NEWS UPDATE , July 2001:

Introduction :

Just a short news up date on our latest actions . We can also show some good achievements . Our web site is on the way , and will be finished and published soon .


Weeds removal on Wombeyan Caves Rd. :

In July a few pioneer plants of Fireweed were removed along Wombeyan Caves Rd .
Fireweed is flowering now and therefore 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 . People should have a basic knowledge about noxious weeds and then act on the spot , where little infestations occur .


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 , and now we are waiting 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 .


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 , 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 had no response from Woolworths by this moment .

The Great River Walk :

On the 3 August Goodmans Ford Landcare Group and Wollondilly River Station will be hosting The Great River Walk before they depart 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 .


Bankstown Technical College , Environmental Section :

The Bankstown Technical College will again stay at Wollondilly River Station 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 .

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