NPA and NPWS, an amazing history – an even better future

Alix Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, National Parks Association of NSW

In November 2017, Alix gave the following presentation at the National Parks 50:50 Forum hosted by Labor MP Penny Sharpe, at Parliament House

Who/What is the Landscape Conservation Forum?

Grahame Douglas, Convenor, Landscape Conservation Forum

Formerly referred to as the Reserves Committee of NPA State Council, the Landscape Conservation Forum considers all aspects of the natural and cultural environment of NSW, including terrestrial, marine, littoral, inter-tidal, scenic landscape, indigenous culture, non-indigenous cultural aspects within a natural setting and geo-diversity on both public and private land.

Koalas to Possums to Humboldt’s Web of Life

WEA Environmental History Courses in late 2017 from Janine Kitson

Towards the end of 2017 four environmental history courses were held at the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA, Sydney): Where have all the Koalas gone?;  Possums, Power & the Protection of the Australian Environment; People, Passion & the Protection of the Australian Environment; Alexander von Humboldt.

50 Park Proposals

Celebrating 50 years of the NPWS with 50 new national parks and additions

Grahame Douglas, Convenor, Landscape Conservation Forum

2017 saw some celebratory events to recognise the 50 years since the establishment of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in NSW. This corresponds with NPA’s 60th celebrations. So one could speculate on how to best recognise the 50th year with a present: the establishment of 50 new parks and reserves.

Vegetation Mapping in NSW

A description of two NSW state-wide vegetation maps and comments on their relevance to biodiversity assessment

Dr John Benson, Ecologist and member of National Parks Association of NSW

The recent comment on biodiversity decline in New South Wales canvassed that unreliable vegetation mapping could compound deficiencies in recently enacted biodiversity regulations. After the change of government in New South Wales in 2011, it appears a decision was made for NSW to adopt maps in biodiversity regulations replacing previous on-ground site assessment and property planning. This transition to maps raises challenges because unlike a google street map, vegetation maps contain errors leading to significant uncertainty in site-based land-use decisions.

Jervis Bay National Park

Brian Everingham, President, Southern Sydney Branch

If you visit Jervis Bay at any time of the year you will be struck by the white sands and the calm, pacific waters that lap the edges of those stark white beaches. Whether it be along the west facing edges of Beecroft peninsula, the southern fringes near the naval base, the delights of Hyams Beach or the secret nooks within Honeymoon Bay, it’s those white sands that catch the eye.