NSW NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE

Draft Horse Riding Management Plan South East Wollemi National Park

environment.nsw.gov.au

© 2021 State of NSW and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment With the exception of photographs, the State of NSW and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. Specific permission is required for the reproduction of photographs. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has compiled this report in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. DPIE shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs. All content in this publication is owned by DPIE and is protected by Crown Copyright, unless credited otherwise. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0), subject to the exemptions contained in the licence. The legal code for the licence is available at Creative Commons. DPIE asserts the right to be attributed as author of the original material in the following manner: © State of New South Wales and Department of Planning, Industry and Environment 2021. Cover photo: Horse riders at Wheeny Creek camping area, south-east Wollemi National Park. Blue Mountains Trail Horse Riding Club This document is a draft for public comment. The provisions in the final plan may differ from the provisions of this draft document.

Published by: Environment, Energy and Science Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone: +61 2 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 1300 361 967 (Environment, Energy and Science enquiries) TTY users: phone 133 677, then ask for 1300 361 967 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 1300 361 967 Email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or info@environment.nsw.gov.au See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au ISBN 978-1-922493-62-0 EES 2020/0515 First published in December 2020; reprinted January 2021 with changes to Have your say.

Find out more about your environment at:

www.environment.nsw.gov.au

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Contents Have your say v

What happens to your feedback? v Your privacy v

How to use this plan vi Acknowledgments vi Contact us vi

Introduction 1

1. Background 4

1.1 Horse riding in the Hawkesbury 4

2. Identification of authorised horse riding routes 6

2.1 Summary of the review of horse riding routes 6 2.2 Routes where horse riding is allowed 6 2.3 Authorised routes for approved horse riding events only 8 2.4 Future authorised horse riding routes 9

3. Management of horse riding 15

3.1 How riders can ensure sustainable horse riding 15 3.2 How NPWS will support sustainable horse riding 15 3.3 Future reviews of horse riding 16

Appendix A Review of horse riding routes 17

Review criteria 17 Results table 18 Results discussion 24

Appendix B Key links 28

Appendix C Threatened species and communities 29

Appendix D Weeds 31

Glossary 32

References 33

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List of tables Table 1 Authorised horse riding routes 7

Table 2 Routes authorised for approved horse riding events only 8 Table 3 Threatened ecological communities in the planning area 29

Table 4 Threatened plant species recorded in the planning area 29

Table 5 Threatened animal species recorded within five kilometres of the planning area 30

Table 6 Significant weeds recorded in the planning area 31

List of figures Figure 1 Regional overview of the planning area 2 Figure 2 Planning area 3

Figure 3 The first Tom Quilty Cup endurance horse riding event course (Greenmount Press) 5

Figure 4 Mountain Lagoon horse riding routes 10 Figure 5 Upper Colo horse riding routes 11

Figure 6 Wheeny Creek horse riding routes 12

Figure 7 Blaxlands Ridge horse riding routes 13 Figure 8 Kurrajong horse riding routes 14

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Have your say We want to know what you think about this draft plan. To give us feedback, please send a written submission via: the online submission form at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/have-your-

say email to npws.parkplanning@environment.nsw.gov.au post to Manager, Planning Evaluation and Assessment, Locked Bag 5022,

Parramatta NSW 2124. Written submissions must be received by Sunday 14 March 2021. To help us make the best use of your feedback:

• Please tell us what issue or part of the plan you are talking about. One way you can do this is to include the section heading and/or page number of the plan in your submission.

• Tell us how we can make the plan better. You may want to tell us what you know about the park or how you or other people use and value it.

We are happy to hear any ideas or comments and will consider them all, but please be aware that we can’t always include all information or ideas in the final plan.

What happens to your feedback? Step 1: At the close of the public exhibition period, we consider all submissions and prepare

a submissions report. Multiple submissions received by the same author will be counted as a single submission.

Step 2: We provide the Blue Mountains Regional Advisory Committee with the draft plan, all of the submissions and the submissions report. They consider the documents, make comments on the plan or suggest changes, and provide their advice.

Step 3: We will consider the plan, the submissions and any advice, make any necessary changes and decide whether to adopt the horse riding management plan as a subsidiary plan under the Wollemi National Park Plan of Management (2001).

Your privacy Your submission will be provided to advisory bodies (as outlined above). Your comments on the draft plan may include ‘personal information’. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment complies with the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, which regulates the collection, storage, quality, use and disclosure of personal information. For details see Privacy and security. Information that in some way identifies you may be gathered when you use our website or send us correspondence. Should an access application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 be received that requests access to your submission, your views about release will be sought if you have indicated that you object to it being made public.

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How to use this plan The Wollemi National Park Plan of Management (NPWS 2001) was adopted on 5 April 2001 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The plan of management required the preparation of a horse riding management plan for the Wheeny Creek and Mountain Lagoon area of the park. This horse riding management plan identifies authorised horse riding routes and determines their future management. The plan also provides some information about how the authorised horse riding routes were determined. The plan informs horse riders and communities about sustainable horse riding opportunities in the Wheeny Creek and Mountain Lagoon area of south-east Wollemi National Park. It will also be used by park officers for managing this activity in this specific area of the park. In the 2019-20 bushfires, substantial areas of parks in this region were burnt. However, the area of the Wollemi National Park covered by this plan was not significantly impacted by the fires and the routes and recommendations made in the plan are considered to remain appropriate for the location. The recovery of our NSW national parks and reserves will be ongoing and updated information on fire recovery efforts can be found at Recovery from fires.

Acknowledgments South-east Wollemi National Park is in the traditional Country of the Darug and Darkinjung peoples. This horse riding management plan was prepared by staff of NPWS, in consultation with stakeholder groups and advisory bodies.

Contact us For more information about this horse riding management plan or Wollemi National Park, contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai Area at Bowmans Cottage, 370 Windsor Street, Richmond or by telephone on 02 4588 2400.

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Introduction Wollemi National Park, the second largest national park in New South Wales, is located on the north-west fringe of the Sydney Basin. The park covers an area of 494,885 hectares. The Wollemi National Park Plan of Management (NPWS 2001) identifies that horse riding is a popular activity in the Wheeny Creek and Mountain Lagoon area, the south-east section of the park that comprises 4.3% of the total area. The plan of management delegates decision-making on specific authorised horse riding routes within the Wheeny Creek – Mountain Lagoon area (the planning area) to a subsidiary horse riding management plan. The horse riding plan is to identify authorised horse riding routes and determine their future management. In preparing this Draft Horse Riding Plan for south-east Wollemi National Park (the plan), a review of horse riding routes was undertaken that identified which routes provide sustainable horse riding opportunities. These are routes that make best use of existing assets and minimise impacts on the park’s natural and cultural values. The plan will be used by park managers to manage horse riding in this part of Wollemi National Park. Figures 1 and 2 show the area of the park covered by this plan. Figures 3 to 7 show the location of proposed authorised horse riding routes. This plan, including the review process, was developed in consultation with park user groups, in particular horse riders. Information was provided by horse riders on their preferred horse riding routes in the planning area, including existing management trails and informal, historic bridle trails and potential new trails. The National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council, the Blue Mountains Regional Advisory Committee and the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee have provided advice on the preparation of this plan to ensure that it considers the park’s natural and cultural values and relevant management issues. The review of horse riding routes was developed consistent with the Horse Riding Policy (NPWS 2019b) and Strategic Directions for Horse Riding in National Parks (OEH 2012b). Details of the review process can be found at Appendix A.

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Figure 1 Regional overview of the planning area

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Figure 2 Planning area

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1. Background

1.1 Horse riding in the Hawkesbury The Hawkesbury Local Government Area has, until recently, been largely rural. This is reflected in the variety of horse-related sporting and recreational activities available. South-east Wollemi National Park plays an important role in providing trail horse riding for clubs and individuals; and it is also a key location for the amateur sport of endurance horse riding, which has an historical association with this part of the park. Trail horse riding and endurance horse riding (see Glossary) participants include park neighbours, and park visitors who travel to the park.

The history of endurance horse riding in the Hawkesbury Inspired by the American endurance ride the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile ride in 24 hours traversing the Sierra-Nevada, the first competitive endurance ride held in Australia was the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in 1966 (Williams 1998). This ride was created by RM Williams, his wife Erica and Tom Quilty. Hawkesbury residents Ron and Val Males marked out the course, which started from Clarendon Racecourse and followed through what was later to become Wollemi National Park. The original 1966 course saw 26 riders attempt the 100 miles (160 kilometres). Competitors arrived at a checkpoint at Wheeny Creek after riding in from Upper Colo. After their horses were inspected by veterinarians and rested, they went back up the hill to Mountain Lagoon Road and onwards to Bilpin (Williams 1998). The endurance ride became an annual event and was soon joined by the Q60 ride which followed 60 miles (100 kilometres) of the Quilty course, largely in south-east Wollemi National Park. The Q60 endurance ride is still running 50 years later and attracts around 100 entrants who participate in a variety of distance events ranging from 20 to 100 kilometres. As the Hawkesbury became more heavily populated, the Quilty course shifted from the increasingly urbanised Richmond area to bushland that is now Wollemi and Yengo national parks and Parr State Conservation Area. In 1986 the Quilty was renamed the National Endurance Championships and rotated annually around the Australian states and territories. For the 50th anniversary event in 2015, it returned to the Hawkesbury and there were over 300 entrants. A variety of other endurance horse rides have used the iconic Wollemi National Park trails over the years, including The Zone One, The Islands state championships, the Colo Classic, the Colo Challenge and the East Kurrajong ride (F Meller 2015, pers. comm., 3 August). This horse riding management plan will enable the continued sustainable enjoyment of the park by trail and endurance horse riders.

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Figure 3 The first Tom Quilty Cup endurance horse riding event course

(Greenmount Press)

Photo 1 Q60 endurance horse rider, south-east Wollemi National Park. Animal

Focus

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2. Identification of authorised horse riding routes

2.1 Summary of the review of horse riding routes A list of 48 horse riding routes was proposed by horse riding stakeholders at Mount Tomah in February 2013. A review of these horse riding routes was undertaken using specific criteria (see Appendix A). Horse riding routes were reviewed against the criteria and the regional and historical context of horse riding. In summary, the key determinants for authorised horse riding routes in south-east Wollemi National Park were that they:

• have public access to the routes • use existing and maintained management trails • minimise impact to Aboriginal cultural heritage sites • minimise impact to threatened species and communities • are located to minimise impact to other park visitors. The review identified 28 routes which met the criteria for horse riding within south-east Wollemi National Park. Of these, 19 routes are publicly accessible and in appropriate locations and condition for the public; and nine are suitable for horse riding events only. In this plan:

• Existing authorised horse riding routes are routes that the review identified to be either public roads or park roads (see Glossary). Horse riding is allowed on public and park roads, so these routes already have an existing authorisation for horse riding.

• Proposed authorised horse riding routes are other route types (e.g. management trails, bridle trails) which met the criteria and are proposed to become authorised horse riding routes, pending the public exhibition process.

2.2 Routes where horse riding is allowed Nineteen routes (see Table 1 and Figures 3 to 7: ‘existing authorised’ and ‘proposed authorised’) are allowed for horse riding without prior approval from NPWS except if the ride is to be undertaken as part of a competitive horse riding event or is a commercial horse riding activity or a group activity involving more than eight horses. In these situations, prior approval from NPWS is required. NPWS will continue to monitor the condition of all authorised routes and address maintenance requirements. Consistent with the Wollemi National Park Plan of Management and this plan, authorised horse riding routes may be temporarily or permanently closed depending on route conditions, weather conditions or management needs. Information on authorised horse riding routes will be published on the NPWS visitor website (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) and other relevant sources (e.g. park maps).

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Table 1 Authorised horse riding routes

Precinct and route name Route type Length (km)

Access to trail

Mountain Lagoon

Cabbage Tree Creek trail Management trail 1.9 Sams Way

Cora Creek trail Management trail 1 1.4 Sams Way

Gospers Ridge trail Management trail 4.4 Sams Way and T3

North Wheeny Gap trail Management trail 5.7 Mountain Lagoon Road

Prickle trail Bridle trail 2.0 Mountain Lagoon Road

T3 trail Park road 5.1 Sams Way

Tootie Creek trail Management trail 2.9 Mountain Lagoon Road

Upper Colo

Gees Arm North trail Management trail 7.1 Comleroy Road

Gospers Lookout trail Management trail 1.7 Mountain Lagoon Road

Powerline 2, 6, 7, 8 & 9 trails (to park boundary only)

Management trails 3.5 Colo Heights Road

Powerline 10 trail Management trail 1.2 Comleroy Road

Wheeny Creek

Convict trail Road reserve 1.8 Gees Arm South trail

Gees Arm South trail Public road 4.9 Comleroy Road

Livingstones north Bridle trail 1.9 Ruins trail

Powerline 12 trail Management trail 0.6 Comleroy Road

Ruins trail Road reserve 1.0 Comleroy Road

Blaxlands Ridge

Ironbark Ridge Park road 3.0 Kirkwood Road on Blaxlands Ridge Road

Kurrajong

McMahons trail Management trail 2.7 McMahons Road and trail on Crown Land parcel 2

Blue Gum trail Management trail 3 3.3 McMahons Road and McMahons trail

1 Dormant trail in good condition. 2 This Crown land parcel is subject to an Aboriginal land claim. NPWS will create an access easement

adjacent to the Crown land parcel. 3 Dormant trail in good condition that is part of the future NSW Rural Fire Service strategic fire trail

network. Public access is pending lands transfer from Roads Regulatory Authority. Note: Groups or more than eight horses, riding events and commercial activities all require prior approval.

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2.3 Authorised routes for approved horse riding events only

The nine horse riding routes listed in Table 2 are authorised for riders participating in an organised and approved horse riding event (see Glossary) only. The use of these routes for events requires consent and is subject to the Events, Functions and Venues Policy (NPWS 2019a). In line with this policy, NPWS undertakes assessments of all events to limit any impacts on the natural, historic and cultural values of the park, park management operations, other park users and the surrounding community. This includes working with organisers to ensure that events are sustainably managed, and the culturally appropriate use of sites is maintained. Under the Wollemi National Park Plan of Management, any group activity or gathering involving more than eight persons requires NPWS consent. Where there are cumulative impacts on the condition of a horse riding route, NPWS will seek to manage inappropriate impacts on soils, vegetation and other relevant factors directly with event applicants.

Table 2 Routes authorised for approved horse riding events only

Precinct and route name Route type Length (km)

Access road

Mountain Lagoon

Long Ridge 1 Management trail 4.5 Sams Way

Upper Colo

Ferrari trail Management trail 2.0 Comleroy Road and Gees Arm North

Wards track 1 Bridle trail 5.0 Sams Way, T3 and Gospers Ridge; Upper Colo Road

Wheeny Creek

Boongarie trail 1 Management (access) trail

1.7 Comleroy Road

Blaxlands Ridge

Lot 126 and 129 access 1 Management (access) trail

0.3 Blaxlands Ridge Road, Ironbark Ridge trail

Lot 14 access 1 Management (access) trail

1.4 Blaxlands Ridge Road

Lot 12 access 1 Management (access) trail

1.0 Blaxlands Ridge Road

Lot 11 access 1 Management (access) trail

0.7 Blaxlands Ridge Road

Lot 2 access 1 Management (access) trail

1.9 Blaxlands Ridge Road

1 Access via private landholder agreement with event organiser.

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2.4 Future authorised horse riding routes If there are changes in the status of any existing route on the list of 48 put forward for review (excluding ‘new’ routes – see Glossary), NPWS may identify more authorised routes after applying the criteria as outlined in Appendix A. Examples of such changes include public access becoming available or the condition of a trail being improved through other processes (e.g. fire trail upgrades under NSW Rural Fire Service). Where changes are made, information will be updated on the NPWS website, printed material and event applications.

Photo 2 Fern trees, Wollemi National Park. Rosie Nicolai/DPIE

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Figure 4 Mountain Lagoon horse riding routes

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Figure 5 Upper Colo horse riding routes

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Figure 6 Wheeny Creek horse riding routes

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Figure 7 Blaxlands Ridge horse riding routes

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Figure 8 Kurrajong horse riding routes

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3. Management of horse riding

3.1 How riders can ensure sustainable horse riding Horse riding is allowed on the routes listed in Tables 1 and 2 (see Section 2). Riders must refer to the NPWS Code of Practice for Horse Riding in Parks (OEH 2014) when planning their activity. The code of practice provides practical details to guide riders in minimising any potential impacts on natural and cultural values on the authorised routes. It identifies best practice measures to reduce soil compaction and erosion and damage to vegetation along routes, ensure protection of waterways and mitigate weed spread. This plan assumes application of the code by horse riders to protect park values and ecological sustainability. Riders are also encouraged to follow phytophthora hygiene protocols (see Appendix B). The Wollemi National Park Plan of Management outlines all the conditions for horse riding across the park. The key points from the plan of management and under this subsidiary plan are:

• if you are planning a group activity with more than eight horses, or commercial horse riding, or a competitive horse riding event, prior approval from the Park Authority is required

• horse riders must remain on formed trails • horse feed is not permitted in the park.

3.2 How NPWS will support sustainable horse riding NPWS will implement several actions to ensure horse riding in south-east Wollemi National Park remains sustainable into the future, including:

• promoting the NPWS Code of Practice for Horse Riding in Parks (OEH 2014) and the phytophthora hygiene protocols

• installing signposts and updating park maps to identify the location of authorised horse riding routes

• providing access gates and other infrastructure, such as signage on authorised horse riding routes and vehicle barriers where required

• collecting data on horse riding usage levels • working in partnership with horse riders and event organisers to deliver specific horse

riding opportunities or projects to assist with activities such as trail monitoring and maintenance, pest and weed reporting

• monitoring environmental and heritage impacts, including trail and site condition, threatened species and ecological communities and weeds on relevant routes (including Mountain Lagoon trails, Gees Arm North trail and Livingstones north trail)

• managing bridle trail stabilisation, construction and maintenance in accordance with relevant guidelines for erosion and sediment control maintenance practices

• restricting access during wet weather periods, after fire or other significant events. Consistent with the Wollemi Plan of Management, authorised horse riding routes may be temporarily or permanently closed if necessary, to protect park values. Consultation will occur with user groups prior to any permanent closures.

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3.3 Future reviews of horse riding The South-east Wollemi National Park Horse Riding Management Plan will be reviewed at the time that the Wollemi National Park Plan of Management is replaced.

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Appendix A Review of horse riding routes

Review criteria A review was undertaken to determine specific locations in the Wheeny Creek – Mountain Lagoon area (the planning area) of south-east Wollemi National Park that could provide sustainable recreational horse riding opportunities. The review used criteria for the route assessment based on what is lawful, practical and consistent with relevant NPWS policies and strategies. The following criteria were used to assess 48 proposed routes and identify which routes provide sustainable recreational horse riding: Criteria 1 There is public access to the horse riding route. Criteria 2 The route is in an appropriate location where park values are protected, and

ongoing use is ecologically sustainable. Consideration is given to:

2a Plan of management provisions and the existing environment 2b Aboriginal cultural and shared heritage 2c Threatened species and ecological communities 2d Soil erosion 2e Weed invasion and plant pathogens 2f Water quality

Criteria 3 The route facilitates an enjoyable and safe visitor experience. Criteria 4 The route makes best use of existing assets and the sustainable use of

resources.

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Results table The list of 48 routes in the table below includes all park road and trail assets as well as informal horse riding trails and proposed new (i.e. non-existent) linking trails requested by user groups for consideration in the review.

Table key

General: P Did meet criteria

X Did not meet criteria

NA Not applicable

U Unknown

Blank cell Not investigated

Route type: MT Management trail (see Glossary)

MT* Dormant management trail (see Glossary)

New New trail

Nil Overgrown

PaR Park road (see Glossary)

BT Bridle trail (see Glossary)

PR Public road (see Glossary)

WT Walking track

Threatened ecological communities (TECs): CEEC1 Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest, Critically Endangered Ecological

Community

CEEC2 Shale Sandstone Transition Forest, Critically Endangered Ecological Community

EEC1 Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, Endangered Ecological Community

EEC2 River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains, Endangered Ecological Community

EEC3 Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains, Endangered Ecological Community

VEC1 Blue Mountains Swamps, Vulnerable Ecological Community

Threatened plant species: TS1 Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri

TS2 Persoonia hirsuta

TS3 Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora

TS4 Zieria involucrata

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Outcome Y Authorised horse riding route (see Table 1)

EO Authorised for approved horse riding events only (see Table 2)

N Horse riding not allowed Source: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment corporate geodatabase, rapid field assessment and internal consultation

Draft Horse Riding Management Plan for south-east Wollemi National Park

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Mountain Lagoon precinct

Brendon 1.5 Nil P X X N

Cabbage Tree Creek 1.9 MT P P P CEEC1 P P P P Y

Cora Creek 1.4 MT* P P P CEEC1 P P P P Y

Cora Creek Cabbage Tree Creek link

0.5 New P X CEEC1 X P X N

Gospers Ridge 4.4 MT P P P TS4 P P P P Y

Long Ridge 0.8 MT X P P EO

Long Ridge loop 1.0 New X X X N

Long Ridge and Cabbage Tree Creek link

1.4 New X X X N

North Wheeny Gap 5.7 MT P P P P Y

Prickle 2.0 BT P P P P P P P P Y

T3 5.1 PaR P

Y

Tootie Creek 2.9 MT P P Y

Tootie Creek extension

2.6 New X X X N

Upper Colo precinct

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Ferrari 2.0 MT* P P P CEEC2 P P P P EO

Ferrari extension 4.0 New P X VEC1 in vicinity P X N

Gees Arm North 7.1 MT P P P CEEC2; Red-crowned toadlet to north

P P P P Y

Gees Arm North extension

1.0 New X X X N

Gospers Lookout 1.7 MT P P P P CEEC2 P P P P Y

Mailes Ridge (no exit Colo Meroo)

5.8 WT P X P P CEEC2 P P X X N

Powerline 2, 6, 7, 8, & 9

3.5 MT P P P P Whisky grass present

P P P Y

Powerline 10 1.2 MT P P P P P P P P Y

Powerline extension 1.4 New X X EEC2 X N

Wards track (public access only one end)

5.3 BT PX P P CEEC2 soil erosion present

P Experienced riders only

Only last 300m utilities maintenance

EO

Wheeny Creek precinct

Boongarie 1.7 MT

X EEC2 EO

Convict 1.8 PR P P Y

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Gees Arm North & Gees Arm South link

3.0 New U X X N

Gees Arm South 4.9 PR P

CEEC2

Y

Ladder (to park boundary only)

0.9 MT P P X TS3 U X N

Livingstones and Convict link

0.5 New X X EEC3 X X N

Livingstones north 1.9 BT P P P CEEC2 TS1 TS2

P P P Y

Livingstones east Nil P X CEEC2 X N

Prickle extension 1.5 New P X P X N

Ruins 1.0 PR P

CEEC2

Y

Powerline trail 12 0.6 MT P P P P P P P P N

Warrigal 0.8 WT P X X N

Warrigal Convict link U New X X EEC2

EEC3

X X N

Blaxlands Ridge precinct

Gees Arm South and Ironbark link

U New X X CEEC2

EEC1 EEC2 EEC3

X N

Ironbark Ridge 3.0 PR P

CEEC2

Y

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Lot 126 and 129 access

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Lot 14 access 1.4 MT X X EO

Lot 12 access 1.0 MT X X EO

Lot 11 access 0.7 MT X X EO

Lot 2 access 1.9 MT X X EO

Weatherboard Ridge 2.9 Off- park NA NA NA

Kurrajong precinct

Blue Gum 3.3 MT* P P CEEC 2 P P P P Y

Browns 0.2 Nil P X X N

McMahons trail 2.7 MT P P P CEEC 2 P P P P Y

Zorbas (to park boundary only)

1.9 BT P P CEEC 2 X N

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Results discussion

Criteria 1. There is public access to the horse riding route The south-east section of Wollemi National Park has a complex boundary that is interwoven with freehold property. A large number of routes proposed for horse riding would require riders to enter private property from the public road in order to access proposed horse riding routes in the park. Consistent with law and the Wollemi Plan of Management, recreational use of the park will be regulated to minimise nuisance to neighbours. A specialist NPWS team has analysed all horse riding routes to confirm whether public access is available. The access audit was done through a combination of desktop spatial analysis, cadastral adjustment and field surveys. The audit provided a clear picture of where current legal public access exists, as well as the suitability for gazettal of Crown road reserves adjoining the park. In addition to the issues of potential private property trespass and nuisance, five management trails along Blaxlands Ridge Road that traverse the park are maintained only for access to inholdings, so were not considered to have public access. Of the 48 routes in the park, 30 had public access to them. Five of these routes were found to be public or park roads (see Glossary) and are therefore authorised for horse riding irrespective of this subsidiary plan’s provisions. While the review requires that authorised routes are accessible to the public, some exceptions have been made. There are eight such horse riding routes without public access (including Blaxlands Ridge Road) which are proposed to be authorised for approved horse riding events only (see Section 2.3). Eight of these routes were authorised in these circumstances due to:

• the reasonable condition of the trails (see Criteria 2d) • a requirement to gain consent in line with the NPWS Events, Functions and Venues

Policy • the option for event organisers to make appropriate one-off access agreements with

private property owners. One of these routes, Wards track (a bridle trail), was included in this list also because of its significant social and historical value to horse riders (see Criteria 3).

Criteria 2. The route is in an appropriate location where park values are protected, and ongoing use is ecologically sustainable This criteria was assessed by considering six points, as per the NPWS Horse Riding Policy (2019b):

2a The existing environment and plan of management provisions The planning area comprises 4.3% of Wollemi National Park, which is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The park is managed in accordance with the World Heritage Convention, which seeks to protect and conserve values and ensure that future generations can experience those values. To preserve the integrity of undisturbed areas, including their biodiversity values, horse riding will be restricted to minimum-impact use of previously disturbed areas (i.e. existing trails) (see also Criteria 2c and 4). The construction of permanent new linking or extension routes (bridle trails) is not consistent with the purpose

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of reservation of the park or the Wollemi National Park Plan of Management (the plan of management). The plan of management specifies that the Wheeny Creek – Mountain Lagoon area of the park is an appropriate recreational setting for horse riding.

2b Aboriginal cultural and shared/European heritage The planning area is in the traditional Country of the Darug and Darkinjung Aboriginal peoples. The plan of management does not permit recreational activities that encroach on or interfere with Aboriginal sites or places unless consultation with the local community has occurred. NPWS records indicated four open sites and three enclosed shelters in the planning area near proposed horse riding routes. During field inspections, none of the proposed horse riding routes were found to encroach or interfere with those sites, however, a previously unrecorded rock art engraving site was found directly adjacent to a trail. It is highly likely that many other sites exist in the planning area that are not yet recorded. There are no records of shared/European heritage on the proposed horse riding routes.

2c Threatened species and ecological communities

Plants

The critically endangered Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion ecological community occurs at Mountain Lagoon and is found adjacent to Cora Creek, Cabbage Tree Creek and T3 management trails (OEH 2017). The critically endangered Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion ecological community occurs at Upper Colo and is found on Wards, Powerline 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9, Gees Arm North, Ferrari, Livingstones north and Ironbark trails and possibly in the vicinity of McMahons trail at Kurrajong (OEH 2019). The risk to these threatened ecological communities (TECs) is considered low because:

• with the exception of Wards and Livingstones north trails, all routes are maintained management trails

• no significant weed invasion in the communities was observed during the field trips, despite recent and historical horse riding

• off-trail riding will not be allowed. Vegetation clearing required for proposed new linking or extension routes is incompatible with protecting threatened ecological communities (see Appendix B, Table 3). Fifteen species of threatened plant species have been recorded in the planning area and four were found to be on the edge of four proposed existing horse riding routes (see Appendix B, Table 4). Markers will be used to alert and remind riders that they are passing through threatened plant species habitat and to stay on the trail.

Animals

The five high priority threatened animals identified in the planning area (see Appendix C, Table 5) (DECC 2008) are not considered directly affected by horse riding on the trails listed in Table 1 (see Section 2.2). However, clearing vegetation for new trails would decrease habitat for these and other threatened species. The red-crowned toadlet has been recorded in a location 200 metres to the north of Gees Arm North. The main threat to this species from horse riding is reduction in the quality of water flowing from the ridge. The risk of changing water quality will be mitigated by applying

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appropriate soil erosion measures and sediment traps at the relevant location on Gees Arm North.

2d Soil erosion The high erodibility of the sandstone-based soils of Wollemi National Park has special implications for management because areas of soil disturbance inevitably require substantial works to stabilise and rehabilitate. Authorised horse riding routes on constructed and maintained management trails are predicted to retain the best condition and have the least erosion features and sediment movement. Routes that use unconstructed and unmaintained trails (informal bridle trails such as Wards and Livingstones north) are predicted to incur comparatively more erosion features and sediment movement. The authorised routes in Table 1 include those that are already open to public vehicles or are maintained management trails that are generally accessible to cyclists and management vehicles. These are constructed and maintained to an appropriate standard that can accommodate horse riding with minimal soil erosion and risk to the environment. The condition of Wards track makes it inappropriate as a permanent horse riding route, but it can continue to be used for specific annual horse riding events that are subject to event-specific consent conditions and provide appropriate support to experienced horse riders.

2e Weeds and plant pathogens

Weeds

During rapid field assessments of trails there were no significant weed incursions observed on, or next to, any route. This could be a factor of the low-nutrient sandstone soils and/or the nature of horse riding participation levels. Appendix D lists significant weeds that occur in the planning area.

Plant pathogens

Phytophthora cinnamomi and other Phytophthora species have been detected in the planning area (OEH 2012a). Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) has been detected and is likely to be widespread in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (OEH 2011), but there are no known infected sites in the planning area. This ‘uninfected’ status is subject to ongoing monitoring. It is unknown whether authorised horse riding in the planning area would pose a greater risk of introducing and spreading plant pathogens than other existing visitation and authorised recreational uses. However, because the impacts are potentially serious for biodiversity values, phytophthora hygiene measures (see Appendix B) are actively encouraged.

2f Water quality All authorised horse riding routes in Table 1 are on ridgetops more than 100 metres from perennial watercourses (see Figures 3 to 7) with the exceptions of Tootie Creek (Mountain Lagoon) and McMahons (Kurrajong) trails. On Tootie Creek trail, clear signage will be installed to mark the end of the authorised horse riding route at least 50 metres from the creek edge (OEH 2014) to protect the creek bank and water quality. There is a vehicle turn-around bay which may be an appropriate location for holding or tethering horses if required.

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Given the good condition of McMahons trail and ongoing maintenance arrangements, use of this route for horse riding is not considered a high risk to water quality in terms of soil erosion, but monitoring of the creek crossing for bank erosion is recommended. Many of the proposed new link trails, including Gees Arm North–Gees Arm South, Livingstones–Convict and Gees Arm South–Ironbark, present unacceptable risks to the water quality of riparian threatened ecological communities and wetland environments on Wheeny and Gees Arm creeks.

Criteria 3. The route facilitates an enjoyable and safe visitor experience Routes proposed by horse riders include existing routes that have been used both formally and informally over a number of years for trail riding, endurance ride training and endurance events such as the Q60 (see Section 1.1). For example, Wards track (bridle trail) is an important endurance horse riding route and Livingstones north (bridle) trail is used regularly by park neighbours. These bridle trails have important social value. NPWS recognises that horse riding routes need to provide a quality experience, be safe for horse riders and support safe interactions with other park visitors. To facilitate this, NPWS will install access gates and signage on routes in Table 1 and ensure the NPWS visitor information is updated with horse riding details for south-east Wollemi National Park. One of the proposed routes was the Mailes Ridge walking track, a steep, rough and exposed track in some places. To ensure visitor safety and enjoyment, this will continue as an authorised bushwalking route only. Warrigal trail is an informal track in the park that has been promoted locally as a bushwalking experience in the Hawkesbury. This trail will continue to be promoted as a walking route only.

Criteria 4. The route makes best use of existing assets and the sustainable use of resources Most management trails listed in Table 1 are maintained on a cyclical basis for the purposes of park management operations, primarily for fire management. Allowing horse riding on these routes is considered to have a negligible impact on maintenance obligations. Three other non-essential management trails (Cora Creek, Ferrari and Blue Gum) were found to be in good condition and will be added to the NPWS trail maintenance program. It is expected that ongoing management requirements will be sustainable. Other existing routes, such as overgrown management trails (e.g. Brendon and Browns trails) and informal bridle trails are not NPWS assets and require significant upgrades or improvements before they could be opened to the public for horse riding. Informal bridle trails may be appropriate for horse riding events where specific one-off management arrangements can be put in place via an event consent. Current and future resource requirements and availability have been considered. Proposed new trails (links and extensions of existing trails) are in steep, rocky terrain and/or traverse threatened ecological communities such as those in Appendix C (Table 3) (see 2c). As noted above, proposals for new trails are inconsistent with conservation of world heritage values, the plan of management and conservation of threatened ecological communities. These trails are not considered feasible. The NSW Rural Fire Service is establishing strategic fire trail networks across the State. This will involve the local Bush Fire Management Committee developing a local Fire Access and Fire Trail (FAFT) plan for the Hawkesbury Local Government Area. This process may lead to future changes to NPWS trails condition status.

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Appendix B Key links Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: www.environment.nsw.gov.au NPWS visitor website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au NPWS Horse Riding Policy: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/horse-riding NPWS Code of Practice for Horse Riding in Parks: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/horse-riding NPWS Events, Functions and Venues Policy: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/events-functions-and-venues Phytophthora hygiene measures: Facts about Phytophthora, Plant Disease Unit, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/getmedia/1ea5e5de-960f-47d3-9f03-ea2f2a3e8c27/Facts_About_Phytophthora_Brochure.pdf.aspx Visitor alerts for NSW National Parks: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list

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Appendix C Threatened species and communities

Table 3 Threatened ecological communities in the planning area

Threatened ecological community (BC Act)

BC Act status

Threatened ecological community (EPBC Act)

River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions

Endangered

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions

Endangered

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions

Endangered

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Critically endangered

Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Critically endangered

Turpentine–Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Blue Mountains Swamps in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Vulnerable Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone

Table 4 Threatened plant species recorded in the planning area

Common name Scientific name BC Act status EPBC Act status

Bynoe’s or Tiny wattle Acacia bynoeana Endangered Vulnerable

Acacia gordonii Endangered Endangered

Downy wattle Acacia pubescens Vulnerable Vulnerable

Allocasuarina glareicola Endangered Endangered

Dillwynia tenuifolia Vulnerable

Narrow-leaf finger fern Grammitis stenophylla Endangered

Gyrostemon thesioides Endangered

Keraudrenia corollata var. denticulata

Endangered population

Beard-heath Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri

Endangered

Deane’s paperbark Melaleuca deanei Vulnerable Vulnerable

Olearia cordata Vulnerable Vulnerable

Hairy geebung Persoonia hirsuta Endangered Endangered

Rice flower Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora

Vulnerable Vulnerable

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Common name Scientific name BC Act status EPBC Act status

Magenta lilly pilly Syzygium paniculatum Endangered Vulnerable

Glandular pink-bell Tetratheca glandulosa Vulnerable

Velleia perfoliata Vulnerable Vulnerable

Zieria involucrata Endangered Vulnerable

Table 5 Threatened animal species recorded within five kilometres of the planning area

Common name Scientific name BC Act status EPBC Act status

Frogs:

Giant burrowing frog Heleioporus australiacus Vulnerable Vulnerable

Stuttering frog 1 Mixophyes balbus Endangered Vulnerable

Red-crowned toadlet Pseudophryne australis Vulnerable

Birds:

Gang-gang cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Vulnerable

Glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Vulnerable

Brown treecreeper (eastern subspecies) 2

Climacteris picumnus victoriae

Vulnerable

Regent honeyeater 1 Anthochaera phrygia Critically endangered

Endangered

Barking owl Ninox connivens Vulnerable

Powerful owl Ninox strenua Vulnerable

Masked owl Tyto novaehollandiae Vulnerable

Mammals:

Spotted-tailed quoll 2 Dasyurus maculatus Vulnerable Endangered

Koala 2 Phascolarctos cinereus Vulnerable Vulnerable

Yellow-bellied glider Petaurus australis Vulnerable

Brush-tailed rock-wallaby 2 Petrogale penicillata Endangered Vulnerable

Grey-headed flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable Vulnerable

Eastern freetail-bat 2 Mormopterus norfolkensis Vulnerable

Large-eared pied bat Chalinolobus dwyeri Vulnerable Vulnerable

Eastern bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Vulnerable

Notes: BC Act = Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. EPBC Act = Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 1 Old/undated record; not recently verified. 2 Identified as high priority for management (DECC 2008).

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Appendix D Weeds Table 6 Significant weeds recorded in the planning area

Common name Scientific name Comment

African lovegrass 1 Eragrostis curvula Recorded at end of Ironbark Ridge trail

Blackberry 2 3 Rubus fruticosus agg. Impacting world heritage biodiversity values on the Colo River and at Colo Meroo; priority control program

Cape ivy Delairea odorata Impacting world heritage biodiversity values on the Colo River and at Colo Meroo; priority control program

Coreopsis Coreopsis sp. Spreading from Bells Line of Road and Putty Road into park along vehicle access routes

Honey locust Gleditsia triacanthos Mapped on Colo River

Lantana 1 2 3 4 Lantana camara Located in the Bells Line of Road area and Wheeny Creek

Moth vine Araujia sericifera Mapped on Colo River

Pampas grass 1 5 Cortaderia selloana Mapped on Colo River

Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima Found on Colo River. Successful works completed by Friends of the Colo, follow-up works required for eradication; located in Wheeny Creek area also

Whisky grass Andropogon virginicus Recorded at end of Ironbark Ridge trail

Willow 2 3 4 Salix spp. Priority control program is on the Colo River

Notes:

1 Declared key threatening process under the Biodiversity Conservation Act. 2 Declared Weed of National Significance. 3 State-wide priority weed under the Biosecurity Act. 4 Declared key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act. 5 Regional priority weed (Greater Sydney LLS 2017).

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Glossary Bridle trail: Also known as a bridle pathway or bridleway, is a thoroughfare used for riding horses where motor vehicles cannot pass or are excluded for other reasons. They are often suitable for walking and cycling. In this plan they indicate more informal and unconstructed trails. Crown road: A public road under the care and control of NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown land (for the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989) which remains Crown land. Dormant management trail: A management trail that is not being maintained. Endurance horse riding: An active and intensive form of recreational horse riding. It typically involves riding horses in planned and organised events, generally on loop trails with distances of around 80 kilometres but up to 400 kilometres (e.g. Shahzada event). Riders may undertake endurance training rides on shorter distances. Endurance NSW is the state division of the Australian Endurance Riders Association Incorporated, the peak body. Event: An organised group activity open to the public. Examples of events are concerts, public meetings or demonstrations, conferences, educational activities, organised sporting and endurance activities. Horse riding route: The pathway taken using either an existing public road, or park road, or management trail, or bridle trail, or new ‘link’ bridle trail that links management trails. Management trail: A vehicle trail on lands reserved or acquired under the National Park and Wildlife Act 1974, which is maintained by NPWS for the purpose of park management activities. If such trails are open to public vehicle use, then they are ‘roads’ under the roads legislation. See ‘park road’. Park road: A road reserved as part of a park that is open to the public, though it can be closed for park management reasons. Parks roads are maintained by NPWS. Public road: A road which is not part of a park and is designated as a public road under the Roads Act 1993 or other legislation for the purposes of the Roads Act such as the Crown Land Management Act 2016. Sustainable horse riding: Based on a definition of ‘ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation’ where the use of a natural setting for an activity is, a) within its capacity to sustain natural processes, and b) in a way that the benefit of its use to a present generation does not diminish the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. Trail horse riding: Riding generally undertaken for a short duration or as a day trip, starting and finishing from a base. It can be done as part of an organised club, a commercial activity or as individuals or small groups. The peak group in Australia is the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association with 33 affiliated clubs in New South Wales.

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References DECC 2008, The Vertebrate Fauna of South-eastern Wollemi National Park, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Hurstville, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/surveys/SouthEasternWollemiNPvertebratefauna.pdf. Greater Sydney LLS 2017, Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017–2022, Greater Sydney Local Land Services, https://greatersydney.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/722368/Greater-Sydney-Regional-Weed-Mgmt-Plan-FINAL-Sept-2019.pdf NPWS 2001, Wollemi National Park Plan of Management, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/Parks-plans-of-management/wollemi-national-park-plan-of-management-010139.pdf NPWS 2019a, Events, Functions and Venue Policy, viewed 14 May 2019, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/events-functions-and-venues NPWS 2019b, Horse Riding Policy, viewed 13 May 2019, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/horse-riding OEH 2011, Management Plan for Myrtle Rust on the National Parks Estate, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pestsweeds/110683myrtlerustmp.pdf. OEH 2012a, Erosion and Sediment Control on Unsealed Roads: A field guide for erosion and sediment control maintenance practices, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/erosion-and-sediment-control-on-unsealed-roads OEH 2012b, Strategic Directions for Horse Riding in NSW national parks, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/strategic-directions-for-horse-riding-in-nsw-national-parks OEH 2014, Code of Practice for Horse Riding in Parks, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Policy-and-law/horse-riding-in-parks-code-of-practice-140324.pdf OEH 2017, Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion – profile, viewed 13 May 2019, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10095#threats OEH 2019, Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion – profile, viewed 13 May 2019, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10755#threats Williams E 1998, The First Quilty: The birth of Australian endurance horse riding, Greenmount Press, Toowoomba, QLD.