Issue 20, March - April 2008
Parks Forum News
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The Value of Parks has arrived We are very proud to announce the completion of the much anticipated 'Value of Parks' document, which is hoped will act as valuable tool to communicate the social (including health), environmental, cultural and economic benefits that parks accrue to society as well as highlighting future challenges and opportunities. |
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A Peer Review of the Bibbulman Track, managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (WA), was conducted during last September's Parks and Protected Areas Forum in Perth. The report is now ready to be viewed by members.Image: www.drivewa.com |
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Ian Harris joins PF Board as a Community Representative Ian Harris, Convenor of the National Parks Advisory Council, has become a member of the Parks Forum Board, and will act as a Community Representative. We look forward to his valuable input. |
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We are pleased to announce that our AGM will be taking place in Hobart this year, from 17 - 19 November.Image: http://www.immi.gov.au/ |
Industry News
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Auckland Regional Council open Atiu Creek Regional ParkAtiu Creek Regional Park was officially opened to the public on Saturday 5 April, after generously being gifted to the people of New Zealand by Pierre and Jackie Chatelana. |
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Wetland education & Training (WET) workshopsSydney Olympic Park Authority is inviting you to attend a two-day practical workshop on ‘Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Wetland Adaptations’ which will be held on 5 - 6 June 2008. |
New Member Profiles - Welcoming our first Associate & Affiliate Members
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Research AustraliaParks Forum is proud to announce that Research Australia has recently have just joined Parks Forum as our first Affiliate Member. |
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Conservation Volunteers AustraliaConservation Volunteers Australia are now Associate members of Parks Forum.We welcome both Research Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia to Parks Forum and look forward to their involvement. |
Conference Report
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Queensland Rangers Association ConferenceThe Queensland Rangers Association held their conference recently at Mount Tamborine. Parks Forum CEO David Clarke attended the event. |
Diary dates
20-22 May
Parks Forum Conference 'A World without Parks?'
'The Value of Parks' New Zealand launch
22 May
International Day for Biodiversity
23 May
Parks Forum additional workshops and meetings
...also World Turtle day
5 June
'The Value of Parks' launch - Australia-wide
5 - 6 June
6-11 July
12th National School in Park Management
16- 18 September
IFPRA's Asia-Pacific Congress, Christchurch
21- 23 September
International Urban Parks 'Body & Soul' Conference, Pittsburgh
9 - 12 November
Parks and Leisure Australia's Conference, Melbourne
17 - 19 November
24 - 28 November
Australian Protected Areas Congress, Sunshine Coast
After much anticipation and hard work, Parks Forum is proud to announce the arrival of the Value of Parks document.
Produced in partnership with IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and the People and Parks Foundation, this beautiful document both visually and articulately describes the social, health, environmental, cultural and economic benefits value that parks provide to our society.
We aim to convey the key messages of the document to decision‐makers, opinion leaders and actual (and potential) advocates in the parks industry and community. It describes the extensive range of parks and protected areas enjoyed by our communities and the crucial role they play in the health of our society and environment. It also outlines some key issues the parks industry faces during a time of rapid environmental and social change.
The document will officially be launched in New Zealand on Tuesday 20th May at the Parks Forum 'A World without Parks?' conference by the Honourable Steve Chadwick, MP, Minister of Conservation.
The Australian launch will take place on 5 June 2008 to coincide with World Environment day, in various locations around the country. If you would like further information relating to what's happening in your state to celebrate the launch please contact info@parksforum.org.
Bibbulman Track Peer Review available
A Peer Review of the Bibbulman Track was conducted during last September's Parks and Protected Areas Forum in Perth. The track is the longest-distance walking track in Western Australia and is one of the longest continuously marked trails in Australia, stretching 963 km from Kalamunda, a hills suburb on the outskirts of Perth, to Albany on the south coast.
The track is managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) with support from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation (BTF), who are responsible for associated walking, volunteer maintenance and marketing programs. Volunteers play a significant role in assisting to maintain the Bibbulmun Track and the Foundation's other programs. Overall the Peer Review team were impressed with the Bibbulmun Track and the partnership between the BTF and the DEC. The review of the walk gave both State and Interstate delegates an indication that overall the Track is well supported by the broader community, a committed group of volunteers and by the BFT and DEC staff.
A full copy of the Peer Review can be viewed in the Members Area of the Parks Forum webpage under: PROJECT - Peer Reviews, BIBBULMAN TRACK, DEC WA Peer Review.
Ian Harris joins Parks Forum Board as a Community Representative
On Friday 14 March Ian Harris was appointed a Director of Parks Forum, acting as our community representative due to his role as convener of the Victorian State National Parks Advisory Council and the State Reference Area Advisory Committee.
The National Parks Advisory Council (NPAC) is a non-statutory body established under the National Parks Act 1975. It's major function is to advise the Minister generally in relation to the administration of the Act, and the Minister also seeks advice from Council on certain leases, licences and consents for particular activities in parks.
Ian lectures at RMIT University on urban open space management and undertakes project work in the parks industry. He was until recently manager of Parks and Recreation with the City of Melbourne, responsible for managing the City's heritage parks, gardens and tree boulevards. He was formerly Director of National Parks in Victoria and has had extensive experience in the planning and management of protected natural areas as well as urban parkland. Ian was president and continues to be involved as a councillor with the community-based Victorian National Parks Association.
Of his appointment, Ian has said "as a Board member I hope to be able to contribute as a community based member to the development of the Parks Forum as the authoritative and widely recognised voice of the parks industry in Australia and New Zealand. I am also keen to encourage key local government park management agencies to participate in, and strengthen the role of the Forum."
Parks Forum AGM: 17-19 November, Hobart
Pencil it into your diaries now! All Parks Forum members welcome and encouraged to attend.
Parks Forum is pleased to announce that this year's AGM will be hosted by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, in Hobart.
A series of events, including a Peer Review, will accompany the AGM to add benefit to both our hosts and other member agencies. Further details will be released in due course.
Auckland Regional Council open Atiu Creek Regional Park
Atiu Creek Regional Park was officially opened to the public on Saturday 5 April by the Governor-General The Honourable Anand Satyanand and his wife Mrs Susan Satyanand.
Auckland Regional Council Chairman Michael Lee and Councillors Sandra Coney and Christine Rose spoke about the tremendous gift made by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat. Sir Brian Lochore, Chairman of the QEII National Trust spoke on behalf of the trust about the covenant placed on this property and the protection of open space by private landowners.
Atiu Creek Farm was gifted to the people of New Zealand by Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat in October 2005. The 843 hectare property was entrusted to the ARC so that future generations may enjoy unspoilt access to this part of the Kaipara Harbour forever.
On opening day visitors were able to explore the park on foot, take a ‘hop on and hop off’ shuttle bus loop, view farm machinery displays and learn a little of the history of the property.
The Albertland Museum kindly prepared a display, showcasing local history with a particular emphasis on Atiu Creek Regional Park. Atiu Creek Regional Park is now open to the public. The park is approximately 20 kilometres west of Wellsford on the Tapora Peninsula. Go to www.arc.govt.nz for directions or further information.
Wetland Education and Training Workshops
Sydney Olympic Park Authority is inviting you to attend a two-day practical workshop on ‘Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Wetland Adaptations’ which will be held on 5 - 6 June 2008.
Sydney Olympic Park Authority offer a number of Wetland Education and Training (WET) Workshops each year. The WET Workshops are designed to facilitate the sharing of scientific research findings and the successful implementation of research in the management of the wetlands at Sydney Olympic Park.
The workshops offer a hands-on experiential learning approach and training is focused on building skills in assessment, planning, restoration, monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems and resources. Numerous examples are taken from both natural and man-made wetlands and a variety of sites are visited and analysed. Highly skilled experts and practising ecologists deliver the tutorials and field studies lessons. These workshops are primarily aimed at professionals who are currently working in the field of wetland management or who are involved in the academic and/or policy arena.
For further information, please visit the WET website or view the workshop flyer here.
Research Australia is a national not-for profit alliance of organisations and companies that are committed to making health and medical research a higher national priority. Given Parks Forum's current interests in the Healthy Parks Healthy People project, which aims to communicate to all Australians the benefits of a healthy park system and its contribution to the health of individuals and society, we feel that it is important to have organisation such as Research Australia as Affiliate members.
Independent of government, Research Australia is supported by over 190 member organisations, donors and supporters including leading research institutes, universities, philanthropy, community and special interest groups, peak industry bodies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and corporate Australia.
Research Australia's vision is a world where government, industry, philanthropy and the research sector work together to improve quality of life for all Australians. This ties is with our philosophy here at Parks Forum, so we look forward to the potential collaborations between ourselves and Research Australia, who in 2007 published the pertinent "Healthy Planet, Places and People" report.
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Conservation Volunteers is Australia’s leading practical conservation organisation. Since 1982 they have fulfilled their mission to attract and manage a force of volunteers in practical conservation projects for the betterment of the Australian environment. Some of the impressive statistics associated with CVA are that they:
- Welcome more than 10,000 volunteers a year.
- Work in partnership to assist more than 2,000 priority conservation projects.
- Achieve real conservation results, including planting more than 1 million trees a year.
- Provides training to more than 1,000 individuals and groups across Australia.
- Has a network of more than 20 offices across Australia.
Incorporating some great initiatives into their repertoire such as Green Gym, Conservation Volunteers have recently decided to move into the area of park management, which will no doubt make them a valuable new Associate member of Parks Forum, especially taking into account our new involvement with the Parks Volunteer Network. They are also actively seeking to form conservation partnerships at local, state and national level, so please contact their national office on +61 3 5330 2600 if you feel this may be of interest to your organisation.
Queensland Rangers Association Conference
Last week the Queensland Rangers Association was host to the annual national conference of rangers at Mt Tambourine in the Gold Coast hinterland, and was the venue for the announcement of the “Council of Australian Ranger Associations".
Parks Forum Chief Executive David Clarke attended the conference, and met with the newly formed Council, which has been created from the re-structured Australian Rangers Federation. The Council provides a structure where the state Ranger associations can work together on issues of national interest.
The meeting provided the first opportunity for the Council and Parks Forum to discuss a number of ways in which they can work together in common interest. A key outcome from the meeting was an agreement that the two organisations will now work to establish a formal affiliation, through which they will work together to scope a national workforce development project for rangers.
David expressed strong support for the new Council structure, and rangers having a national voice. “In our view it’s important that the new national Council structure succeeds. Our rangers are a crucial part of our skilled workforce, and there’s a lot we can do together at a national level, in the common interest of rangers and park agencies. So we will be doing what we can to support them ” he said.
ARF representative Michael Joyce welcomed the new agreement for CARA and Parks Forum to work together. “This is as great opportunity for Rangers and park agencies to work together and harness our combined energy. We’ve got some important work to do, to support the skills of rangers, which has got to be good for everyone” he said
Parks Forum's "A World without Parks?" Conference
20 - 22 May, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland.
Interest in our upcoming conference has been incredibly strong. The confirmed list of delegates shows that the conference will bring together a broad mix of representatives from agencies across New Zealand, Australia and further afield from Singapore, the UK, Canada and the USA, which will provide extensive networking opportunities where delegates can gain invaluable connections with colleagues from around the world.
While conference registrations will soon close, as we reach our capped delegate limit, we would like you or others from within your organisation to consider participating in one of the additional activities planned for Friday 23 May following the conference.
- Young Leaders Forum
- Healthy Parks Healthy People Workshop
- Benchmarking and Management Effectiveness Workshop
- Parks Volunteer Network Meeting
- Indigenous Roundtable Discussion
For more information relating to these activities and the conference, please visit our website www.parksforum.org/conference.
NZRA's Green Pavlova
5 - 6 June, Blenheim, New Zealand
The Green Pavlova (despite its culinary implication!) is a two-day seminar for those working in the parks industry; inclusive of those dealing with the wide open spaces of National Parks, to those delivering services in the urban environment. The two day conference is pitched to interest, stimulate and develop Parks officers and high level operational staff.
The conference promises high level content that is of interest to all in attendance. Presentations will be topical and at times innovative. A feature of this year’s conference will be the presentation of case studies that showcase not only the bouquets of success, but also the pitfalls of failure!
Information relating to the program, registration and special events can be found at the Green Pavlova website
12th National School in Park Management
Balancing the Evolving Needs of Parks, 6 - 11 July, Queen's College, Melbourne
Delivered by the University of Melbourne in partnership with Parks Victoria and the City of Melbourne, the popular National School in Park Management will once again be held in Melbourne, from July 6 – 11, 2008. The school engages with current and emerging issues in managing parks and public open space. Real-world management responses, research findings and policy direction are all introduced as tools to enable participants to expand their thinking in relation to their profession.
The demands on parks are altering dramatically as visitor demographic, conservation needs, aesthetic requirements, user expectations and resource cost and availability increasingly compete for precedence in management’s consideration. Balancing these needs is one of the greatest challenges to park management.
For further information visit the webite by following this link, or download the brochure here.
IFPRA's Asia-Pacific Congress, Christchurch
Making Connections Make a Difference, 15 - 18 September, Christchurch
The 2008 Asia Pacific IFPRA Congress organising committee would like to invite you to attend Making Connections Make a Difference - the programme is enticing and includes fabulous field trips around Christchurch. This will be an experience that delegates will treasure fondly and refer to for many years to come. The congress has confirmed top international key note speakers that will challenge and inspire the way we think about parks and recreation.
There are still some speaking slots available, so if you are interested in presenting at the conference, please send your name, topic and a short description to Diana Saxton before 27 March 2008.
You can register your interest in attending the congress now at www.ifpra2008.com. Registrations officially open in late April. A post-congress tour of the picturesque Lower South Island, incorporating the West Coast, Wanaka and Queenstown, will begin on Friday 19 September for 30 lucky people.
Parks & Leisure Australia National Conference
"Creating a sense of PLAce", 9 - 12 November, Melbourne
This year represents the PLA’s 10th Anniversary and promises to be a year with a difference. The conference, based at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, promises to offer everyone from the policy maker to the on-ground professional, senior manager, practitioner and student, a host of challenges and innovative ideas to discuss and workshop during the conference and to utilise back in the workplace.
The importance and relevance of the national conference continues to strengthen based on the array of speakers focussing on topics/issues of suitable substance, valuable technical tours and the opportunity to network in a stimulating environment . Be sure to register early to avoid disappointment. For further information please see: http://www.parks-leisure.com.au/.
Australian Protected Areas Congress
Supported by Parks Forum
"Protected Areas in the Century of Change", 24 - 28 November, Sunshine Coast
You are invited to join with leading experts in shaping the management, development, research and review of protected areas in Australia.
APAC08 is a major conference which will bring together leading practitioners and theorists in protected area design, management and research from across Australia, and will carry forward a number of issues raised at the 2007 Parks and Protected Areas Forum and the 2008 Parks Forum 'A World without Parks?' conference.
It explores values, benefits and increasing importance of protected areas for humankind in Australia. Terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas will be considered.
APAC08 is supported by: Parks Forum, IUCN WCPA, WWF Australia, University of Queensland, Tourism Queensland and the Environment Protection Agency.
Click here to view the APAC08 flyer, or visit the conference website at www.epa.qld.gov.au/apac/Employment Opportunities
Looking for work within the environmental/parks sector?
The following databases list employment opportunities within Australia and New Zealand for interested individuals:
Information request: Training and Career Development Options for Young Conservation Professionals
Parks Forum are currently interested in collecting information from our members and colleagues regarding any opportunities for young professionals within the conservation/parks sector to gain experience or qualifications. Information relating to opportunities in New Zealand is especially needed.
These may fall under one of the following categories:
- Educational Development,
- Awards,
- Career Mentoring,
- Internships/Scholarships,
- Opportunities for Indigenous People,
- International Opportunities,
- Experiences/Volunteering.
This information will be disseminated to the participants of our upcoming Young Leaders Forum.
Please send information (including a short description, a website address if applicable, and contact details where possible) to: info@parksforum.org.The Forum is an open publication, which is distributed freely to everyone with an interest in the parks management industry. Feel free to circulate to anyone you feel would benefit from it.
We welcome any feedback you wish to provide about The Forum newsletter or any of our program and activities. Get in touch by emailing info@parksforum.org.
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Parks Forum is the peak industry association for park management agencies in Australia and New Zealand. We represent agencies which have management and stewardship responsibility for the full range of parks across the parks spectrum, from smaller urban parklands and forests, through to larger national parks and protected areas
We are committed to:
- Promoting unity of purpose in the parks industry, to ensure the protection of parks, improved management of the natural environment and increased benefits to the community;
- Achieving improvements in the protection, understanding, appreciation and use of parks and the natural environment by providing leadership in the development of best practice and innovation in park management;
- Promoting the development of professional standards; and
- Enhancing community understanding of the natural environment, enjoyment of parks and the role and importance of parks in connecting communities through improved social, economic and environmental outcome.
To find out more about joining Parks Forum, visit http://www.parksforum.org/1membership.asp or contact the Parks Forum office on +61 (0)3 9416 2080.