ordinary meeting of council to be held on tuesday, 18 july 2006

Encroachments, noxious weeds and dumping
Following the approval <strong>of</strong> the Environmental Levy, Council has <strong>be</strong>en able <strong>to</strong> employ
two Community Environment Officers <strong>to</strong> help mediate issues at the resident/ bushland
interface by providing a link <strong>be</strong>tween Council and the wider Community. The <strong>of</strong>ficers
commenced in February 2006 with activities initially focusing in North Wahroonga <strong>to</strong>
ensure residents retain all structures and garden landscapes within their property
boundaries. This will assist the creation <strong>of</strong> a new fire protection break and the
extension <strong>to</strong> Kokoda Memorial Walking Trail.
Other issues relating <strong>to</strong> noxious weeds and refuse dumping in bushland are also <strong>be</strong>ing
addressed <strong>to</strong> prevent the degradation <strong>of</strong> natural areas. A variety <strong>of</strong> community
education materials are <strong>be</strong>ing developed <strong>to</strong> assist Council in conveying the importance
<strong>of</strong> protecting local bushland including an information postcard that will <strong>be</strong> sent <strong>to</strong> all
residents surrounding bush regeneration sites and other locations where
Environmental Levy activities are <strong>be</strong>ing undertaken.
The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden
KPI – Identify opportunities, particularly for seniors, <strong>to</strong> promote recreational use <strong>of</strong>
bushland areas including Ku-ring-gai Wildflower garden.
The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a bushland reserve set on 124 hectares. Within
the Garden is a Council operated Bushland Education Centre that is the focus <strong>of</strong> a
range <strong>of</strong> environmental eduction programs.
During the 2005/06, year the Bushland Education Centre had over 200 activities with
close <strong>to</strong> 5000 people participating in our programs (participation figures based on July
2005 <strong>to</strong> April 2006).
Make Connections – this school excursion program is based on urban bushland
themes <strong>to</strong> compliment the Department <strong>of</strong> Education curriculum. Students directly
experience the natural world with hands-on activities. The emphasis is on discovery,
active learning and fun. 26 schools with 1162 students have participated this year.
People in Parks – a school holiday program that is <strong>of</strong>fered throughout the year. The
activities are designed <strong>to</strong> reconnect children and their parents with the natural world
and encourage a love <strong>of</strong> nature. There have <strong>be</strong>en forty-seven activities with 1156
participants.
Nature for the very young – a pre-school program designed <strong>to</strong> introduce <strong>to</strong>ddlers,
pre-schoolers and their carers <strong>to</strong> the natural world in a tactile, hands-on manner with
stroller friendly bush walks, activities and s<strong>to</strong>ries. Thirteen activities with 310
participants have attended this year.
Bush Birthday Parties – <strong>of</strong>fering children age 4 – 12 years a birthday program that is
educational, fun and a positive experience with the natural world. There has <strong>be</strong>en 119
birthdays with 1725 participants this year.
Habitat Ku-ring-gai – senior’s bushwalks within the Garden. The program includes
a gentle walk and talk on native plants and animals and morning or afternoon tea.
Four events were <strong>held</strong> with seventy participants taking part.
Ku-ring-gai Council Summary <strong>of</strong> programs within the Sustainability and Natural
Environment sections 2005/2006
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