| Photographs: | |
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| List: | Register of the National Estate |
| Class: | Natural |
| Legal Status: | Registered (21/10/1980) |
| Place ID: | 268 |
| Place File No: | 1/01/121/0001 |
| Statement of Significance: |
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| The Jerusaleem Creek Area contains extensive representations of coastal heath and scrub vegetation and extensive swamp forest, as well as a diversity of other vegetation types. The area is valuable for its geological and geomorphological features, distinctive indigenous vegetation (mangroves, sedgelands, heaths, woodlands, sclerophyll forests) and pristine waterways. The area is of special significance for its diverse fauna, with over 280 species recorded from the park, including records for a quarter of Australia's bird species. Two rare, one endangered, and three nationally vulnerable plant species occur in the park. Seven species of endangered birds have been recorded feeding in the park with two further species also recorded breeding. The virtually unpolluted catchment of the Esk River is of special significance. |
| Official Values: Not Available |
| Description: |
| The area is a stretch of coastal land almost 40km long. It is confined by the Evans River in the north and Clarence River in the south. The Bundjalung area has a diversity of vegetation types and faunal habitats responding to influences of microtopography, hydrology (eg water table depth), soils and exposure to coastal processes. The majority of the surface area is Quaternary sands derived mainly from coastal beach barrier systems. West of the Esk River some areas of outcropping Jurassic sediments are sampled. A range of vegetation types occur, including mangrove stands, saltmarsh, sedgelands, littoral rainforest, wet and dry heathland, woodland, and sclerophyll forests. This variety of vegetation types provides an array of habitats for animals. The Jerusalem Creek area comprises a very extensive essentially natural coastline, with a hinterland of sand ridges, freshwater swamps and streams, and hard rock country. The area ranges from low-lying swamps and bogs, to forests at an altitude over 150m. There are extensive wet and dry heathlands, MALLEE-scrubs, eucalypt woodlands, sclerophyll forests, and some mangrove communities in the south. The area is bounded on the seaward side by the curve of Ten Mile Beach, which is one of the longest beaches on the north coast. The northern part of the bombing range at Evans Head contains many wetlands, some with open water. There are a few ephemeral ponds in the frontal dunes, behind which lies Ghosties Lagoon, a lowland dune lake or possibly a relictual marine-contact lake. The area covers much of the near unpolluted catchment of the Esk River, which is a low energy stream which appears to be substantially sourced through groundwater. Due to subsurface freshwater movement from wetlands in the catchment and restricted tidal influence, extensive freshwater river environments are found along the Esk River. A large low lying area east of the Esk River and north of Iluka Road is subject to a permanently high watertable and is dominated by forest and woodland of Broad-leaved Paperbark (MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA). There is no saline influence in this swamp. In the section north of Saltwater Inlet, tidal influence penetrates along depressions radiating from the main estuary. Intertidal areas in the south are dominated by mangrove woodland, and close to the main estuary, higher ground gives way to depauperate mangrove stands, Glasswort (SARCOCORNIA sp.) and Salt Couch (SPOROBOLUS VIRGINICUS). In sites more remote from the estuary, infrequently inundated areas tend to give rise to stands of the Milky Mangrove (EXCOECARIA AGALLOCHA) and then to Swamp Oak (CASUARINA GLAUCA). In sites where water tables are close to or above the ground surface but no tidal flooding takes place, Paperbark tends to form dense tall forest. In a number of localities Cabbage Tree Palm (LIVISTONA AUSTRALIS) occurs in association with Paperbark, palms dominating in parts. In other areas the Bangalow Palm (ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA) replaces the Cabbage Tree Palm, with the best instance being in the south adjacent to the Iluka Road, half a kilometre east of the Esk River bridge. Close to the above stand of Bangalow Palm is a forest stand dominated by Ironbark (EUCALYPTUS PANICULATA). To the north east this area gives way to a stand of Swamp Box (LOPHOSTEMON SUAVEOLENS) which merges into the tall forests of Paperbark. One particularly interesting stand in this area is one dominated jointly by Coastal White Cypress (CALLITRIS COLUMELLARIS) and Hard Corkwood (ENDIANDRA SIEBERI), representing the best developed example of its type on the coast. One Hoop Pine tree (ARAUCARIA CUNNINGHAMII) has been noted in this stand. The gently undulating sand barriers on either side of the Esk River support Saw Tooth BANKSIA (BANKSIA SERRATIFOLIA) scrub, or wet or dry heath. This vegetation extends upwards through the central and northern sections of the park. Blackbutt (EUCALYPTUS PILULARIS) occurs as narrow gallery forest along the Esk River, and several substantial stands also occur on sand ridges west of the river. The area supports a number of rare or vulnerable plants, and a number of uncommon species. Uncommon plant species include ARTANEMA FIMBRIATUM, BULBOPHYLLUM EXIGUUM, GONOCORMUS SAXIFRAGOIDES, LINDSAEA DIMORPHA, SCLERIA LAEVIS, SPIRANTHES TENUIFLORA, BOTRYCHIUM AUSTRALE and OMALANTHUS STILLINGIIFOLIUS. The Gap Ridge area in the north-west of the park is underlain by Jurassic shales, sandstones and conglomerates. This hard rock country generally supports mixed Eucalypt open forest with a grassy understorey. Major species are Tallowwood (E. MICROCORYS), Sydney Blue Gum (E. SALIGNA), Blackbutt (E. PILULARIS), and Brush Box (LOPHOSTEMON CONFERTUS) in wetter areas. Drier ridges support Scribbly Gum (E. SIGNATA), Needlebark Stringybark (E. PLANCHONIANA), Pink Bloodwood (E. INTERMEDIA) and Red Bloodwood (E. GUMMIFERA). On ridges further back from the river, Spotted Gum (E. MACULATA) and Grey Ironbark (E. PANICULATA) occur with White Mahogany (E. ACMENOIDES), Grey Gum (E. PROPINQUA) and Smooth Barked Apple (ANGOPHORA COSTATA). Pure stands of the Bangalow Palm (ARCHONTOPHOENIX CUNNINGHAMIANA) occur in the protected gullies on the eastern side and grade into wet sclerophyll forest with Cabbage Tree Palms (LIVISTONA AUSTRALIS). Three rare plants have been recorded from Morgan's Gully. Three small patches of littoral rainforest occur on Quaternary alluvium on the south bank of the Evans River, with Paperbark (MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA, M. ALTERNIFOLIA, and M. LINARIIFOLIA) along drainage channels and on low lying areas subject to flooding. Over 280 species of reptiles, birds and mammals are known from Bundjalung National Park. The heathlands and associated communities in Bundjalung and on Goanna Headland provide important habitats for small mammals, particularly rodents, while open forest, heath and woodlands are the predominant habitat for macropods. Emu (DROMAIUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE) are know to inhabit the WALLUM areas on either side of the Esk River, and the Brolga (GRUS RUBICUNDUS) and Jabiru (xenorhynchus ASIATICUS) are frequent visitors to the swamp areas. The Swamp Wallaby (WALLABIA bicolour), Red-necked Wallaby (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS) and the Grey Kangaroo (M. GIGANTEUS) are some of the larger mammals recorded. The Paperbark woodland and forest provides blossom and seed for birds and blossom feeding bats. Migratory birds visit the wetlands and are covered by international conservation agreements. |
| History: Not Available |
| Condition and Integrity: |
| The condition of the area varies from natural to highly disturbed. The coastal heath area has been extensively sandmined and although the area has been rehabilitated, wetland values have been greatly reduced. There is a rutile plant 1km inland of the southern end of Jerusalem Creek. In mined areas and those adjacent, the coastal dunes are heavily infested with the weed boneseed and some areas behind the dunes are infested with lantana. There are also some squatters shacks standing behind the dunes. Goldmining conducted in the dunes last century has had some affect on natural values, but these areas are now of historical interest. There is a RAAF bombing and gunnery practice area in the northern section, which covers a large area of marshland. The impact of these practices is visible from the air, but the extent of damage is unknown. Ghosties Lagoon and its surrounds are in good condition despite the past use of the area as a bombing range. The northern section is also minimally affected by grazing. |
| Location: |
| About 20,000 ha, between Evans Head and Illuka, surrounding the Esk River, and comprising all land described as 'Existing National Parks, Nature Reserves and Lands available for Recreation' and 'Open Space - Protected Zone (Proposed Future National Park Extension Area)' in Amendments 7 and 8 to Interim Development Order No 1 for Shire of Woodburn and Interim Development Order No 1 for Shire of Maclean and depicted in Plan Number 11151, New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission, December 1979. |
| Bibliography: |
|
Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F. and Reilly, P.N. (1984). The Atlas of Australian Birds. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1988). Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Special Publication 14. CSIRO Division of Plant Industry, Canberra. Chapman, D.M., Geary, M., Roy, P.S. and Thom, B.G. (1982). Coastal Evolution and Coastal Erosion in New South Wales. Coastal Council of NSW, Sydney. Coveny, R. G . ( 1972-1977 ) . Bundjalung Nature Reserve. Unpubl. plant species list. Royal Botanic Gardens. Griffith, S.J. (1982). The flora of Goanna Headland, Evans Head, N.S.W. McGillivray, D.J. (1966). The Jerusalem Creek - Esk River Area. Report on botanical features of proposed parks/reserves. In National Parks Association of NSW (undated). Jerusalem Creek National Park Proposal (M19-8). Nicholls A.O. (1966). A Report on the Vegetation of the Coastal Sands of the Iluka Region, North Coast, N.S.W. Unpubl. B.Sc. (Hons.) Thesis, School of Botany, University of New England, Armidale. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (undated). Jerusalem Creek (Bundjalung) (Additions to proposed Bundjalung (Jerusalum Creek) National Park) Nl9-11. and Jerusalum Creek National Park Proposal (including Iluka Nature Reserve and Bundjalung Reserve) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service ( 1989 ) Bundjalung National Park and Iluka Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management. Smith, P. (1990). The biology and management of the Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) in NSW. Species management report number 1. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. Tims, B.V. (1988) Conservation of Central Dune Freshwater Lakes and Ponds of Eastern Australia in Proceedings, A Collection of Papers from the International Symposium on Wetlands held at the Shorland Wetlands Centre, Shortland, Newcastle, 5-8 June 1986, at pp 399-410. White, E., Williams, N. and Heiliger, P. (1982). Report on Goanna Headland, Evans Head. Williams, J . B . and Harden, G . J . (1979) . A Field Guide to Mangroves of New South Wales. University of New England, Armidale. Williams, J.B. and Harden, G.J. (1984). Rainforest Climbing Plants. University of New England, Armidale. Williams, J.B., Harden, G.J. and McDonald, W.J.F. (1984). Trees and Shrubs in Rainforests of New South Wales & Southern Queensland. University of New England, Armidale. |
Report Produced: Tue Feb 9 16:06:18 2010