Karst environments in New South Wales: issues, directions and unevaluated karst values
Within New South Wales there are approximately 430 deposits of limestone or dolomite, most being less than 2 square kilometres in outcrop extent. About 100 of these deposits are cavernous and could be described as karst environments. Other deposits show little evidence of karstification on surface exposures but may contain significant groundwater dependant ecosystems (GDEs) or buried palaeokarst features, however this has not been assessed. There are also a small number of pseudokarst features of various origins. Although many of the largest and significant karst environments are contained within reserves, two thirds of NSW karst environments are located in privately owned land. Significant research and assessment of karst in NSW has been undertaken including a comprehensive database of caves developed by the Australian Speleological Federation, an NGO. Many of these studies are confined to a limited number of recognised karst sites or features. Numerous locations lack documented assessment of key karst values. An accurate state GIS karst layer that maps karst environments, key features, catchments, tenure and threatening processes has yet to be developed. The need for urgent further documentation of NSW's karst environments is supported by existing findings that indicate some of NSW's karsts are the most complexly evolved yet found and contain a high diversity of cave invertebrates with a high degree of endemism. Recent research confirms some caves at Jenolan Caves are 335 million years old, making them the world's oldest known enterable caves. To improve karst conservation outcomes in NSW there is a need to clarify, prioritise and address karst issues and threatening processes. There is a need to undertake research and documentation of many karst environments, compiling the information in a GIS/database of NSW karst that may be utilised by state agencies and local governments who are involved in land use management and planning for private and public land. With many karsts located on private land there is a need to enlist owners in partnerships towards karst conservation through the provision of advice, conservation agreements and funding of conservation works. Some key karst environments would benefit if acquired into the state reservations system. In recognition of the importance of karst environments the State government has recently legislated to form a state Karst Management Advisory Committee (KMAC) and resourced a Karst Conservation Unit (KCU) within the Department of Environment and Conservation. KMAC has a strategic planning and advisory role, advising to the Government through the National Parks Advisory Committee. The KCU has been functional since July 2006 and has developed a work plan and is undertaking a range of projects in line with identified priorities. Only recently formed KMAC will to contribute advice and direction to the KCU. Current projects of the KCU are discussed along with some karst issues identified at a forum of karst managers and researchers held in March 2006.