Horse ridingLysterfield Park has shared horse trails, whichare popular with many local horse riding clubs,commercial operators and private riders. Thehorse trails link with Casey and Yarra Rangeshorse trails (SEAC 1994). Equestrian access toLysterfield Park is via Horswood Road,Wellington Road, Reservoir Road andRockleigh Park Road (figure 4).

    Soils in the Park often become very unstableduring periods of extended wet weatherresulting in soil erosion and risk to riders.Some steep and unformed trails to the east of

    Logan Park Track are considered unsuitable forcontinued horse access.

    Aim• Provide opportunities for both commercial

    and recreational horse riders whileminimising impacts of these activities onpark values and park users.

    Management strategies• Allow horse riding on horse trails as shown

    in figure 4.

    • Trails proposed as horse trails will beopened for use when upgraded toappropriate standards.

    • Prepare improved signage and informationfor horse riders showing horse trails andriding codes.

    • Close horse trails during periods of wetweather and high fire danger, if there areconcerns about overuse, soil erosion or riskand safety. Consult with Melbourne Waterand the Casey City Council about theseasonal closure of the southern boundarytrail.

    • Liaise with Yarra Ranges Shire Counciland Casey City Council, and with horseriders and equestrian bodies, andencourage involvement in maintenance ofthe equestrian trails and the control ofweeds.

    • Introduce a permit system for recreationalriders as a monitoring and educationaltool.

    • Close and revegetate trails used for horseriding not shown on figure 4 (section 4.3)once alternative trails are upgraded to anappropriate standard

    • Monitor weed infestation or spread alonghorse trails.

  • The Park visit

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 19

    5.2.6 SwimmingLysterfield Lake is very popular for swimmingduring summer, and there are two ‘swimmersonly’ areas which are separate from generalboating activities. There is a need for anotherswimming area closer to the boat launching andrigging facility.

    Aim• Provide swimming opportunities while

    minimising conflicts with other waterrecreational users.

    Management strategies• Maintain swimming facilities in the

    recreation development zone (figure 4).

    • Provide a new ‘swimmers only’ areaadjacent to the boat launching facility.

    • Provide lifebuoys at the swimming beaches.

    5.2.7 BoatingThe main users of Lysterfield Lake arewindsurfers and dinghy sailors. Windsurfing ismore popular throughout the year on windydays. The Lysterfield Sailing Club runs severalorganised events and offers sailing tuition.

    Boat launching, rigging and resting facilitiesare provided next to the boat ramp.

    Zoning of the Lake (Recreation Use Plan, CFL1986) separates boating activities from theswimming area and the special protection area(no access). Boats are not allowed on the damwall or the shoreline except in the boatlaunching area. There is little conflict betweenthe different recreational user groups.

    Boating activities on the Lake are managedunder the Marine (Vessels) Regulations 1988.A volunteer lifesaving club recently commencedpatrols of the Lake.

    Aim• Provide opportunities for boating in the

    Lysterfield Park while minimising theenvironmental impact of the activity andconflict with other Park visitors.

    Management strategies

    • Provide for a range of water-basedrecreational activities consistent withconservation objectives and zoning.

    • Permit only non-motorised boating onLysterfield Lake. (Approved rescue,training and management boats areexcepted).

    • Allow the boat ramp to be used only byvisitors with limited mobility and formanagement purposes.

    • Enlarge the facility for boat rigging.

    • Encourage boating and windsurfing tuition.

    5.2.8 FishingRecreational fishing was considered in 1986when the Recreation Use Plan (CFL 1986) wasdeveloped. It was not permitted because ofpotentially severe environmental impacts to theerosion-prone shoreline and water quality(Coffey & Partners 1980), and conflicts withother water-based activities, particularlywindsurfing, sailing and swimming. Parkregulations do not permit recreational fishing,but fishing tuition by authorised groups ispermitted from jetties on the western shoreline.Lysterfield Lake was stocked in the 1980s,predominantly with Brown Trout, and furtherstocked with Brown Trout and Rainbow Troutin 1995.

    Illegal fishing in the old aqueduct has resultedin small campfires, increased litter and thedeaths of birds caught in discarded fishinglines.

    Aim• Provide opportunities for tuition fishing.

    Management strategies• Permit fishing in Lysterfield Lake only from

    jetties by authorised groups for thepurposes of training and tuition.

    • Implement a permit system to monitorfishing tuition from jetties by authorisedgroups.

  • The Park visit

    20 Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park

    • Review tuition fishing and restocking, withindigenous or exotic fish, after 12 months.

    • Do not restock the Lake prior to a review oftuition fishing.

    • Monitor incidences of illegal fishing andenvironmental degradation, and takeappropriate action where necessary.

    5.3 Visitor information andinterpretation

    The small visitor centre at Lysterfield Park iswell located to serve Park visitors.

    The information displays require updating andnew external panels promoting opportunities inboth Parks and links to adjoining bushland arerequired.

    The visitor centre has the potential to become acommercial operation.

    Parks information boards are located in mostkey visitor nodes in both Parks, including theswimming areas, but more information isdesirable.

    There is a self-guided nature trail on the westside of Lysterfield Lake (figure 4) and a birdhide allows visitors to view a variety ofwaterbirds.

    Aims• Orientate visitors to the Parks and their

    features.

    • Enhance visitors’ enjoyment andunderstanding of the Parks’ natural andcultural values.

    Management strategies• Prepare an information and interpretation

    plan for the Parks in the context of broaderregional opportunities.

    • Provide new information boards withorientation information and safetymessages at the following entrances:Churchill Park Drive, Hallam North Road,Ryans Road, Nixons Lane, and Logan ParkTrack.

    • Provide a basic level of visitor orientation,information and safety messages at keyvisitor nodes, including the swimmingareas.

    • Investigate alternative commercial uses forthe visitor centre such as a tea house(section 5.4).

    • If sufficient demand exists seek Expressionsof Interest from commercial operators toprovide interpretation programs duringpeak visitor periods.

    • Update the existing Park Note and ensureavailability at popular destinations andtourism outlets.

    • Provide a basic level of site interpretationat Lysterfield Hills, Monbulk Creek andDandenong lookouts, and at importantcultural sites (section 3.5) and significantlandform features (section 3.1).

    • Establish and implement monitoring andmaintenance schedules for allinterpretative facilities.

    • Regularly evaluate information andinterpretative programs related to theParks.

    5.4 Commercial operationsThe Parks provide a variety of opportunities fornature-based tourism close to Melbourne.

    The Parks have two market streams: the morenumerous short-term regular visitors wishing touse the developed facilities, and visitors whoexplore the Parks seeking close-to-natureexperiences.

    Activities currently offered by commercialoperators in Lysterfield Park include horseriding and water-craft hire. There areopportunities for commercial ventures offeringfood and drink during peak visitor periods,cycle hire, guided tours of the Lake orneighbouring public land, forest and wetlandinterpretation (particularly for schools), andwildlife encounters.

    Aim

  • The Park visit

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 21

    • Provide opportunities for commercialservices consistent with park objectives.

    Management strategies• Encourage commercial operators to

    provide agreed services, facilities andinformation for visitors.

    • Seek Expressions of Interest in establishinga tea house (with external and internalseating) in the existing visitor centrebuilding (section 5.3).

    • Encourage and assist commercial touroperators to develop knowledge about theParks’ values.

    5.5 Risk management and publicsafety

    Lysterfield Lake’s potential hazards for thepublic include fire and traffic congestion whenthe car parks at Lysterfield Park are full andthe entrance temporarily closed. TheLysterfield Reservoir has been recognised asbeing a potentially high hazard dam(section 7.3).

    An Emergency Response Plan for the Parkscovers fire, search and rescue and otherpotential problems.

    Aims• Promote public safety in the use of the

    Parks.

    • Ensure that staff are able to assist inemergency situations.

    • Ensure that appropriate risk managementprocedures are in place.

    Management strategies• Inform summer visitors of fire regulations

    and emergency management strategies inthe event of a wildfire (section 5.3).

    • Close the main park entrances or trackswith high fuel levels on days of extreme firedanger.

    • Train Park staff in first aid and emergencyresuscitation, search and rescue, andconflict avoidance techniques.

    • Ensure that staff are familiar with allregulations relating to safety, particularlythe Marine (Vessels) Regulations.

    • Develop and review search and rescue andother emergency management andevacuation procedures, in co-operationwith all relevant authorities.

    • Update the Emergency Response Plan.

    • Liaise with Victoria Police on days whenthe car parks are full or likely to be full(hot weather).

    • Ensure that Park staff are appropriatelytrained in risk management procedures,especially in relation to monitoring of theLysterfield Reservoir wall and associatedinfrastructure.

    • Support and encourage the formation of alifesaving service at Lysterfield Park.

  • Community awareness and involvement

    Churchill National Park and Lysterfield Park 22

    6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

    6.1 Friends and volunteersValuable contributions to park management aremade by the Friends of Churchill National Parkand Lysterfield Park, the Australian Trust forConservation Volunteers, Department ofCorrectional Services personnel, fieldnaturalists clubs, local bird observers, localschools and other interested individuals andgroups. Eumemmering Secondary College hasundertaken a number of useful projects underthe State Government Environmental Cadetprogram.

    Aim

    • Encourage vo