Gordonvale is protected!
An aerial view of the wild and remote location of Gordonvale with the snow-capped mountains of the Denison Range nestled in the background - by Matthew Newton
By Jane Hutchinson | CEO of TLC
I’m sure that many of you are keen to hear how our efforts to secure the wild and remote property of Gordonvale are going. I am absolutely delighted to let you know that thanks to the generous help of many supporters, together we have been able to acquire Gordonvale as the TLC’s 12th permanent reserve. Thank you so much to all who donated!
When the opportunity arose to acquire the 80 ha property, we knew instantly that it fitted strategically into our overall, long-term conservation science goals.
The TLC has long identified Gordonvale as a World Heritage gem. It’s one of only a few private properties included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (World Heritage Area), and is completely surrounded by the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.Securing Gordonvale for conservation makes a very important contribution to protecting the integrity of the World Heritage Area as a whole. It is flanked by the spectacular vistas of Great Dome and Wylds Craig. The undulating buttongrass plains, riparian vegetation, scrub and forest of Gordonvale are habitat for some of Tasmania’s iconic and fabulous animals. The nationally endangered Tasmanian devil and the threatened ground parrot are but a few.
TLC staff Sally Bryant, Denna Kingdom and Marilyn Pauley crossing the Gordon River, illustrating just how hard you have to work to reach Gordonvale - by Grant Dixon
Because of its high altitude, responsible management of the property is critically important in light of the effects of climate change. Responsible management also means working collaboratively with our neighbours to protect the surrounding World Heritage Area.
Our team of conservation scientists will now roll up their research sleeves to develop a Reserve Management Plan for the efficient and effective conservation management of Gordonvale. That means every dollar spent by the TLC is spent wisely on protecting the wonderful plants and animals that live on and around the property.
We have made some very special new connections over the past months with family members of Ernie Bond, bushwalkers and descendants of Gordonvale enthusiasts who have shared their personal memories. Thanks to all who told us a ripping yarn or two about the enigmatic Ernie Bond over a cup of tea or who sent in newspaper clippings, images and stories. Those anecdotes make the journey to protecting Gordonvale so much richer and more joyful and some can be found right here on our website.
Jim Brough & Leo Luckman on the verandah at Ernie Bond’s property, Gordonvale in the 1930s – by Jack Thwaites
The incredible history of Ernie Bond’s eighteen years at Gordonvale has permeated through people’s accounts and, when setting foot on the property now, it is clear that the site has strong cultural and heritage values. Its unique history qualifies the property for registration in the Tasmanian Historic Archaeological Sites Catalogue. It is the traditional home territory of the Pangerninghe clan of the Big River nation and though the remnants of Ernie’s settlement have largely been reclaimed by vegetation, the foundations and some farm equipment remain.
For many bushwalkers, memories of Gordonvale are of passing through the property en-route to Lake Rhona. Some were lucky enough to have experienced the hospitality of Ernie Bond, including wallaby stew, home-grown vegetables and brew!
TLC now has a network of 12 permanent reserves across Tasmania, protecting globally significant values on ecosystems spanning from estuarine wetlands, coastal woodlands and wet forests to high altitude grasslands and sphagnum peatlands.
Thank you to everyone who has supported TLC to protect Gordonvale as part of this important network of private land reserves forever.