semester 2, 2016 ecu103: geography for...

Semester 2, 2016 ECU103: Geography for Schools

11/11/2016

Assignment 2: Develop and Plan a Geographic Inquiry

Student Name: Leanne Usher

Student Number: s126717

(Template provided by lecturer)

Title

Formalising and protecting Mount Gillen

Background to study

“In Aboriginal belief, damage or disturbance to sacred sites results in serious danger to the well-

being of the country and wider community”(Sleath, 2015). In recent times there have been several

incidents of sacred sites being damaged or otherwise ruined due to urbanisation and

industrialisation in Alice Springs. Most recently the construction of a new bike path boardwalk in

Alice Springs not only damaged a sacred site, it also destroyed the natural look of the Todd River,

and at a very high financial cost to Territorians (refer to Images-1).

Parks and Wildlife Commission Northern Territory (NT Parks) have proposed changes to another

sacred site – Mount Gillen (Mt Gillen), or Alhekulyele as it is known to the local Arrernte people.

They would like to formalise an already well used path up, across and down the mountain, in order

to reduce site degradation and improve safety (Kossatch, 2014). Meanwhile, Aboriginal people with

spiritual connections to the site would like it closed to the public altogether (Sleath, 2015). This

investigation will attempt to identify public perceptions about the proclamation of sacred sites; and

what impact these changes may have on both the physical and human landscape of the mountain.

Location – Mount Gillen (Mt Gillen) is part of the Heavitree Range in the West MacDonnell Range

National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia. With an absolute location of 23.7094° S,

133.8133° E (NASA, 2016), the mountain is situated within the Alice Springs Desert Park, 7.4

kilometres west-south-west of Alice Springs (Bonzle.com, 2016).

Scale and perspective – Mount Gillen has a maximum height of 914 metres (Edwards & Edwards,

2016), and the iconic mountain range can be seen from most positions in Alice Springs. The

investigation will focus on the approximately eleven kilometres of path, which falls within an area of

approximately 95km2 as demonstrated by the Map 1 overlay

(I will include photos to demonstrate).


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Place – Mt Gillen is a popular destination for tourists, and locals alike. With its ‘red rock against blue

sky’ appearance on most days of the year, the iconic range is impressive, and highly visible. The trig,

at the summit, which was created in 1877 to assist with creating boundaries for mining leases and

cattle stations ("Flynn's Grave - naming Mount gillen," 1928) is the destination of choice for many,

but due to the change from ‘walk’ to ‘climb’ some chose to stop before the top.

There are currently two main access points to the top of the mountain. From the Heavitree end; a

very steep, and gated, sealed road winds its way to the top Mt Gillen to three large antennae;

whereas, the access via John Flynns Grave Memorial Reserve (I will include photos to demonstrate),

is a narrow track which narrows further as it gets closer to the peak, goes perilously close to the

edge in some places, and deteriorates after heavy rainfall. Upon reaching the top users are treated

to spectacular 360° views of the surrounding communities and red and green countryside.

For many thousands of years, ‘Mparntwe’ (Alice Springs) was and continues to be a spiritual place

for the Arrernte people; and as such, the area in and around Alice Springs has one of the highest

density of sacred sites in the Northern Territory (Sleath, 2015). The town and surrounding region are

home to people of many different Aboriginal family and language groups, and Mparntwe is the area

where two important ancestral figures from different dreamings came together. Alice Springs is

perhaps best known for its ‘Caterpillar dreaming’; however, for the Arrernte people, Mount Gillen

relates to a sad story about another lesser known ancestral being - the wild dog. A brief summary of

Ayeye Akngwelye Mpartnwe-arenye (the wild dog story) can be found here.

Spatial distribution – This inquiry is interested in the impact or formalisation or closing of the path

on the spatial perspective and human distribution.

Pattern and spatial process – This inquiry aims to identify patterns in human interaction with the

mountain. Some examples include: Is there a pattern to indicate why users prefer to use Mt Gillen?

And is there a relationship between residential proximity and user’s choice of Mt Gillen as a

destination? Is there a recognised pattern of degradation over time? Is the natural, unimproved feel

of the mountain a drawcard for users? The inquiry will also look at the distance users travel in order

to use the area. It will also determine the most popular start point and route up the mountain.

Finally; the investigation aims to highlight patterns in perceptions about the impact of formalising

Mt Gillen (options?) or closing it all together.

Geographic Question

http://www.alicespringsnews.com.au/2016/07/09/naidoc-celebrates-the-wild-dog-story-of-alice-springs/


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What impact will formalising Mt Gillen have on the people who use the mountain?

Investigating varying cultural perceptions of the land and land use

The inquiry will investigate the different perception of the land use by indigenous people through

the Central Land Council who are negotiating with NT Parks on behalf of the Arrernte people. I will

also attempt to learn from traditional owners through a process of informal interviews.

Survey results will provide perspectives of other users.

Primary and Secondary Data

Primary Data

Observations will be recorded at both ends of the current trail over two full weeks (including

weekends) before and after business hours. Qualitative data will be gathered through surveys,

informal interviews and personal experience. Quantitative data including the number of people

using the trail/mountain (Biosphere), and distance travelled will also be collected in this way. Users

will be asked to complete a survey onsite, either written or verbally (Appendix 1), or alternatively

will be given a printed card with the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address to complete via the

internet at a later date/time. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSK3BZF)

A survey of mountain users will include qualitative data such as:

Who uses the space and why?

How people use the space

Identified changes over time

Perceptions about the impact of formalising or closing the mountain

Factors which may impact on usage

Perspectives

A survey of mountain users will include quantitative data such as:

Frequency of use

Number of users

Distance travelled to the mountain

Secondary Data

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSK3BZF


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Qualitative secondary resources such as maps, photographs, signs and publications will be used to

source data which highlights the difference between formal and informally recognised destinations.

Quantitative secondary resources such as Tourism Northern Territory (Tourism NT) and/or NT Parks

records will aim to demonstrate the difference in usage numbers between formal and informally

recognised destinations. The scope of this assignment does not allow for investigation into other

factors related to these numbers (such as seasons/reasons).

By comparing observational primary and secondary qualitative data and comparing to quantitative

data factors will be able to be identified as to their importance in the use of Mt Gillen for selected

activities; and the potential impact of closing or formalising the destination.

Evaluating Data for accuracy and bias

By making observations at both ends of the mountain, and over weekdays and weekends the data

will represent a full range of days for each; however, it only represents part of one season (does not

include the extremes of 40 degree days or 0 degree nights!). Making observations before and after

work hours does not allow for people who walk during the day; therefore, I will also collect data at

various times during both weekends.

Analyse Data

Observational primary data collected will be organised in the form of a table (example below – this

may need to be amended depending on the observations involved) to visually represent the data in

order to analyse and observe patterns.

Survey results will be organised into graphs in order to identify patterns to be able compare results.

These results will be analysed and will allow for written summaries of each survey question to

describe results.


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Observations Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date Date

Day of the

week

Time of day

(am)

Time of Day

(pm)

Temperature

Dry (D) or

Wet (W)

Number of

people in the

group

Method of

transport to

the mountain

(e.g. car)

Method of

transport up

the mountain

(e.g.

bike/walk)

Map Spatial Characteristics

The first small scale map (Map of Mount Gillen in the Northern Territory) demonstrates the

proximity of Mount Gillen to the town of Alice Springs. It also highlights the current path/road

through inclusion of an overlay. Through using a relief map, readers are able to see the region’s

terrain.

While the second small scale map (West Macdonnell National Park Fact Sheet) does include Mt

Gillen, it also highlights the difference between inclusion of formal and informal destinations in

Tourism and Government publications.


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Map of Mount Gillen in the Northern Territory:

(Modified map: Bonzle.com, 2016)

Overlay – Black Line demonstrates walking path from Larapinta Drive, past Flynn’s Grave, up to the

summit, past the trig, along the ridge, and down to the Todd River behind Heavitree Gap (Edwards &

Edwards, 2016).

Mount Gillen


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West MacDonnell National Park Fact Sheet:

(TourismCentralAustralia, n.d)


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Communicate Results

A conference paper will be used to communicate results of this inquiry. The written analysis of the

survey will articulate any patterns of use found in relation to research completed. The document will

include photographs, maps and other visual representations to support the written responses.

Various graphs will be used to show visually patterns that may be found through the surveys and

research results. Photos of the mountain will include people using the mountain (personal and web-

based collections). The paper will finish with recommendations related to the geographic question

based on completed research, analysis, patterns, perceptions, creative and critical thinking. It will

also analyse and reflect upon the geographic process used to form these recommendations.

Images-1 -

Tharrarltneme (Annie Meyer Hill) (Finnane, 2016)

Images-2 – Alhekulyele (Mt Gillen) as seen from the entrance to the Red Centre Way


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References

Bonzle.com (Cartographer). (2016). Map of Mount Gillen in the Northern Territory [Relief].

Retrieved from

http://bonzle.com/c/a?a=p&p=35289&c=1&zix=3%2E8728302662853E%2D03&x=1

33%2E858477367636&y=%2D23%2E7036141731059&w=23247&mpsec=0

Edwards, D., & Edwards, J. (2016). Mount Gillen and the Heavitree Range (11km). Retrieved

16th September, 2016, Retreived from https://www.trailhiking.com.au/mount-gillen-

and-the-heavitree-range/

Finnane, K. (2016). Boardwalk now a permanent blight on the landscape, Comment, Alice

News Online. Retrieved from

http://www.alicespringsnews.com.au/2016/08/16/boardwalk-now-a-permanent-blight-

on-the-landscape/

Flynn's Grave - naming Mount gillen. (1928, 15th September, 2016). Citation: SLSA: PRG

1365/1 / 48- Mount Gillen, 1928. [Short Documentary] Retrieved from

http://www.nt.gov.au/westmacs/stories/history/all/143

Kossatch, N. (2014, 9th May). Erosion threatens popular Mt Gillen hikes in Alice Springs,

Centralian Advocate. Retrieved from http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/centralian-

advocate/erosion-threatens-popular-mt-gillen-hikes-in-alice-springs/story-fnk4wgm8-

1226911427101

NASA. (2016, 9th September, 2016). Mount Gillen Northern Territory. Latitude/Longitude

Finder:. Retrieved 16th September, 2016, Retreived from

http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/latitudelongitude-finder/

Sleath, E. (2015, 7th September). Sacred sites: Alice Springs Aboriginal elder leads tours in

bid for better understanding, ABC Online. Retrieved from

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-07/sacred-sites-alice-springs-aboriginal-elder-

leads-tours/6744524

http://bonzle.com/c/a?a=p&p=35289&c=1&zix=3%2E8728302662853E%2D03&x=133%2E858477367636&y=%2D23%2E7036141731059&w=23247&mpsec=0

http://bonzle.com/c/a?a=p&p=35289&c=1&zix=3%2E8728302662853E%2D03&x=133%2E858477367636&y=%2D23%2E7036141731059&w=23247&mpsec=0

http://www.trailhiking.com.au/mount-gillen-and-the-heavitree-range/

http://www.trailhiking.com.au/mount-gillen-and-the-heavitree-range/

http://www.alicespringsnews.com.au/2016/08/16/boardwalk-now-a-permanent-blight-on-the-landscape/

http://www.alicespringsnews.com.au/2016/08/16/boardwalk-now-a-permanent-blight-on-the-landscape/

http://www.nt.gov.au/westmacs/stories/history/all/143

http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/centralian-advocate/erosion-threatens-popular-mt-gillen-hikes-in-alice-springs/story-fnk4wgm8-1226911427101



http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/latitudelongitude-finder/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-07/sacred-sites-alice-springs-aboriginal-elder-leads-tours/6744524

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-07/sacred-sites-alice-springs-aboriginal-elder-leads-tours/6744524


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TourismCentralAustralia. (n.d). West MacDonnell National Park Fact sheet (pp. 2). Northern

Territory: Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory.


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Appendix 1:

Human interaction with Mount Gillen, Alice Springs, NT

Welcome to My Survey Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.

1. Where do you live?

Alice Springs

Greater Northern Territory

Interstate

International If you selected Alice Springs please list your suburb below.

2. How often do you use Mount Gillen?

This is my first time

Daily

Weekly

A few times per month

A few times per year

Infrequently

3. How many years have you been using Mount Gillen?

Less than 1 year

1-5 years

5-10 years

More than 10 years

4. When using Mount Gillen - do you:

Usually start at the Flynn's Grave end and head towards the summit before returning the same way

Usually start at the Flynn's Grave end and walk along the ridge to finish at Heavitree Gap

Usually start at Heavitree Gap and head towards the summit and down to Flynn's Grave

Usually start at Heavitree Gap and return the same way

Do not have a preference, but usually finish where I started

Do not have a preference, but usually finish at the opposite end of the range to where I started

5. What is the main purpose of your Mt Gillen activity today?

Exercise (i.e. organised activity or personal)

Nature activity (e.g. bird watching/site seeing)

Culture


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Work

Social

Other (please specify)

6. With many hills and mountains around Alice Springs - why is Mt Gillen your chosen destination?

Proximity to home

Challenge of location

Views

Cultural reasons

Other - please elaborate below

7. NT Parks and Wildlife are in discussion with traditional owners about either formalising or closing the trail in a bid to increase safety and reduce degredation of the site. Please tick any of the following as they apply to you;

Received minor injuries on the trail (e.g. scratches, prickles, dust in my eye)

Received moderate injures on the trail (e.g. sprains, stitches required)

Received serious injuries on the trail (e.g. concussion, heart-attack, broken bones, need to be airlifted)

Never been sick or injured on the trail

Noticed human induced changes to the landscape (e.g increase in litter, graffiti)

Noticed physical changes to the landscape (e.g. damaged trees, erosion, types of vegetation)

Have not noticed any physical changes to the landscape

Have not noticed any human indued changes to the landscape

Unsure Please feel free to elaborate on your answer, or add comments related to this question:


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8. The Arrernte people would like to see Alhekulyele (Mt Gillen) closed to the public in order to protect their sacred site. To what extent does this information impact on your choice to use Mt Gillen for your activities?

Large extent

Moderate extent

Small extent

Not at all

Not sure Please explain your answer;

9. In your opinion, how would formalisation of the Mt Gillen path affect the number of people using the mountain?

Postively increase

Postively decrease

Negatively increase

Negatively decrease

Little change either way

Unsure Please elaborate:

10. If, in addition to formal recognition of Mt Gillen as a tourist destination, walkways, boardwalks and/or amenities were added to the site; to what extent would this impact on your choice as Mt Gillen as a destination?

Unsure

Little extent

Moderate extent

Large extent


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Please feel free to elaborate here. For example: do you have any suggestions about what formalisation should

look like?

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