Looking after the country in accordance with Tjukurpa is the prime responsibility shared by Parks Australia and Anangu within the fabric of joint management. The listing of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park as a World Heritage cultural landscape is recognition of this commitment to joint management and confirmation of the inseparable nature of cultural and natural resource management in the Park. The richness of the range of culturally significant places is of great contemporary and archaeological importance. Management practices must aim to retain and protect cultural as well as biodiversity values.
The World Heritage cultural landscape listing of 1994 is an international recognition of the cultural values that have shaped the landscape over time in accordance with Tjukurpa. The Park’s natural and cultural values are now being protected by Anangu and researchers working together in accordance with Tjukurpa. Separate pressures or actions, which may not have a significant impact on World Heritage values when considered in isolation, may have an adverse impact in combination or over time. Management will take account of such cumulative impacts.
Earlier management concentrated on surveying and making an inventory of resources. This has evolved into a broader approach whereby management of ecosystems takes account of ecological and human patterns and processes operating and interacting at the local and regional levels. Just as Tjukurpa and the responsibilities it entails are not contained within the Park’s boundaries, so too must the Park’s ecosystems be viewed within the regional context if natural resources are to be effectively managed.
A number of long-term research and monitoring studies in the Park have been instrumental in contributing to an improved understanding of the processes operating in the landscape of arid Australia. These have also included social science based studies which are an essential prerequisite to effective management. The studies’ findings have lead to the formulation of a number of basic principles relating to the functioning of arid zone ecology.
To comply with the World Heritage Convention’s operational guidelines, Park management will continue to keep abreast of the latest best-practice developments in the management of cultural and natural resources.
The principles for cultural heritage management in the Park are that it:
• is a joint management initiative controlled by senior Anangu Law men and women;
Section 4 - Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Plan of Management 2000 - CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | Zoe
• is jointly supported and sponsored by Parks Australia and Mutitjulu Community Inc;
• includes training in, and application of Western Scientific conservation skills as well as traditional skills;
• requires the development and utilisation of Anangu skills in planning, administration, bugeting, policy development and implementation;
• needs the involvement of Parks Australia and Community rangers, and Traditional persons trained in cultural heritage management;
• extends beyond the Park’s boundaries, and where Parks Australia resources are involved, subject to management guidelines approved by the Board.
An appropriately qualified person will facilitate the implementation of these principles.
4.2 Anangu living culture and sites of significance
An essential part of keeping Tjukurpa strong is the maintenance of traditional ceremonial activities. While such matters are very much the responsibility of Nguraritja, it is appropriate for this Plan of Management to assist, by ensuring that significant or sacred sites and material within Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park are managed in such a way that Nguraritja continue to have access to them. Conversely it is also important that such sites are protected from unauthorised or inappropriate use or access. This assists in protecting the values of the continuing cultural practices recognised in the World Heritage cultural heritage listing.
The Park offers access to and information about the details and significance of some sites, but access to other sites and information about them is not freely available to visitors. Some sites are known only to adult Anangu men and women, some are restricted to women, and some to initiated men. For example, a large proportion of the area of Kata Tjuta is associated with ritual information and activities that must remain the exclusive prerogative of initiated men. Access to the area and information about the area is therefore restricted.
Not all sites that are important under Tjukurpa are restricted, and Park visitors have many opportunities to learn about Anangu and their
relationship to the land. Access to many parts of the Park has been negotiated and agreed with Nguraritja.
The existence and protection of sacred sites enhances the experience of visitors who can come to understand the country and the nature of knowledge in Anangu culture and who appreciate the shared responsibility that comes with a visit.
Measures such as erection of low barrier fencing and signs have been taken to help Anangu to protect sites and Tjukurpa, while helping visitors to continue enjoying the Park within the context of culturally appropriate behaviour.
The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the National Parks and Wildlife Regulations provide for formal legal protection of sacred sites and other sites of significance to Anangu in the Park. Sacred site protection will be continued under the regulations to be made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act (NT) and the Heritage Conser vation Act (NT) are also relevant to the protection of sacred sites and certain objects. Those Acts are described in section 2.7 above. The Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 is also available as a protection mechanism of last resort. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Bill 1998 will, if enacted, replace the 1984 Act and provide for last resort protection in some cases.
• protection of some sites of cultural significance has not been as effective as desired. Concerns include unauthorised entry, vandalism by visitors, and insufficient funding to allow for employment of Anangu in the management of such sites
• some infrastructure at Uluru and Kata Tjuta is in need of review and relocation as its current placement encourages inappropriate visitor activity
• privacy is required for traditional ceremonial activity at sites around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Privacy is difficult to achieve due to the frequent and close proximity of visitors
Aims
• to support the maintenance of Tjukurpa as living Anangu culture
• to maintain and strengthen the right of Nguraritja to continue traditional use of the Park in accordance with Tjukurpa
• to protect sacred sites in the Park from unauthorised entry and viewing,
damage, and vandalism; and to protect other sites of significance in the Park, at the direction of Nguraritja, consistent with the Lease and Tjukurpa responsibilities
• to continue to use Anangu landscape ‘maps’ as planning, resource- management and training tools and to maintain Tjukurpa links beyond the Park boundaries
• Infrastructure review. Parks Australia and Anangu will continue to review and improve infrastructure, including signs and the location of walking tracks and other infrastructure near sacred sites and will reroute or relocate tracks and upgrade signs where necessary.
• Maintenance of living culture. Recognising that cultural maintenance is principally the responsibility of Nguraritja, the joint management partners will support maintenance of the Park’s living cultural values by contributing resources to the development and implementation of a comprehensive cultural heritage maintenance program.
• Site access. Where requested by Nguraritja, site access by visitors will be restricted. Inconvenience to tourism operations will be minimised, by providing as much notice as possible of such restrictions.
• Sites with restricted public access will continue to be patrolled and monitored by Park staff, in conjunction with appropriate senior Nguraritja.
• Interpretive material. Continue to ensure, through interpretive material, that visitors are aware of their responsibilities in relation to access to and photographing of sites of significance.
4.3 Places of cultural significance: rock art and Anangu archaeological material
In part, the history of Anangu occupation can be reconstructed from archaeological materials, from rock art and engravings that Anangu made to depict events from Tjukurpa and their own lives, and from the personal histories of people living in the Park today. This history of occupation is an important part of the cultural significance of the Park. In addition, archaeological sites document the Park’s history of occupation in the context of that of Central Australia during the last 30 000 years and its adaptations, social and economic, to the changing environmental history of the region.
The significance of this history reflects respect for the lives of ancestors.
There is a strong desire to look after this collective memory within the culture today and to pass it on to future generations in a suitable way.
During the term of the previous Plan consultants Lambert and Eldershaw prepared a report on Uluru rock art conservation. In response to concerns expressed by Nguraritja and Parks Australia, improved access to key public rock shelters has been designed and installed to reduce visitor impact. Among other measures designed to conserve rock art is the installation of silicon drip lines. Interpretive material is also presented at some galleries.
A cultural heritage workshop will be held during the early stages of this plan to consider management issues in relation to the Park’s cultural resources (places of cultural significance including places of historic interest and significance for Aboriginal history) and to develop strategies and guidelines for their conservation and management needs. The outcomes of these will be submitted to the Board for consideration.
• graffiti and vandalism at some art sites at Uluru
• the physical deterioration of cultural heritage material and the need to constantly reassess and upgrade conservation, protection and interpretive measures designed to counter vandalism, theft and other impacts
• incorporation of archaeological impact assessment for appraisal in development project proposals for the Park
• the need for a comprehensive and systematic survey of the Park’s archaeological record
• the need for Park staff with expertise in archaeology and anthropology to work with Anangu on cultural and environmental management
• there is a need to develop a comprehensive plan to implement the Lambert and Eldershaw recommendations
Aims
• to ensure that Nguraritja control management of their cultural heritage and cultural material in the Park. This should be done in close liaison with Parks Australia
• in accordance with Nguraritja requirements, to take measures to physically protect and conserve all rock art and cultural material from visitor impacts, vandalism, climatic conditions and weathering
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to cultural material are protected
• Uluru rock art conservation. Measures recommended by Lambert and Eldershaw during the previous archaeological surveys for the rehabilitation and conservation of rock art, will be implemented as a matter of priority. An ongoing program of rock art and other heritage resources conservation will be developed and implemented during the life of this Plan. Systematic surveys will be carried out during the life of this Plan in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological resources of the Park. Control of this information will lie with appropriate Nguraritja.
• Implement a prioritised work program for rock art conservation and protection.
• Anangu cultural material. A proposal for best-practice standards for the protection of Anangu cultural material will be prepared, for the Board of Management’s consideration and approval.
• Interpretation. Interpretation and protection material relating to the conservation of the cultural resources and rock art of the Park will continue to be developed. Additional measures for interpreting rock art will be considered in the development of an interpretation plan for the Park.
• Reporting. Parks Australia will report to the Board of Management for its annual audit of the implementation of the Plan of Management and to Environment Australia for the state of the environment report (as appropriate) with regard to the foregoing actions. The Board may approve further consultancies to identify or investigate other aspects of cultural heritage management in the Park and recommend conservation measures.
• Survey. Parks Australia and the Board will continue to develop a comprehensive and systematic archaeological survey of the Park, with continuing attention to the following:
• Anangu involvement at all levels in the planning and conduct of archaeological survey work and in the management of places of archaeological significance;
• consistency with other cultural heritage management programs and plans.
• Assessment. Parks Australia and the Board will ensure that archaeological impact assessment is incorporated into development- project proposals for the Park. This should include any potential impacts on depositional archaeological materials.
4.4 Anangu oral history, traditional knowledge and cultural property rights
Anangu have very detailed knowledge of the flora, fauna, habitats, seasonal changes, landscapes, places and history of the Park. Until very recently little of this knowledge was recorded, and even today much of it remains unrecorded.
The Cultural Centre helps Anangu ‘keep the Law straight’ by explaining, teaching and celebrating Tjukurpa for the public. Inma and public Tjukurpa from the Park were recorded for displays, films and soundscapes and a range of Anangu oral histories are presented in the light of Tjukurpa. Conservation of oral history and tradition is vital to the well-being of Anangu culture and the continuing management of the Park.
Joint management aims to balance Anangu cultural and ecological conservation and management practice with Western conservation and management practice. An example of this is the Uluru fauna survey, which recognises the knowledge and expertise Anangu possess in relation to the ecology of their country. This information has complemented and improved Western scientific survey methods. The survey is producing valuable material for the better management of the Park and for the better maintenance of Tjukurpa.
Conservation of Anangu oral history and traditional knowledge is vital to understanding the cultural landscape in the future and vital to the success of land management in the Park and the region. It is integral to the programs for reintroducing rare and endangered species, for fire management, waterhole maintenance, flora and fauna identification, and the control of introduced animals.
• maintenance of Anangu traditional knowledge is fundamental to the conservation of the Park’s cultural values
• Anangu do not want to lose the knowledge and understanding associated with the past, and the use of contemporary media to record, store and use their knowledge along Anangu cultural lines will help prevent such loss
• the need to protect Nguraritja intellectual and cultural property rights is highlighted by the scientific and broader community’s growing awareness of the depth and value of traditional knowledge
Aims
• to ensure Nguraritja control of the recording of oral history and cultural tradition and to continue to help Nguraritja record their oral history and tradition
• to protect Nguraritja cultural and intellectual property rights
• to design and implement a professional program for systematically recording traditional ecological knowledge in a regional context
• Maintenance of Anangu traditional knowledge. Parks Australia will support the maintenance of Nguraritja traditions.
• Senior Nguraritja will be supported in teaching younger Anangu and Park staff in traditional knowledge and skills associated with land management in the Park. This will be achieved through the Junior Ranger and Secondary School Programs as well as the Park’s continuing land-management work and education and training programs for Park staff.
• Support Anangu to establish a formal process for the collection and storage of and access to oral history and tradition, this would include the utilization of contemporary media equipment and techniques, consistent with Anangu responsibility and priorities associated with Tjukurpa.
• Anangu intellectual and cultural property. A policy incorporating best-practice standards for the protection of Nguraritja intellectual and cultural property will be prepared for the Board of Management’s consideration and approval,
• In close liaison with the Central Land Council and the Office for Joint Management, Parks Australia will seek to ensure that the intellectual and cultural property rights of Nguraritja are protected in relation to the collection and possible dissemination of traditional ecological knowledge.
• The permit system for research related to the Park’s natural and cultural resources will be reviewed to safeguard Anangu interests and protection of cultural and intellectual property.
4.5 Waterhole maintenance
Anangu people recognise four main kinds of water sources (Layton 1986).
• The most reliable water sources are large waterholes or springs, which are considered to be the home of wanamp i (water snakes), Tjukurpa creatures considered to be guardians of the water source they reside in, control and allow people to use.
• Second on the scale of reliability is the soak (kakanpa). Soaks are also fed from an underground supply, but in this case the supply is a superficial and purely local water table in the sand of a dry creek bed
or in the soil on the margin of a rock dome. Soaks are fairly reliable because the water is protected from evaporation by the sandy surface.
• Waterholes (tjukula) occur on exposed platforms in the gullies of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and are not protected by sand or soil.
• The least reliable source of water is the claypan (tjintjira), which is particularly susceptible to evaporation.
Anangu consider that all these water sources are caused by, and have continuing associations with, Tjukurpa, so their maintenance is of prime importance to Anangu in the management of the landscape.
• Anangu want to maintain waterholes such that traditional knowledge is practised and imparted to present and future generations of Anangu and to Park staff
• the need for resources to document and monitor water sources, by mapping or recording locations and conditions, and understanding the ecological implications of water fluctuations
Aims
• to maintain the condition of the waterholes and their environs consistent with Tjukurpa and to appropriately document the traditional water resources of the Park
• within overall management of the Park’s resources, to consider the natural water resources’ effects on biodiversity
• Ongoing support. Support Anangu aspirations regarding development and implementation of a program of waterhole maintenance such that traditional practices are continued and traditional knowledge is imparted to young Anangu.
• Include management of the Park’s traditional water resources within the Park’s operational plan.
• A review of Anangu knowledge of the Park’s water resources be conducted to investigate the relationship between these resources and the biodiversity of the Park.
4.6 Geology, landforms and soils
Anangu explanations of the formation of Uluru and Kata Tjuta derive from Tjukurpa. Some of these explanations, especially those that concern Kata Tjuta, are in the realm of secret information. Geological interpretations of the landscape’s origins are very different.
The current geological interpretations of the formation of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and of the low range of hills known as the Sedimentaries to the north of the Park focus on folding and the upthrust of rock strata during earth movements. The features are seen as surface expressions of the underlying Mt Currie conglomerate. Kata Tjuta is made up of gently dipping conglomerate, which is totally different in appearance from the steeply dipping arkose of Uluru. The tilted strata of the Sedimentaries expose Mt Currie conglomerate and upper Proterozoic rocks called the Winnal Beds.
Surrounding these exposed rock features are very large areas dominated by sand dunes, sandplains and alluvium deposited by water flows from Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the Sedimentaries and, to a lesser extent, from Britten Jones Creek and the creeks that flow from Kata Tjuta. The parallel, reticulate and irregular dunes rise an average of 10 metres above the surrounding plain.
Allan (1984) grouped these features into three broad land systems.
• The Gillen land system consists of the two large outcrops of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, their narrow gorges, gullies and creeklines, and associated gently sloping fans and alluvium of coarse-textured soils.
• The Karee land system consists of the gently sloping plains fringing the fans and alluvium of the Gillen land system.
• The Simpson land system, consisting of sandplains and dunefields, is the most extensive land system in the Park.
Early unrestricted vehicular access around the base of Uluru resulted in tracks intercepting sheet flow and consequent severe gully erosion. Early erosion-control works have achieved a degree of stability in some areas but have exacerbated the problem in others.
The Mutitjulu waterhole area is now stable following the construction of ponding banks in the late 1960s. But Kantju Gorge and Warayuki (a sacred site) are still eroding; these areas have been subject to a detailed survey and analysis and erosion-control works have been recently designed.
The scenery of the Park is both dramatic and subtle and adds greatly to overall Park values. Continuing protection of the Park’s scenic values is of the utmost importance.
• the soils of the Gillen land system are the most susceptible to erosion in the Park. This land system is based around Uluru and Kata Tjuta, where the pressures of tourism are greatest
• surface hydrology, soil susceptibility to erosion and scenic aspects must be carefully considered in planning and designing Park infrastructure
• best practice management of the Gillen Land System requires soil mapping at a finer scale than is currently available
• surface hydrology, soil susceptibility to erosion and scenic aspects must be carefully considered in planning and designing Park infrastructure
Aims
• to ensure Tjukurpa and the Park’s scenic values are retained and accommodated in the assessment of development proposals
• to ensure that erosion is contained and minimised, especially in heavily used areas
• to encourage and extend visitors’ appreciation of the different landforms and landscape types in the Park
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to soil and geological management issues are protected
• Erosion and soils. Extreme care will be exercised in the course of operational activities particularly in the Gillen land system. Fine scale soil mapping will be implemented for the production of soil management plans particularly in ares of high visitor use.
• Operational activities within dune and sandplain areas of the Park will take account of the susceptibility of these systems to wind erosion.
• Erosion risk and hazard maps will be prepared for the Park.
• Erosion works designed for Kantju Gorge and Warayuki will be carried out and a monitoring program established. Revegetation will be undertaken using local species.
• Other eroded areas around the base of Uluru will be surveyed and the necessary control works designed and constructed by appropriate experts. Eroding ponding banks along the rehabilitated old Kata Tjuta road will be restored.
• All future location and design of Park facilities, particularly the siting of
roads and tracks, will take account of soil characteristics and local surface hydrology.
• The rationalisation and rehabilitation of the old Curtin Springs road will be investigated
• The rehabilitated old Kata Tjuta ring road and Valley of the Winds track will be monitored for erosive processes and if necessary control works will be constructed.
• All actively eroded areas in the Park will be mapped in addition to areas already identified at risk or deemed an erosion hazard. Subsequently a prioritised erosion control works program will be developed and used to guide subsequent works and resource allocations.
4.7 Hydrology
Anangu consider that all water sources in the Park are caused by or have an association with Tjukurpa. The knowledge of the location and temporal availability of water sources has always been an essential component of Anangu ability to survive when travelling through country. The science of hydrology broadly divides the waters of the Park into two categories: surface and subsurface.
Surface hydrology
The Mutitjulu waterhole at the base of Uluru is regarded as the only perennial source. After heavy rains surface water may be present for varying periods in the waterholes and drainage lines associated with the gorges of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and the claypans and depressions associated with mulga communities in the Park. Rainfall in the arid zone is low, highly unpredictable and highly variable, temporally and spatially. Major rainfalls are rare and very important, hydrologically and ecologically, in recharging groundwater systems and eliciting a massive pulse of life through ecosystems. Any disruption to flows can result in adverse effects on soils and vegetation in these areas.
Subsurface hydrology
Groundwater is the only reliable water supply in the region. There are two main aquifer systems in the Park of concern to management: the dune plains aquifer, from which Yulara draws its water supply; and the southern aquifer, on which the Mutitjulu Community and more recently the Cultural Centre depend.
The dune plains aquifer. The aquifer is related to an ancient buried palaeodrainage line or palaeoriver that at its maximum was about 60 metres deep, emanated from the south of the Kata Tjuta complex, flowed eastwards towards present-day Yulara, then swung to the north along the eastern edge of the Sedimentaries to Lake Amadeus. The Park’s mulga habitat for the Mulgara (a carnivorous marsupial mammal) coincides with this area. Recharge of the dune plains aquifer is associated with rare major rainfalls such as that in 1989 and in 1999-2000.
In 1996 the Park commissioned AGSO to review the existing a pre-existing Palaeodrainage model in the region (Jacobson et al 1989) particularly in the light of research that suggested the core Mulgara habitat and aquifer were in some way ecologically connected. (Reid et al. 1993, Baker & Jarman 1995). The subsequent review proposed that the depth to the water table of the core Mulgara habitat might be less important than its proximity to the run-off from the sedimentaries through the adjacent extensive Mulga Shrubland. Instead the review emphasised the highly significant role that this sheetwash zone may play in the recharge of the aquifer as well as concentrating surface water and nutrients in the transitional zone between Mulga and sandplain, the core Mulgara habitat. These findings have direct implications both for the management of the Dune Plains Aquifer and the Mulgara population. The presence of roads and tracks across this specialised landscape with its unique interaction of soils, patterned vegetation and hydrology is likely to have a significant detrimental impact.
The southern aquifer. The southern aquifer is quite distinct from the dune plains aquifer and is not hydrologically connected. Groundwater levels are directly influenced by run-off from Uluru.
Following the removal of tourist accommodation from the Park after the establishment of Yulara, water extraction from the southern aquifer dropped dramatically and there was a concomitant rise in the groundwater level. The establishment in 1995 of the Cultural Centre, in conjunction with extraction by the growing Mutitjulu Community, will impose increasing use on groundwater supplies.
Increased levels of visitation are placing increasing levels of demand upon the groundwater systems of the dune plains and southern aquifers. The Olympic games in the year 2000 will probably significantly increase visitation placing potentially heavier demands than usual on the water supply as will any intended expansion of Yulara. Recharge events for the dune plains aquifer are associated with rare major rainfall events such as that of 1989 which was considered to be a 1 in 20 year event (English, 1997a). A review of the Dune plains and Southern Aquifer systems is overdue in the light of increased visitation and will be a high priority for the Park and Yulara. (English, 1997b).
• it is important to understand more about traditional knowledge of the distribution of water in the landscape and the ecological and hydrological patterns and processes
• decisions about the siting of Park infrastructure such as roads and tracks must have due regard to natural surface flows to perennial vegetation.
• sheetflow run-off from mulga shrubland near the northern boundary of the Park has been identified as being highly significant. This sheetflow supplies water and nutrients to the extremely important transitional sandplain habitat in the Park
• failure to closely monitor and manage increased use of the resources of the two aquifer systems may lead to diminished long term water availability and water quality and impact deleteriously upon the ecology of the transitional sandplain environment associated with the dune plains aquifer. There are few alternative viable aquifer systems elsewhere in the region (English 1997a, 1997b)
Aims
• to maintain a safe and sustainable supply of water from the southern aquifer, according to the best available health standards for Park residents and visitors
• to maintain the natural surface hydrology of the Park to the greatest degree possible, within the constraints of providing roads, tracks and other infrastructure
• to ensure that use of the dune plains and southern aquifers is sustainable; so that their level of use does not adversely affect the Park’s ecology and natural values.
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to hydrology and waste management issues are protected
• the Park will actively protect the values of the dune borefield area
• Anangu knowledge. Following consultation and approval, Parks Australia will work with Nguraritja and others to record traditional knowledge relating to regional hydrology and major rainfall events. The present network of vehicle tracks to the south and east of Uluru will be rationalised in close consultation with Anangu. Those no longer
considered necessary will be rehabilitated. This will be achieved by restoration of surface level and revegetation with local species.
• Surface hydrology. Care will be exercised in sensitive run-off areas to ensure that Park operations do not disturb or disrupt natural surface hydrological processes.
• Conduct a community awareness programme aimed at informing Park residents about their role in preventing erosion.
• Subsurface hydrology. Monitoring of the water of the southern aquifer will continue at regular intervals to ensure that the water quality meets standards recommended by relevant health guidelines.
• The Northern Territory Power and Water Authority will continue to monitor extraction rates and standing water levels in the borefield.
• Any new roads in the bore field area shall not adversely affect the associated Park values.
• Parks Australia will commission a review of the hydrodynamics and current and projected use of the dune plains and southern aquifer in order to determine the nature of recharge and impacts of current rates of extraction, and any consequent management response required.
• Hydrology and waste management. Parks Australia will commission a review of the current nature of water consumption and waste-water management in the Park. The review will investigate suitable water conservation measures and the potential for inadvertent pollution of groundwater in the Park. Recommendations for alleviating any adverse effects will be made.
Anangu traditionally used fire to create a mosaic of differing aged vegetation across the landscape. The regime was maintained for thousands of years and had the effect of inhibiting the spread of wildfires.
Before Europeans introduced livestock, fire was used extensively by Anangu in Central Australia. Anangu deliberately intervened with fire and developed it as a technology for ecosystem manipulation (Jones 1969, Hallam 1975). They did this for a number of reasons, such as hunting and the encouragement of ‘bush tucker’ vegetation and green feed for animals. Burning was an integral part of life and fundamental to looking after country. Anangu typically burnt as they travelled the country; most movement, and burning, occurred in the cooler months or following heavy rains.
‘Areas were managed through the use or non-use of fire according to landform and vegetation as well as criteria which derive from the Tjukurpa’ (Baker et al. 1993).
After the arrival of European people in Central Australia the displacement of Anangu resulted in loss of traditional burning regimes over vast areas. As a consequence, the pattern changed from the previous mosaic of patch burns to extensive areas of country carrying increasing fuel loads associated with unburnt vegetation. The inevitable result was huge wildfires following periods of above-average rainfall.
The loss of the habitat diversity that had been associated with the earlier mosaic patterning is believed to be one of a variety of factors contributing to the loss of over 40 per cent of mammal species from the Central Australian region. Serious wildfires in 1976 burnt about three quarters of the Park. Subsequently, CSIRO, as part of a collaborative research contract with then Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, developed a fire management strategy (Saxon 1984) to mitigate the destructive effects of wildfires. Anangu played a crucial role in implementing this fire management strategy. The fire-management regime integrates aspects of traditional Anangu burning practices with a scientifically based approach. Prescriptive fire action plans will be included as part of the review being conducted currently of the Fire Management Strategy.
The Uluru fauna survey also resulted in a number of recommendations that were incorporated in the fire-management program:
• that the majority of the standing mulga and much of the regenerating 1976 mulga be protected from fire;
• that the majority of 1976 aged spinifex be protected from fire, at least until surveys to search for rare species are concluded;
• that mallee-spinifex areas be protected from fire until they have been surveyed for rare species;
• that surveys of these habitats be carried out to assess and map their habitat quality for wildlife and that recommendations arising from the research be formally written into the fire-management strategy;
• that, notwithstanding the foregoing the patch-burn strategy be vigorously pursued to promote landscape and faunal diversity (Reid et al. 1993).
Since the Uluru Fauna Survey additional research projects or monitoring programs have resulted in a further clarification of the requirements of various faunal communities (Reid & Hobbs, 1995, 1996) and individual species such as the striated grass wren, (Pedler 1997), mulgara, (Dasycercus cristicauda) (Baker & Jarman 1995) and the great desert skink, (Egernia kintorei) (McAlpin, 1997). The findings and recommendations contained in these reports have been incorporated in the overall fire strategy, as they became available.
Within the Park there are vulnerable plant species and communities, such as the (Acacia ammobia) community on the eastern boundary.
Integral to the strategy has been the use of satellite data and a geographic information system the development of fire history maps for recording both management and wildfire burns and in planning future burning.
Fire management is a fundamental management practice in the Park and a clear example of the adaptive management process operating successfully within the joint management framework.
• fire-sensitive plant and animal communities that need to be protected should be mapped clearly and specific prescriptions for protection should be formulated
• fire management in the Park must be undertaken a regional context. Wildfires from beyond the Park’s boundaries have the capacity to seriously damage ecosystems in the Park
Aims
• to maintain traditional Anangu burning practices and promote their integration with scientific knowledge
• to maintain the Park’s biodiversity
• to protect life, property and culturally significant sites and mitigate the effects of wildfire
• to maintain community education and interpretation programs dealing with the role of fire in the Park
• to develop a regional and integrated fire management plan
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to fire management are protected
• Working together. Anangu and Parks Australia will continue to work together in all aspects of fire management.
• Traditional fire-management knowledge will continue to be documented and used.
• Significant sites. Nguraritja will be assisted by Parks Australia in appropriate fire-management practices for the protection of culturally significant sites. Culturally appropriate location maps may be produced that clearly delineate areas that require protection from fire.
• Fire-management review. Parks Australia will update the fire-management strategy. In the interim, the current patch-burn strategy will continue, incorporating the findings and recommendations of Nguraritja and scientific advisers.
• Vulnerable plant species will be clearly identified and mapped to facilitate protection under the fire management strategy.
• Parks Australia will participate in the formulation of a regional fire management action plan through workshops with neighbours to identify roles, responsibilities and funding sources.
• the fire research and monitoring program will continue.
• Wildfire. Wildfire suppression will take place only after careful consideration of the threat to fire-sensitive plant or animal communities and the threat to Park infrastructure.
• Fire suppression that calls for off-road vehicle use will be carried out only where life, property or, in the opinion of Nguraritja, culturally significant sites are threatened.
• Training. Park staff involved in fire management or containment will be required to complete at the minimum a Level 1 Bushfire Fighting Operations course.
• Park Staff involved in fire management will receive training in traditional fire management techniques from senior Anangu.
• Equipment. Parks Australia will maintain a stock of fire-fighting equipment that is readily accessible to suitably trained staff.
• Regional Context. Parks Australia will continue to work with landowners and other stakeholders to encourage and assist with fire management outside the Park.
* The Park will continue to foster the exchange of traditional fire-management knowledge and skills between relevant Anangu in the region.
* Parks Australia will encourage Ayers Rock Resort Management to maintain a fire management strategy for the Yulara area that helps sustain populations of the vulnerable mulgara and Great Desert Skink and maintenance of life, property and landscape aesthetics.
In the context of Tjukurpa the actions of ancestral animals such as mala (rufous hare-wallaby), panpanpalala (crested bellbird), kuniya (Woma python), lungkata (blue-tongue lizard) and itjaritjari (marsupial mole), to name a few, all have important roles in the evolution of the form and features of Uluru.
Traditional knowledge and techniques related to the ecology and life histories of a range of vertebrate fauna, habitats and land management have been documented for the Uluru region (Baker et al. 1993). Much of this documentation was collected during the Uluru fauna survey, a collaboration between Anangu, CSIRO and Parks Australia.
Anangu continue to hunt and gather animal species in remote areas of the Park and on Anangu land elsewhere. These days hunting is largely confined to the red kangaroo, the euro, the Australian bustard, the emu, and lizards such as the sand goanna and perentie.
Historically, 46 species of native mammal are known to have been living in the Uluru region; recent surveys have found that there are currently 21 species of native mammal living in the Park. Anangu acknowledge that a decrease in the number of species has implications for the condition and health of the landscape. Anangu generally support moves to reintroduce locally extinct animals such as nganamara (mallee fowl), wayuta (common brushtail possum), mala (rufous hare-wallaby), ninu (bilby), mitika (burrowing bettong) and waru (black-footed rock wallaby).
The bat population of the Park comprises at least seven species that depend on day roosting sites within the caves and crevices of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. Most of the bats forage for aerial prey within an airspace extending only 100m or so from the rock face. The mulgara, the only mammal listed in Schedule 1 to the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992, with its status described as vulnerable, is mostly restricted to a habitat in a narrow band of country that stretches from the vicinity of Uluru, to the northern boundary of the Park, and into Yulara township, in the transitional sandplain area. This listing will be continued under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 when it replaces the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992. This very important area also contains a range of other animals of conservation significance including the marsupial mole, the woma python and the Great Desert Skink.
The Park has a representative and moderately diverse arid zone avifauna that is rich by Central-Western Desert standards: 178 species of bird have been recorded. Surveys have recorded several rare species such as the scarlet-chested parrot, the striated grasswren and the grey honeyeater.
At least two species, the mallee fowl and the bush thick knee (stone curlew), have declined in relatively recent times, in line with the general decline across much of south-central Australia. This may be due to seasonal variations. The Park has a very rich reptile fauna of high conservation significance: 73 species have been reliably recorded. Reid et al. (1993) consider there is no comparably sized area in the Australian semi-arid zone that is known to have a fauna as rich in reptiles. Four species of frog have been recorded; they are abundant at the base of Uluru and in Kata Tjuta following summer rains.
The great desert skink is the only reptile from the Park that is listed under Schedule 1 of the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992. Its status is described as vulnerable and it is mostly restricted to the transitional sandplain system in association with the mulgara. This listing will be continued under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 when it replaces the (Endangered Species Protection Act 1992).
Invertebrates have been collected in a quantitative fashion from all permanent monitoring sites, which represent the range of habitats to be found in the Park. Results to date from material collected from pitfall traps have yielded 344 invertebrate morphospecies. The largest species groups were Araneae (spiders-82 morphospecies), ants (76), Coleoptera (beetles - 57), Hemiptera (bugs - 27), mutillid wasps (25), Orthoptera (crickets and grasshoppers - 20) and Blattodea (cockroaches - 15) (Yen et al. 1996). A reference collection of the most commonly encountered invertebrates is to be lodged with the Park.
During the life of the last plan the following research and monitoring of relevance to management of fauna was carried out. This was in accordance with the findings and recommendations contained within the Uluru Fauna Report (Reid et al 1993) and as stipulated in the previous plan;
• Conservation Strategy for the Mulgara, Dasycercus cristicauda. (Baker & Jarman, 1995)
• Distribution and abundance of relict Burrowing Bettong warrens (Noble et al, 1996)
• Conservation of the Great Desert Skink, Egernia kintorei. (McAlpin, 1997)
• Review of the Palaeodrainage model (English, 1997a & b).
• the management of habitat and associated fauna must be integrated into an adaptive management approach that takes account of research and monitoring results as they become available during the life of the Plan
• the unpredictable nature of rainfall means that fauna and habitats need to be monitored over a long period to provide an appropriate understanding of the dynamics of their abundance and distribution
• it is important that the Park is managed in its regional context
• a number of important species have become locally extinct
Aims
• to conserve the natural range, distribution and diversity of native animals while respecting the rights and interests of Anangu, including those relating to hunting and gathering in the Park
• to provide special protection for rare, endangered and vulnerable species and habitats
• to maintain the integration and documentation of traditional ecological knowledge as a vital component of the management of native fauna
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to the monitoring and management native fauna are protected.
• Working together. Parks Australia and Anangu will continue to work closely in all aspects of management of the Park’s fauna.
• Hunting and Gather ing. A nangu and Park staff will continue to ensure that the Anangu right to engage in traditional hunting and gathering does not pose a threat to rare species, habitats and ecological processes in the Park.
• Reintroduction program. Parks Australia in conjunction with Anangu and the Scientific Consultative Committee will implement a Threatened Species Reintroduction Program based on the findings of the 1999 workshop, dependent on the long term effective control of herbivores and predators.
• Recording information. In consultation with Nguraritja, traditional ecological information about fauna will continue to be recorded and, if appropriate, disseminated in accordance with intellectual and cultural property protocols. When necessary, Parks Australia will engage the services of a linguist to ensure the accurate collection, translation and storage of traditional ecological knowledge.
• Parks Australia will support Nguraritja in the communication of traditional ecological knowledge about fauna to younger people. This will be achieved through programs developed cooperatively by relevant Nguraritja, the Office for Joint Management and Parks Australia.
• Integrated management of species and habitats. The fauna of the Park particularly the mulgara and great desert skink will be managed through a habitat-management strategy that integrates fauna survey, research and monitoring programs with strategies for the management of fire and introduced weeds.
• Parks Australia will assess whether the highly significant transitional sandplain system should be nominated for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as a threatened ecological community.
• Research and Monitoring. Parks Australia will continue its commitment to long-term research and monitoring.
• Regional Context. Parks Australia will continue to liaise closely with Anangu, the Central Land Council and Ayers Rock Resort Management in relation to management of neighbouring land. Of particular importance is the need to liaise about the management of the transitional sandplain habitat.
• Parks Australia will continue to liaise with the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory and the Central Land Council on matters of mutual concern.
• Ayers Rock Resort Management will be encouraged to appoint an environment officer to oversee environment management in the Yulara area in close liaison with Parks Australia, the Central Land Council, and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.
• Parks Australia will liaise with Nguraritja and the Central Land Council to determine the potential for a collaborative biological survey of significant habitats close to the Park, particularly in the Sedimentaries.
• The findings of the research undertaken will be used as a basis for future research and monitoring.
4.10 Introduced and pest animals
The pressures exerted by introduced predators and herbivores on the original mammalian fauna of Central Australia were a major factor in the extinction of about 40 per cent of the native species.
Of the 27 mammal species found in the Park, six are introduced: the house mouse, the camel, the fox, the cat, the dog and the rabbit. These introduced species are distributed throughout the Park, although their densities are greatest in the rich run-off areas of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Large numbers of rabbits, particularly in the run-off areas around Uluru and Kata Tjuta, led to the introduction of a rabbit-control program in 1989. The result has been a great reduction in the rabbit population, a noticeable improvement in vegetation recovery, and an associated reduction in predator numbers (Low et al. 1997). However low rabbit numbers mean that further transmission of the calicivirus is difficult.
An aerial survey yielded an estimate of 47 000 camels in the southern part of the Northern Territory (Wurst & Saalfield 1994). In the Park camels have been implicated in the reduction in plant species, particularly more succulent species such as the quandong.
The house mouse is a successful invader of disturbed environments and habitats that have lost native rodents, but as a competitor it appears to be inferior to native species in undisturbed natural habitats (Fox & Pople 1984, cited in Reid et al. 1993).
Subjective estimates of cat and fox numbers have been collected in association with the rabbit-control program. Transects to determine predator densities in the eastern section of the Park were established and both traditional tracking techniques and Western techniques were used. Anangu knowledge and tracking skills are invaluable assets in the management of these introduced animals.
National threat abatement programs being developed for predators such as the fox and cat may provide the framework for controlling introduced animals in the Park, ensuring that best-practice standards are incorporated in future management programs.
The regulations prohibit animals being brought into the Park unless they are a guide dog for the blind, or a permit is granted by the Director.
• a regional approach is essential to the operation of any program for controlling introduced animals
• there has been no strategic effort to control camels in the Park and camel numbers are increasing in the region
• hybridisation with dogs poses a threat to dingo conservation
• pest animals have a detrimental impact on the highly significant fauna of the transitional sandplain habitat, especially the vulnerable mulgara and the great desert skink
• Anangu perceptions of introduced animals are sometimes at variance with scientific views: management programs should take this into account
• uncontrolled domestic pets present an unacceptable risk to the natural values of the Park
Aims
• to limit the negative effects of introduced species on native fauna and flora whilst taking into account the views and concerns of Nguraritja
• to minimise the negative effects of introduced species in a regional context by working cooperatively with neighbouring land users and government agencies
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to the management of introduced and pest animals are protected
• Strategic management and pest animals. Parks Australia will continue to develop and implement its strategy for the control of pest animals in the Park. This strategy will be consistent with relevant national threat abatement plans.
• The findings and recommendations presented by Reid at al (1993), Reid & Hobbs (1996) Allan (1997), Baker & Jarman (1995) McAlpin (1997), Low et al (1997) and English (1997) will be considered in the development of the strategy.
• The impact of rabbit fumigation upon non-target fauna will be investigated. Particular attention will be given to the transitional sandplain area and Gillen land system at Uluru and Kata -Tjuta.
• Regional context. Parks Australia will liaise closely with Park neighbours and relevant regional organisations, government agencies and individuals-including the Central Land Council, Anangu, the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, and Ayers Rock Resort Management; in developing a strategic approach for the control of introduced animals beyond Park boundaries.
• Domestic pets. Parks Australia will support the Mutitjulu Community to continue its dog management program. Permits are required, subject to conditions approved by the Director, for all domestic pets owned by
residents of the Park and visitors to the Mutitjulu Community. Appropriately approved Park staff will enforce any breach of conditions associated with the permit.
• Apart from guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf, visitors will not be allowed to bring dogs into the Park.
• A survey and monitoring program of the resident dog population’s impact on the Park will be conducted as a priority.
• Invasive fauna such as domestic cats or birds will not be permitted in the Park.
Plants are an important part of Tjukurpa, and there are ceremonies for each of the major plant foods. Many plants are imbued with the essence of Tjukurpa by virtue of their association with particular ancestral beings. Collection of plant foods remains a culturally important activity, reinforcing traditional links with country and maintaining links with Tjukurpa.
Anangu use plants for a wide range of purposes-as sources of food, nectar and honey; for fire, medicines and tobacco; as raw materials for implements, weapons and artefacts; for cementing and adhesive substances; as fuel for cooking and warmth; for ornaments and decoration used in ritual ceremonies; and as sources of water and edible invertebrates.
During past plan of management Anangu have been encouraged to collect timber from beyond the Park boundary to avoid damage to the environmental values of the Park. This, along with increasing tourist use of firewood collected along the Lasseter Highway, contributes to environmental degradation outside the Park. Some firewood is still collected in the Park.
Anangu adopt a broad categorisation of habitats in the Park by reference to a congruence of characteristics such as landform, soil, vegetation, fire state, and animal inhabitants. In some instances a habitat is identified specifically by the association of a particular animal. The following are the most common Anangu habitat types in the Park:
• tali - the sand dune or sand dune systems and accompanying vegetation;
• pila - flat to undulating sandy plains generally dominated by spinifex species and occasionally trees and shrubs;
• puti - flat areas of usually heavier soils characterised by the presence of scrubby bush, woodlands or dense stands of mulga;
• puli - the rocky habitats in the Park, principally Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Puli includes the vegetation associated with the silos and creeklines found within Kata Tjuta and emanating from the base of Uluru.
The Uluru Herbarium was completed in 1989; in 1996 it was reviewed by the Parks and Wildlife Commission Herbarium in order to accommodate recent changes in nomenclature and taxonomy.
Following the initiation of the rabbit-control program in 1989, permanent vegetation-monitoring sites were established in areas around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. These sites are regularly re-assessed to determine the nature of vegetative recovery following the removal of rabbits.
In 1995 a survey was conducted to determine the impact of infrastructure, past and present, on environmental processes around the base of Uluru. The survey was designed to quantify the relationships between perennial species (including weeds) in the understorey and attributes such as landscape type, vegetation type, soil texture, erosion status, and disturbance regime. In addition, a range of the permanent fauna-monitoring sites were floristically assessed in 1994, 1995 and 1997.
Areas susceptible to weed invasion, change in vegetation structure and erosion were documented as a result of the 1995 flora survey. A seed bank has been established using Anangu expertise in the collection and sorting of material. Seedlings have been propagated from this stock of seed and used to rehabilitate degraded areas around the Cultural Centre and for amenity planting in the Mutitjulu Community.
In restricted habitats such as waterholes and soaks, the following rare species are found:
• Stylidium inaequipetalum and Eragrostis sp. at Mutitjulu (Maggie Springs), the latter being an undescribed grass probably restricted to Uluru;
• Parietaria debilis at Uluru;
• Eriachne scleranthoides, Mt Olga wanderrie, a rare tussock grass which, although common on the slopes of Kata Tjuta, is known to occur at only one other location, Mount Currie, about 35 km to the north-west of Mount Olga;
muellen, Quillwort; and Triglochin calcitrapum var. isingianum, Spurred arrowgrass, in the narrow valleys of Kata Tjuta, for example in the Valley of the Winds and Walpa (Olga Gorge).
The above species or groups of species are generally restricted to the moist areas at the bases of the monoliths.
Sandhill mulga Acacia ammobia is a notable species because it is restricted to the area between Mt Connor and Docker River, centred in the Park. Small isolated stands of Acacia cyperophylla, Red Mulga, extend in a thin strip running east-west just south of the entry station.
There are other species which, although found elsewhere in central Australia, could become endangered in the Park and will require monitoring during the life of the Plan. These species include pink early nancy (Wurmbea centralis), Juncus continuus, white cypress Callitris sp and the shrubs found on the rock hillsides around Kata Tjuta, Gossypium sturtianum, Rulingia magniflora, Hibbertia glaberrima, Baeckea polystemonea and Plectranthus intra terraneus.
Appendix B lists rare plant species.
• if the Park’s biodiversity is to be maintained plants and animals must be managed in an integrated way. This will involve a strategic approach to habitat management, taking into account the impacts of fire, introduced animals and weeds, and processes such as surface hydrology. Parks Australia needs to develop an understanding of the fire sensitivities of various plant and animal communities and their inter-relationships
• plant communities of restricted occurrence in the Park need to be better understood and documented in spatial and qualitative terms
• Anangu must be able to maintain access to traditional plant use
• the environmental consequences of firewood use and timber artefact manufacture must be addressed as a priority early in the life of the Plan
Aims
• to maintain the natural abundance and diversity of native plants and plant communities in the Park whilst accommodating the rights and needs of Anangu, as stated in the Lease
• to maintain traditional ecological knowledge related to the flora of the Park
• to ensure that the location and distribution of sensitive plant species and plant communities is appropriately documented
• to provide realistic alternatives to Anangu use of large amounts of firewood
• to enable Anangu traditional plant use without compromising environmental values
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to the management of native flora are protected
• Anangu participation. Anangu will continue to guide the gathering and management of native plants in the Park.
• The transmission of traditional botanical knowledge by Anangu, across generations, will be encouraged and integrated into the Park’s training program.
• The Office for Joint Management and Parks Australia will investigate the use of firewood and timber for artefact manufacture and its environmental consequences including options for local supply, local woodlot and purchase of wood.
• Habitat management. Native plants and communities will be managed using an integrated approach to habitat management involving fire and the control of introduced animals and weeds, as appropriate.
• Parks Australia will produce a floristic map at a scale sufficient to enable the accurate location and management of identified plant species and communities. Strategies will be refines for species regarded as vulnerable or threatened.
• Database. Parks Australia will upgrade its geographic information system database for the Park’s flora. This will include both spatial and qualitative representation of data for management purposes.
• Vegetation rehabilitation. A rehabilitation plan will be developed early during the term of this Plan of Management. It will take into account identifying areas that require rehabilitation work, methods of rehabilitation, development of priorities for sites, and monitoring of sites. There are a number of priority areas for rehabilitation:
• the base of the climb at Uluru
• Kantju Gorge and Warayuki following the placement of erosion-control works
• former motel sites in the Gillen land system in the vicinity of Uluru
• degraded areas around the Cultural Centre
• old ripped car parks at Kata Tjuta
• degraded sites around the Mutitjulu Community.
• Monitoring plant use. The collection of plant material for a range of purposes will continue and will be monitored in close collaboration with Parks Australia in order to maintain biodiversity and prevent environmental degradation.
4.12 Introduced plants
Thirty-four exotic plant species have been recorded in the Park. This represents about 6.4 per cent of total Park flora species. Several factors or activities, past and present, have provided opportunities for weeds to be introduced and to spread in the Park.
The soils in the Park that are most susceptible to disturbance and subsequent weed establishment have been identified as those associated with the water- and nutrient-rich alluviums of the Gillen land system.
At present the most threatening weed in the Park is the perennial buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Its extent was mapped in 1990 and during the term of the previous Plan of Management some attempts were made to control it. The grass has since spread, typically invading water- and nutrient-rich drainage lines.
• Anangu have different perceptions of what constitutes a ‘weed’ to scientists of most western countries. Weeds such as buffel grass and ruby dock have been accepted by Anangu as a natural part of the landscape
• at present, knowledge of the dynamics of weeds in the arid zone of Australia is limited. The unpredictable nature of rainfall makes it difficult to learn more about the subject
• the need for a precautionary approach to the use of herbicides
• the Park must work closely with neighbours and relevant government agencies to keep abreast of infestations, declared noxious weeds, and advances in control techniques
• vectors of weed introduction include visitors vehicles and construction materials eg. Mexican Poppy seed in sand from Alice Springs
Aims
• to maintain biodiversity in the Park by minimising the potential for the
introduction of non-native plant species and controlling existing infestations of introduced species
• to take into account the cultural perceptions which Anangu have towards ‘weeds’ and involve Anangu in all aspects of their management
• to operate in a regional context
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to the management of introduced plants are protected
• Anangu participation. Nguraritja will continue to participate in weed control and monitoring in the Park.
• Management strategy. Parks Australia will continue to monitor and control the current infestations in the Park.
• Any actions or activities likely to cause disturbance to habitat or soils will be minimised.
• Amenity planting. Parks Australia will conduct a survey of all amenity plantings in Mutitjulu Community to determine the range of introduced material. In close consultation with the Northern Territory Herbarium and the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, Parks Australia will identify any potential ‘sleeper’ weeds, assess them, and remove them if necessary.
• A planting policy will be developed for the Park, to guide both amenity planting and rehabilitation works. In time, all amenity plantings of introduced species, including those of an indigenous but non-local nature, will be replaced by suitable local species grown from seed collected in the Park.
• Buffel grass. Parks Australia will commission a study of buffel grass in the Park to investigate the grass’s current impact on biodiversity, develop methods of control and monitoring that can be implemented by Park staff, and review the role and potential impacts of herbicide use in areas of high conservation status.
• Plant and equipment. A protocol for plant and equipment coming into the Park will be developed to ensure weeds are not transferred through the Park.
• Regular patrols will be made of all heavily visited sites, such as bus and carparks, construction sites and the Community, to monitor and subsequently surpress any potential weed infestation.
• The use of herbicides for weed control will be limited to non residual herbicides. Any other suitable, low toxicity herbicides may be used during the life of this Plan.
• Regional context. The detection and control of weeds will be carried out within a regional context, with close liaison between the Park, its neighbours, and other interested parties. Neighbouring landholders will be encouraged to liaise with the weeds section of the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries in relation to the detection and control of any weeds.
4.13 Bioprospecting
Bioprospecting, or biodiversity prospecting, can be defined as a combination of the processes of exploration, extraction and screening of biological diversity and the use of indigenous people’s knowledge to obtain genetic or biochemical resources that have potential commercial value. There have recently been requests to do research of a bioprospecting nature in the Park: an application to collect Gossypium sturtiatum and Glycine canescens, plants of potential genetic usefulness in the development of varieties of cotton and soy beans respectively; and an application to collect soil samples in the Park with a view to screening microbes for potential commercial use.
• bioprospecting is a rapidly developing industry with potential for significant commercial rewards
• Anangu have important cultural and intellectual property rights that must be respected
Aims
• to protect the traditional, and possibly commercial, interests of Nguraritja
• to protect the biodiversity of the Park
• to ensure that the Park’s World Heritage values in relation to the management of bioprospecting issues are protected
• Review. The Director of National Parks and Wildlife, the Office for Joint Management and the Central Land Council will conduct review of the implications of bioprospecting for Nguraritja and the Park as a high priority. The review will develop, as a priority, advice on the handling of proposals relating to bioprospecting and intellectual property for the Board of Management.
• Requests for research or collecting permits of a bioprospecting nature will be referred directly to the Central Land Council acting on behalf of
traditional Aboriginal owners, in keeping with the terms of the Park Lease.
4.14 Mining
The Board of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has determined that mining is not compatible with the World Heritage values accorded the Park. Previous plans of management have clearly stated that mining operations in the Park are inappropriate and incompatible with the Park’s cultural and environmental values and visitor expectations. To date, mining has not been permitted within the Park other than minor uses of sand and gravel associated with track and mudbrick construction.
The Act prohibits operations for the recovery of minerals, other than in accordance with the Plan of Management and with the approval of the Governor General.
Parks Australia has maintained a gravel-extraction lease within the Yulara leasehold near the northern boundary of the Park. Extraction operations are also run by other organisations in the vicinity of the Park. Recent research has revealed the hydrological and the biological significance of this transitional zone between the sheetwash red earth mulga shrubland and the adjacent sandplain-spinifex association in terms of the ‘sheetflow recharge’ mechanism.
• mining activities external to the Park have the potential to deleteriously affect the Park
Aims
• to protect the World Heritage values of the Park
• to prevent damage to infrastructure (such as roads) resulting from the potential transit through the Park of heavy vehicles transporting mining equipment or materials obtained or used outside the Park
• Minerals. No operations for the recovery of minerals or associated activities (which includes exploration in the Park and the transportation through the Park of mining equipment, minerals, raw materials produced from minerals) will be carried out in the Park other than minor extraction of sand and gravel in accordance with strict controls over visual, environmental and cultural impacts.
• Gravel. The impact on surface flow of gravel extraction outside the Park and the implications for the ‘sheetflow recharge’ process will be investigated.
4.15 Research and monitoring
World Heritage listing brings with it the obligation to monitor and research the condition of a listed property’s World Heritage values. Condition reports are to be submitted every six years through the Australian and World Heritage Group, Environment Australia, to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris.
The results of research and surveys in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park provide baseline information about natural and cultural resources and visitors’ use of the Park against which the state of the environment can be gauged in regular monitoring programs. Monitoring reveals whether and how conditions have changed in relation to the baseline information and helps in assessing the effectiveness of management programs and making management decisions.
Flora and fauna and habitats need to be monitored over the long term for a complete understanding of the factors influencing the abundance and distribution of fauna.
Flora and fauna monitoring in the Park provides useful information for regional conservation programs, local Aboriginal enterprises, and the tourism industry.
Researchers must obtain a permit from the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, via the Park Manager, before doing any research work in the Park. Archaeological research must comply with the requirements of relevant Commonwealth, Territory and local heritage legislation. Such research must also comply with the Australian Archaeological Association’s code of ethics.
The research, surveys and monitoring programs have focused on natural heritage such as wildlife, vegetation, water quality and quantity, and fire; the control of weeds and introduced animal populations; cultural heritage, emphasising rock art and other archaeological sites; patterns and trends in visitor use. Additionally these programs are helping to develop effective systems for storing and retrieving baseline information about the Park.
• under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992, and from its commencement the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Parks Australia has obligations to conserve endangered species and communities and therefore conduct research, survey and monitoring programs in the Park in order to formulate appropriate management responses
• resources need to be sufficient for researching and monitoring the
state of the Park’s natural and cultural values, in accordance with World Heritage obligations
• effective data management and retrieval systems are necessary so that research results are accessible
• guidelines for the conduct of research and specimen collection in the Park should be developed
• the research & mapping program should be developed in close cooperation with the Office for Joint Management to ensure that proposals and their outcomes are understood and benefit from traditional knowledge
• it is important that the Park is managed in its regional context. Tjukurpa does not stop at the Park boundary. The Tjukurpa associated with various fauna extends across the greater region with obvious cultural implications and obligations for the appropriate management of these species
Aims
• to conform to all requirements for monitoring the status of Park values under World Heritage listing and State of the Environment reporting and to identify changes in the Park’s natural and cultural environment
• to coordinate, resource and conduct research and surveys that help the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and the Board of Management make informed decisions about managing the Park
• to develop effective systems for managing baseline and monitoring information and to facilitate the exchange of information about research in the Park
• to involve Anangu in all aspects of the research and monitoring process, and to present all proposals and results in a cross-cultural format
• Scientific Consultative Committee. Parks Australia will establish a Scientific Consultative Committee to assist in the development of a strategic research and monitoring framework for the Park.
• Strategy. A research and monitoring strategy will be developed for the Park early during the currency of this Plan. The research and monitoring strategy will be developed in consultation with Nguraritja, the Board of Management, Environment Australia’s Australian and World Heritage Group, and the Scientific Consultative Commitee.
• State of the Environment report. In consultation with the Scientific Consultative Committee and the Board of Management, Parks Australia
will commission a conseravtion status report for the Park. A set of indicators will be developed against which to monitor future changes in the natural and cultural environments.
The State of the Environment Report will be structured to facilitate the preparation of systematic reports to the World Heritage Committee on the state of conservation of the World Heritage area, including the next five yearly report due in 2002. Indicators will be selected to provide for systematic monitoring of the key World Heritage attributes.
• Regional sur veys. Parks Australia will continue to support regional surveys of endangered species, as required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conser vation Act 1999 through liasion with Nguraritja, the Central Land Council and other interested parties to determine the potential for collaborative biological surveys of significant habitats close to the Park.
• Guidelines. Parks Australia will prepare for the approval of the Board of Management, research guidelines for distribution to staff, consultants or permit holders doing research work in the Park. The guidelines will include a requirement that all proposals and outcomes be fully cross-culturally presented and understood and may include specific requirements for specimen collection.
• Proposal submission. Before research is done in the Park by external researchers a proposal stating all project details including aims, the proposed extent of Anangu and staff participation, and financial and other resource costs will be submitted to the Park Manager.
• Anangu brief ings. Parks Australia and the Office for Joint Management will ensure that Anangu are fully briefed about, understand the implications of, and are empowered to direct and take part, in research projects.
• Reporting and record keeping. Parks Australia will require all researchers to deliver reports in hard copy and on computer disk. Reports will be required to include a comprehensive summary written in plain English.
• Researchers will be required to give a presentation of their findings to Park staff, Anangu and interested members of the tourism industry.
• Parks Australia will continue to develop computerised databases relevant to Park management. Emphasis should be given to user-friendly applications and accessibility for Anangu.
• Funding. Parks Australia will seek secure, recurrent funding for high-priority research, survey and monitoring projects in the Park.
4.16 Environmental impact assessment
Environmental impact assessment is designed to inform decision makers when they are considering the advantages and disadvantages of a particular proposal.
The Park is a World Heritage site and any developments in the Park must be taken in a manner consistent with that status, the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 and Australia’s obligations under the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
That Act will be replaced by the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Under it World Heritage properties are a matter of national environmental significance. Actions that would or are likely to have a significant impact on a World Heritage property will trigger the approval provisions in Chapters 2 and 4 of the Act.
The Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 requires that, to the greatest practicable extent, matters affecting the environment to a significant extent are fully examined, and taken into account in actions taken on or on behalf of the Australian Government. Any action that could threaten with extinction, or significantly impede the recovery of a native species or an ecological community listed under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 is taken to be environmentally significant, and requires consideration under the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974.
Those Acts will be replaced by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Under it, actions that would or are likely to have a significant impact on a matter of “national environmental significance” will prima facie be subject to the approval provisions in Chapters 2 and 4 of the Act. The matters of national environmental significance are:
• World Heritage properties;
• wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands);
• listed threatened species and communities;
• listed migratory species;
• nuclear actions;
• the marine environment; and
• such further actions as are prescribed by the regulations under the Act.
Responsibility for compliance with the Act lies with persons taking relevant “controlled” actions. A person proposing to take an action that the person thinks may be or is a controlled action must refer the proposal to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage for the Minister’s decision whether or not the action is a controlled action. Civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for breaches of the Act.
Provisions relating to listing of species and threatening processes, preparation of recovery plans and threat abatement plans and, preparation of inventories of species are continued by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The Lease provides that a proposed development shall take place only in accordance with a written policy formulated by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and the Central Land Council in respect of environmental evaluation.
The Lease also requires the Director of National Parks and Wildlife to preserve manage and maintain the flora, fauna, cultural heritage, and natural environment of the Park according to the world’s best comparable management practices, or where no comparable practices exist, to the highest standards practicable.
• the Director of National Parks and Wildlife is charged under the Act and the Lease with responsibility for protecting the Park and the interests of the traditional owners
• all developments in the Park are required to conform to world best practice and be implemented in a manner appropriate to a World Heritage site and consistent with the Lease and the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 and from its commencement the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• environmental impact assessment is a rapidly evolving area and, in order to keep abreast of changes in legislation and recommend best practice, the Park must be kept informed by the appropriate authorities
• developments adjacent to the Park have the potential to have an environmental, cultural and social impact in the Park
Aims
• to ensure that all development proposals for the Park are consistent with the intentions of the Plan of Management, the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974, or from its commencement the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the standards required under World Heritage listing, and polices formulated by the Central Land Council and the Director according to the Lease
• to achieve minimal impacts on the Park’s environmental and cultural values and, whenever possible, use construction methods that are of a ‘reversible’ nature
• to ensure any developments that are proposed adjacent to the Park assess the potential cultural, social and environmental impacts on the Park and its values
• Evaluation. In consultation with Nguraritja and the Board of Management, Parks Australia will determine the need for formal or informal evaluation of proposals. Proposals will be initially assessed and may be referred to the Minister for consideration under the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 or from its commencement the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
• Evaluations may be conducted by Parks Australia staff, consultants or outside agencies. Following evaluation, approval for a project may be given if the impact is acceptable and the project is endorsed by the Board as conforming to the Plan of Management, the Lease, and the Act and Regulations.
• Anangu interests. In all environmental impact assessments, the views and interests of Anangu will be considered to be an integral component of the assessment procedure from the earliest stage of the project.
• Liaison. Parks Australia will continue to liaise closely with the Environment Protection group of Environment Australia to secure expert advice on all matters relating to environmental impact assessment.
• Review. Procedures for conducting environmental impact assessments will be reviewed during the currency of this Plan of Management.
[Anangu look after visitors and teach them our Tjukurpa. All of the tourists are coming to Yulara then go in buses to Kata Tjuta and Uluru. They pay money at the entry station and go to the Cultural Centre, looking around and learning about Tjukurpa and Anangu culture. Rangers and Parks Australia North are working together; Maruku too is helping them to learn; and Anangu Tours is showing visitors our places on the Kunia Walk, Liru Walk and Mala Walk. The senior old people look after country and teach Anangu and Piranpa properly about Tjukurpa.
This is about the importance of passing on proper stories to new generations. Learning properly about work and doing the land-management work at Uluru - Kata Tjuta with traditional owners-the right work and right people doing the work. Anangu and rangers working together, making sure visitors are alright as they travel about the Park, so they can return safely to their homes. Taking really good care of tourists.