Parks and Wildlife. Peter went to Sydney University and obtained a science degree, majoring in botany

and zoology.

He then went to work at Taronga Zoo as a keeper for three and a half years.

“Elephants, rhinos, tigers and small mammals were the main ones I dealt with,” Peter said. “I completed a master of science qualifying year in the design of biological experiments while there.”

Peter then joined the Department of Agriculture and became involved in pasture research in the central and western divisions of NSW.

“I did that for eight years,” he said. “It gave me a lot of valuable practical experience and a good perspective on land management, something which has been valuable to me in work that I have done since.”

While he was working in that job, Peter completed his postgraduate study in natural resources. A keen studier, Peter is also now completing further study on the impact of fire on natural habitat. His life as a ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service began in 1988.

“And, I’m still here,” Peter said. “I started at Kur-ring-gai National Park (north of Sydney) as a ranger then, working at a variety of locations within that region. I moved to the Northern Tablelands area in 1990 and have worked here and on the Northern Slopes for about 18 years now.” Peter has been a ‘fixture’ at the Glen Innes office for many years.

“I chose this area of the State to work in mainly due to the amazing variety of environments, and the high number of plant and animal species that live here.”

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Peter’s daily duties are wide and varied, something he enjoys.

“I enjoy the work. I am often working with others who have a similar commitment and interest.

“I have a good mix of indoor and outdoor or field work which includes all of my interests,” he said. And, that list of interests is extensive. It includes those things Peter has held dear since childhood such as plants, animals, Aboriginal and historic heritage and the promotion of conservation in its various forms.

“I manage six parks in this area – Goonoowigall State Conservation Area, Barayamal, Nullamanna, Kings Plains, Butterleaf and West Washpool national parks.

“There’s a lot of work involved in the management of any park. Plans of management have to prepared, burn plans and fire strategies have to be developed, interpretation material and environmental assessments need to be completed.

“I undertake surveys of plants and animals, Aboriginal and historic heritage, and get involved in research projects on fauna and flora.”

Peter said survey work is crucial to find out what exists within the parks and to monitor the impact our management has on them.

“Vegetation surveys have recently been completed for both parks on Inverell’s door step,” he said. “These surveys have shown the parks to be very special in the type of vegetation reserved (Grassy Box Woodland in Barayamal NP and Howell Shrubland in Goonoowigall SCA). There are many rare plants in them, including the Inverell Cycad, which is only found around Goonoowigall.

“We have also undertaken an historical study of both reserves with the assistance of long-time Inverell residents and neighbours.”

Many rare animals have also been found in the two parks including Koalas, Barking Owls, Turquoise Parrots, Brown Treecreepers and Square-tailed Kites.

Weed and pest animal control is also a significant part of Peter’s duties.

“Last summer I helped with spraying Tree of Heaven in Goonoowigall SCA and St John’s Wort and Blackberry in Barayamal and Coolatai Grass in both. Feral pig, goat, dog and cat control is also undertaken.”

Peter maintains close contact with park neighbours over many issues such as fencing, pest programmes and joint hazard reduction burning.

“Conducting hazard reduction burns is the main priority of NPWS at the moment, and has been especially important for the last eight to 10 years. A lot of my time is spent preparing burn plans, measuring fuel loads, liaising with neighbours and the RFS and doing hazard reduction burns. We often help other NPWS areas to put in burns and in the wildfire season I could end up anywhere in the State fighting fires.”

Peter is driven by a concern for the future of fauna and fauna, the health of ecosystems and what will be there for our next generations.

“An interesting research project we are working on is monitoring Quoll populations in the parks. We trap these cat-size native meat-eaters, insert microchips and take measurements before releasing. This year we have also fitted radio collars to look at where they live, the type of vegetation they use and what features they need to survive, such as logs.”

Peter added that there have been recent records of quolls in the Inverell area, but their numbers and range are diminishing.

In the last 200 years, 25 animals and many plants have become extinct on the tablelands and slopes.

“I have witnessed at least four of these in the time I have lived here,” he said. “Many more are threatened, so I see my role as trying to do something about this, while managing what we have. At the same time providing people with the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature.

“It is rewarding work,” Peter said. “And, it is a privilege to work here.”