Climate Change, Covid and our National Parks

Brian Everingham, President, Southern Sydney Branch

The last time I walked overseas – indeed, travelled beyond the boundaries of my State – was in December 2018. At that time, within limits, one could almost describe the world as “normal”, as relatively benign, and even perhaps as welcoming. I was in Sri Lanka, visiting its national parks and soaking in the wildlife.  

I hasten to add that even on that trip there were dark clouds on the horizon. One location we visited had been devastated by the tsunami of 2004 and in Colombo, on our return, we had to negotiate our way through large protests about living conditions and corrupt governance.  

More parks the solution to dire environmental situation

The National Parks Association of NSW welcomes Commonwealth Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s commitment to protect a third of Australia’s land and the seas by 2030.

“Today’s release of the National State of the Environment Report confirms the dire condition of our natural landscapes, biodiversity and climate,” stated NPA President Dr Grahame Douglas.

National parks are for nature conservation not development

Polling released by the National Parks Australia Council shows the vast majority of Australians want national parks set aside for nature conservation not development.

The survey was conducted nationwide, with the protection of nature, saving threatened species, and quiet enjoyment of nature topping the list of importance for national parks and conservation areas to Australians.

Conservation leaders urge Premier to protect Kosciuszko Nation Park from commercial over-development

Some of the state’s leading conservationists, ecologists and former national parks managers are “imploring” Premier Gladys Berejiklian to “set aside disastrous plans” to significantly increase commercial development of Kosciuszko National Park.

Australia’s National Parks by Public Transport

Book Review. Author: Mick Ogrizek, 2019

At last, a guide for the keen bushwalker who doesn’t have access to a car.

Mick Ogrizek explains the impetus for this book was his post-retirement goal to visit all the national parks of Australia. It was a goal hampered by the lack of a driver’s licence. The book is a result of research on how to visit those National Parks that are accessible by public transport. It is a work in progress, with the book covering 38 national parks across all eight states and territories.

Celebrating Kosciuszko’s 75th anniversary

Graeme Worboys, (Honorary) Associate Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University

The 75th Anniversary of the establishment of Kosciuszko State Park falls on the 19th April 2019. The Park was famously established by Premier William McKell to protect the nationally important mountain water catchments; restore soil erosion caused by burning off and over-grazing by stock and to provide opportunities for visitor use and enjoyment. Kosciuszko is one of the Australia’s greatest national parks; it is a National Heritage Property protecting priceless Australian heritage and receives more than 1 million visits a year. The Park enjoyed 74 years of bipartisan support for conservation until regressive 2018 legislation was passed to retain thousands of feral horses within the Park.