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NEWSLETTER APRIL/MAY 2001
Introduction
:
The Goodmans Ford Landcare Group has been active in a variety of fields during the last year .
It is time again
to make our efforts public .
The Goodmans Ford Landcare Group held various fundraising events , as we depend only
on our own fundraising activities to finance the groups activities . Some of these events showed extra-ordinary success and
could be used as models for other Landcare Groups .
Interesting actions were taken on , some are completed successfully
and others are on-going projects .
Last Meeting :
Our last general meeting was held on the 9 12 2000 at
Wollondilly River Station . Most of our members attended the meeting and we reviewed the previous actions and planed future
projects .
World Humanitarian Day Party benefits Landcare:
On the 14 October 2000 celebrations for the
World Humanitarian Day were held in over 90 venues in 35 countries all over the world .
The annual Australian party Earthdance
2000 was hosted this year by our Landcare Group at Wollondilly River Station .
For the fourth year running ,all funds
raised on these parties were donated to environmental and humanitarian purposes all over the world .
The very peace-
and successful event raised $ 5 400 .- for our Landcare Group .
This is breaking new grounds in the funding of Landcare
.
All people involved in the management and running of the party gave their time free of charge , including the various
artists and musicians as the Fireflys , which were performing artists at the Olympic Games 2000 Opening Ceremony , Rainbow
Circus , Princess Amy only to name a few .
Brian and Ina Casburn donated their camping property for the event.
The
party was a huge success and an outstanding fundraising event for Landcare , only enabled through the hard work of all involved
volunteers.
Special thank has to go to John Salt of Earthdance ; Douglas ,she organized the TV for the Japanese Media
at the Olympic Games ; the Security Man ; our members Peter & Jacky Barnett ; Brian & Ina Casburn and all the other
workers whose names we cannot mention here.
Silt traps :
The group is working on the development of a
device that will collect the silt which is currently running off gravel roads all over the catchment .
In November 2000
we wrote letters to Wingecarribee Shire Council , National Parks and the Sydney Catchment Authority asking to support the
development of these silt traps .
Denis Ashton of the SCA joint us in Wollongong as we visited Steamit , a company that
has the appropriate trucks fitted with suction-pumps which could possibly be used to empty the new silt traps .
At the
moment we are in the process of installing two of these silt traps at Goodmans Ford .
Animal hostile advertising
campaign successfully opposed:
The TATA-Automobiles company was using an animal hostile advertising campaign in The
Land newspaper during October / November 2000 .
They showed a TATA 1 toner ute which was running over a domestic cat ,
using the theme No truck for pussies .
We wrote a letter to the company and published an open letter in The Land newspaper
, opposing this cruelty to animals promoting form of advertising .
The company declined donations to the Landcare Group
, but nevertheless stopped using this offensive advertisement .
Animals on road - sign :
Our group noticed
the increasing number of animals killed on the Wombeyan Caves road . We are currently designing a new road sign to alert drivers
about animals on roads .The new sign could be used all over the country.
Our members Sue and Gary Reid send some photos
of similar signs used in other areas .Ina Casburn also showed some motifs at the last meeting . To broaden the input and to
find the best design possible , we opened a competition for schools to assist with the design of this new road sign .
Pony
rides for Kids as a fundraiser :
During the Christmas Holidays 2000 we offered pony rides for Kids on Wollondilly
River Station . At a $ 2 .- minimum donation for a ride , our members Kara Thurlow and Ina Casburn who organized the rides
, collected $ 104 .- worth of donations and had a lot of happy little customers which loved their mount Honey .
Aquatic
weeds removal at Goodmans Ford :
During their Christmas holidays our members Peter , Louise and Kids and Kara Thurlow
removed a big patch of Water Primrose from the river near the ford. This is an aquatic weed , native to Uruguay .It is a vigorous
grower and also suspected of poisoning stock .
It is a newcomer in the Goodmans Ford area and for this we might still
be able to control it through constant surveillance and removal .
Goodmans Ford Landcare Group Web Site :
The
group bought their own Internet Web Site , which will soon display the activities of our Landcare Group . It will also assist
in raising interest and funds , as we are selling Web Sites to all interested people .
The sites are 35 MEG Do it yourself
Web Sites which are self explanatory and cost only $ US 100 .- per year .
If you are interested in these Web Sites for
your own personal or business use please contact :
( 02 ) 48 889 239 or ( 02 ) 48 889 207 or write to: PO Box 1048
, Bowral 2576 .
Tree planting at Moss Vale Show Ground :
On the 12 2 2001 we donated and planted 70 trees
, including 20 advanced growth trees , along the northern end of the Moss Vale Show Ground . The trees were bought at Warriapendi
Nursery in Colo Vale .
Anne Sinnet and Chairman David Lemerle , members of the Wollondilly Catchment Management Committee
, supported our Goodmans Ford Landcare Group members Cathy Robinson , Trina Dei Rossi , Brian and Ina Casburn when they planted
the trees .
The project was photographed by the Southern Highland Newspaper and also published on the 2 ST Radio Station
.
The Moss Vale Show Society bought a hose and reel and employed a local pensioner to water the trees daily .
Moss
Vale Show 2001 :
The Moss Vale Show was held on the 16 to 18 3 2001 and the Moss Vale Show Society kindly donated
a site for the Goodmans Ford Landcare Groups stall next to the old farriers cottage .
The Moss Vale Landcare Group
joint our stall and their members Ken Poghston and Jane Hienkel worked there during the weekend .
David Lemerle and our
member Bob Palmer were supporting Brian and Ina Casburn at the stall .
We were demonstrating an environmentally friendly
way of traditional Australian Camp Oven Cooking all weekend , which raised a lot of interest and drew lots of people into
our site .
Further we had a display of native plants , sponsored by Warriapendi Nursery in Colo Vale and common weeds
from the Goodmans Ford area planted in pots .
Also we held a Raffle , the prize was a free weekend on Wollondilly
River Station ,with Camp Oven dinner for two and a canoe to use . The prize was donated by Brian and Ina Casburn .
Judith
Green MBE , President of the Moss Vale Show Society , drew the winning ticket at the Moss Vale Show Ground in the presence
of Phillip Minnis , Secretary Moss Vale Show Society ; Bob Palmer ; Ross Stevens ; Julie McClarnon ; Brian & Ina Casburn
. The prize was won by Mr. O. Baird from Bowral .
The sale of Raffle tickets at $ 1 .- per ticket and Camp Oven Cook Books
raised $ 168 .- in donations .
Rosehill Gardens Caravan & Camping Supershow :
At the Wollondilly River
Stations big stall we had a display and a donation box at the Rosehill Gardens Supershow from the 21 to 29 4 2001 .
The
display raised a lot of interest and we collected $ 122 .- in donations .
With every Wollondilly River Station Camp Oven
Cookbook that was sold a $ 1 .- donation for our group was collected .
Harmful bottle tops - Letter to Coles Supermarkets
:
On the 20 5 2001 we send a letter to Coles Supermarkets stating our concerns about the Coles 2 - litre milk bottle-tops
, whose plastic ring separated from the lid and the bottle , but did not split apart.
These rings can be very harmful
or even fatal to small animals , such as birds . We found a Satin Bowerbird on Wollondilly River Station which had one of
these plastic rings stuck in its bill and around its neck . It was impossible for the animal to remove it , and it could not
feed . Fortunately we could catch it and cut the ring .
Coles Supermarkets were very helpful and since then changed the
bottle tops used to a save type which splits open when removed .
Outdoor Education Program and weeds removal at
Goodmans Ford by Outbreak :
Outbreak recently ran an Outdoor Education Program for the Coverdale Christian School
on Wollondilly River Station which was centred on li-loing on the river . The program was enhanced by the inclusion of a Landcare
focus with the aim of educating the participants about issues associated with managing the catchment .
This was achieved
primarily through the work of Brian and Ina who spoke to the students before they headed down the river in order that they
might look out for weeds and important species , and who supervised some work that was carried out around Goodmans Ford in
removing weeds from the river . Both the students and Outbreak instructors knowledge was greatly extended and we thank Brian
and Ina . ( Letter from Tom Richards , Outbreak Program Director )
Thanks to the efforts of the students and their
instructors a large patch of Water Primrose , an Aquatic weed which we started to remove at Christmas time , was finally pulled
out near Goodmans Ford . The students also noted some more patches of this weed further down stream in the Wollondilly river
during their Li-lo trip .
They also hand-pulled Negoora Burr and other noxious weeds along the river bank adjacent to
Goodmans Ford .
We wish to thank them for their interest in Landcare and their Hands-On help .
Inspired through Brian
, Outbreak might start their own Landcare Group and we will be glad to support their efforts .
New insurance :
We cancelled our insurance with J.M.D. Ross Insurance Brokers and re-insured with Aradlay Insurance Brokers on April
1. , 2001 .
Annual general meeting 2001 :
All Goodmans Ford Landcare Group members please note that an annual
general meeting will be held sometime in July to meet the requirements of our Incorporation . You will be notified of the
exact date as soon as possible .
Proposed weeds Field Day at Moss Vale Show Ground in November 2001 :
The
Goodmans Ford Landcare Group is planning a Weeds Identifications Field Day at the Moss Vale Show Ground in November .
The
SCA has agreed to become a partner in this and the Moss Vale Show Society will donate the use of a site at the Moss Vale Show
Ground .
We are hoping that Wingecarribee Shire Council and other agencies will become involved too when we approach them
for their participation .
An exact date will be published as soon as possible .
Firewood cutting as local
community service :
The elderly local residents at Barrallier Bill & Bernie approached us , if we could supply
them with some firewood . Members support is needed for this community neighbour-hood service . An action day will be issued
and Bill & Bernie will contribute a donation for our group .
Queens Birthday weekend 9 6 2001 :
On
Saturday the 9 6 2001 , at the Queens Birthday weekend , the Goodmans Ford Landcare Group will once again hold the traditional
small June Long Weekend Get-Together at Wollondilly River Station . We will have fireworks for the kids , a big bonfire and
music .
All our Goodmans Ford Landcare Group members are welcome to join in and bring their friends along .
It is
hoped that some of our camping clients will attend and our donation box will be in its usual place , we will also have a display
of our Goodmans Ford Landcare Group activities for them .
Conclusion :
We wish to thank all people that
participated in the previous actions . It is a lot to be done in the future and we are open to any suggestions for future
projects by our members . Please contact our Secretary Ina Casburn , that we can consider your proposals in the next meeting
.
To achieve our goals in the future it is necessary to get as much support as possible YOU CAN HELP !!
If
you are interested in the activities of our group , want to become a member or volunteer in one of our future projects please
contact Brian or Ina Casburn on :
Phone : ( 02 ) 48 889 239
( 02 ) 48 889 207
Fax : ( 02 ) 48 889 271
Mail: Goodmans Ford Landcare Group
PO Box 1048
Bowral 2576 NSW
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NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2001:
Introduction
:
Some eventful months have passed by and its time again to summarize our achievements again . We are satisfied with
our proceeds in the various fields . Also you can get extensive infos on our new web site :
www.skywebbiz.com/goodmansfordlandcaregroup/gflg
Weeds removal on Wombeyan Caves Rd. :
In July / August a few pioneer plants of Fireweed were removed
along Wombeyan Caves Rd .
Fireweed is flowering then and therefore is easy to spot and identify . Currently there is very
little Fireweed in the area and removing these pioneer plants in time can prevent a major problem in the near future , as
Fireweed is spreading quickly when not being controlled .
These seemingly small actions are , what weed control is all
about . Everybody should have a basic knowledge about noxious weeds and then act on the spot , where little infestations occur
.
Noxious weed information leaflets are available at your local Councils .
Silt Trap Prototype :
After
we have been considering several different designs and spent a lot of time on planning , we built a first prototype of our
new silt trap . It has been installed on Wollondilly River Station in August 2001 , and we had to wait for the appropriate
rain to test the efficiency and practicality of the design . We notified the SCA and Wingecarribee Shire Council about our
progress in the development of a device for silt control . Our first prototype received a few small alterations in September
and then proved to work quite successfully . Unfortunately we dont get much rain here , and therefore we have to wait to see
our new designs at work .
The amount of silt collected from only a small run off area is quite large and shows the extend
of pollution through erosion on gravel roads all over the country .
Bottle Tops :
After our great success
, when Coles Supermarkets changed their 2 litre milk bottle tops to a more animal safe design ( the new plastic rings split
apart, when the bottle is opened ) , we approached also Aldi Stores and Woolworths Supermarkets . We are glad to report a
very cooperative response from the Aldi Stores in July 2001 , they have been unaware of the potentially dangerous plastic
rings to small animals ( we found a Satin Bower Bird with a plastic ring stuck around its bill and neck , unable to feed or
drink ) . Now they are approaching their milk supplier to change the lids used . We also had a response from Woolworths in
August , they are also developing alternate lids and will change their bottle tops to saver designs in the near future . Great
news !
The Great River Walk :
On the 3 August 2001 Goodmans Ford Landcare Group and Wollondilly River Station
were hosting The Great River Walk before they departed from Goodmans Ford further down stream . The Great River Walk along
the length of the Wollondilly Nepean Hawkesbury River System is being walked for the first time by the Sydney Bush Walkers
Club in association with the Great River Walk project . We donated a Camp Oven Dinner to the participants of the walk and
Wollondilly River Station donated a free stay on their camping property . When the Great River Walkers finished their last
walking section on the 17 June , we were happy to supply them with tea and coffee in the Wollondilly River Stations Bush Style
Office .
Our Chairman Brian Casburn has become a member of The Great River Walk , and has been invited to join the board
of the Great River Walk Committee with Kevin Rozzoli . This is another great challenge and opportunity for Brian , and the
new cooperation between GFLG and Great River Walk Committee will broaden the horizons for our group , too .
Bankstown
Technical College , Environmental Section :
The Bankstown Technical College again stayed at Wollondilly River Station
in August 2001 to conduct more Water Quality tests . We offered to Wayne Robertson , of the Environmental Section , to co-operate
with their work . The College is asked to supply us with the results of their tests and therefore we will donate on a regular
basis ( e.g. 3 4 times per year ) a free stay and the use of Communication- and Computer Equipment on Wollondilly River Stations
camping property for all Students and Teachers .
GFLG Web Site is set up :
Our GFLG web
site has been set up and is being constantly up graded with the latest info . All members and the interested public will be
able to stay informed and in touch with us and our work and achievements .
GFLG is proud to take Landcare another step
ahead !
Support offered for SCAs water quality study :
In June/July we offered the SCA to assist them
in the conduct of a water quality and fish health study in the Wollondilly River . We supplied them with details of an earlier
study conducted in the Wollondilly River by Dr Keith Bishop , Freshwater Biology Consultant , on Wollondilly River Station
. WRS supported the study by using their canoes to monitor fish populations with spotlights at night . We offered to host
the person(s) during their stay near the Wollondilly River , also to assist with communication equipment and any other possible
means of support .
Animals Killed on roads : Animal Road Toll on Wombeyan Caves Road during August / September :
During
August , 10 dead Wombats , 4 dead Roos and 1 dead bird were counted . Most of these animals have been killed on the same stretch
of road , about 10 kms from the end of the tarred section and onto the start of the gravel section .
In September
we counted : 3 Kangaroos , 2 birds , 7 Wombats and 1 ? ( it was unidentifiable ). This terrible road toll shows how desperately
it is needed to raise drivers attention levels towards animals on roads .
The Friends Of Wollondilly And Goodmans
Ford originated as GFLG sub committee :
In August we formed a sub committee of GFLG The Friends of Wollondilly and
Goodmans Ford to fight Wingecarribee Shire Councils decision to remove the old tin cottage ( used by GFLG for power requirements
, freezer for storage of deformed fish samples , Fax- , Phone and Computer connections ) and to close part of the Wollondilly
River Stations Camping Ground . As this is a very complex issue , we set up a web site for this with all info and current
news :
www.skywebbiz.com/casburn1/friendsofwollondilly
Please visit the site and become involved , we need all the
support we can get to keep the Goodmans Ford area as nice , clean and environmentally sound as it is now !
Please sign
the petition and write a letter of support for us !
Feral Animal Control Submission :
On the 1- September 2001
Ina forwarded a submission to the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into feral animal control . The submission suggested ways
and measures how to deal with feral animals and how to enforce effective , but also environmentally save control methods .
So far most methods are anything but save ( e.g. poisoning , traps ) and often endanger unwanted species ( both native and
domestic ) . The submission was forwarded to the Committee and we hope it will assist in achieving some positive changes .
A copy of the inquiry report will be forwarded to us a.s.a.p. .
World Humanitarian Day Celebrations party Earthdance:
The annual World Humanitarian Day Celebrations were not held at Wollondilly River Station this year , due to complaints
of our neighbours and a very un-flexible Wingecarribee Shire Councils attitude ( see also Friends of Wollondilly and Goodmans
Ford ) . Despite this the party was held on the 13 10 2001 near Colo and was a great success . The proceeds will be shared
between the local Landcare Group and GFLG .
We hold the spirits high and we will continue to remain a fully self funded
group despite the hurdles of bureaucracy and small minded neighbours .
New Members :
We recruited some
new passive members and we hope to introduce them to the group at the next meeting . All new members , please be very welcome
to our team !
Road side litter clean up :
In October the road side litter on Wombeyan Caves Road was removed
from the River Island turn off down to Goodmans Ford . The rubbish and recyclable materials were separated and then forwarded
to the Resource recovery Centre in Moss Vale .
More weed removal :
In November 20 big bags of St Johns
Wart were removed off the Council Reserve at Goodmans Ford , also all visible Pattersons Curse ( which is flowering now purple
) has been removed on the Council Reserve and along the Wollondilly River on Wollondilly River Station . A large amount of
Hemlock plants ( they grow up to over 2 metres high ) was also removed off the Council Reserve and along the Wollondilly .
These noxious weeds are a great threat to the environment when they are allowed to spread uncontrolled . About 12 ute loads
of plants were removed so far and are waiting to be burnt when dried .
All plants were removed by hand pulling !
As
we do not accept spraying Herbicides ( when it can be avoided ) this - admittedly hard work is still the best and safest control
method .
Last years large scale hand pulling of Negoora Burr and Water Primrose ( aquatic weed ) in the Council Reserve
and along the river proved to be extra ordinarily successful as there are next to none of these plants visible this year !
Conclusion :
We wish to thank all people that participated in the previous actions . It is a lot to be
done in the future and we are open to any suggestions for future projects by our members . Please contact our Secretary Ina
Casburn , that we can consider your proposals in the next meeting .
To achieve our goals in the future it is necessary
to get as much support as possible YOU CAN HELP !!
If you are interested in the activities of our group , want to
become a member or volunteer in one of our future projects please contact Brian or Ina Casburn on :
Phone : ( 02 )
48 889 239
( 02 ) 48 889 207
Fax : ( 02 ) 48 889 271
Email : goodmansfordlandcaregroup@skybiz.com
Mail:
Goodmans Ford Landcare Group
PO Box 1048
Bowral 2576 NSW
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