eurobodalla landcare pictorial report 2009/10 - Southern Rivers ...

EUROBODALLA LANDCARE PICTORIAL REPORT 2009/10Eurobodalla Landcarers Sites Tour 2009Community participants were representing their groups from Mystery Bay, Dalmeny,Tuross, Broulee, Guerilla Bay, Burrawang, South Durras, Lilli Pilli, Malua Bay, and LongBeach, accompanied by Clr Chris Kowal and Clr Graham ScobieEUROBODALLA LANDCARE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (ELMC)At the ELMC Annual General Meeting conducted 14 th May 2010 the following Executivepositions were filled;-Chair Paul May South DurrasDeputy Chair Reina Hill Long BeachSecretary Alison Baird Long BeachTreasurer Christina Potts Mystery BayRepresentative to South East Landcare Maureen Baker Tuross

EUROBODALLA LANDCARE GROUPS’ REPORTSBroulee / Mossy Point DunecareThe group has been active doing extensive weed control work at North and South Brouleebeaches. Work is underway on the Envirofund project – Protecting Bengello Forest andWetlands. “Art and Environment on the Path” displays were conducted over the summerholidays to educate the community in environmental issues. The group generally has about6 people regularly attending working bees and recently planted 400 native plants near theBroulee Surfclub where ongoing maintenance ensured a good survival rate with a loss of only about12 plants. Broulee / Mossy Point Dunecare has also removed much rubbish from dunal areas.Broulee/ Mossy Pt Dunecare - Art andEnvironment on the PathBroulee/Mossy Point Dunecaregroup removing Bridal Creeper andAloe Vera from the beach paths atBroulee. From left to right, RobEdwards, Lyn Bain, Derek Anderson& Jenny Edwards. Photo by FranAnderson.Landcare Morning Tea at the Broulee Surf club planting site

Budd Island LandcareBudd Island Landcare group is a collection of oyster farmers who have been working on aweed control program on Budd Island in the Clyde River. To return the Island to a morenatural state the group supported the work by Country Energy and Telstra to take theexisting overhead electricity and phone lines underwater. As well as reducing the risk ofmasts of passing watercraft coming in contact with powerlines this will allow the treeswhich were previously pruned underneath the overhead wires to re-establish in theirnatural form.The main weeds of concern which were targeted in their weed control program were BridalCreeper, Asparagus Fern, Bridal Creeper and Blackberry.Budd Island Landcare weed control works

Burrawang LandcareThe group has been working on control of exotic weeds with assistance from theEurobodalla Green Corps team. Member participated in Bushcare training and appreciatedsupport from the Bushcare works team in tackling some of the more inaccessible coastalweed infestationsBurrawang LandcareBushcare Training Day

Congo LandcareCongo Landcare group has been assisted by weed control contractors removing Moth Vine, BitouBush, Bridal Creeper and Cape Ivy along Congo Creek and in the dunal areas at Congo.Congo Landcare assisted by weed control contractors

Denhams Beach CoastcareThis new group has been caring for the coastal bushland between Denhams Beach and SurfBeach. They have undertaken extensive weed control work and rubbish removal in thisarea.Denhams Beach Coastcare after removing dumped building rubble from the bushland reserve

Deua RivercareThe group has been working on controlling riparian weeds. Bushcare training was alsoundertaken by the Rivercare group targeting a large Wild Tobacco infestation. Other weedsof particular concern in the Deua Valley are Privet, Tree of Heaven, Cape Ivy, Willows andHoneysuckle.Deua Rivercare group at a Bushcare training session

Guerilla Bay LandcareBeing a community of only 20 full time occupied dwellings, Guerilla Bay has only four yearround workers weeding where a need is noticed. The majority of Guerilla Bay work hoursare contributed by these individuals. However the majority of the Guerilla Bay community(including those on a part time basis) value our natural bushland surrounds and manycontribute to the Guerilla Bay landcare effort by attending a special Easter working bee.The individual workers have removed asparagus fern, bridal veil creeper, moth vine andsucculents from the reserve areas and roadsides. The community working bees have beenheld in a specific central area traversed by a popular path to the beach. (We call it theCasuarina Grove). This area is over run by passionfruit root stock vine which is the mainweed tackled by our larger community group. We have also had a successful plantingworking bee on the creek bank where Tradescantia had been removed.Our contractors have very carefully sprayed a severe buffalo grass infestation round theWW11 concrete structure on Burrewarra Point. This was very successful but needs to bedone again very soon as follow up. This infestation was/is spreading into the EEC onBurrewarra Point. Contractors have also been employed to control an infestation of TurkeyRhubarb by whipper-snipping before flowering.The most serious problem remaining at Guerilla Bay is an infestation of Sharp Rush alongthe banks of the creek which is spreading out onto the beach.Guerilla Bay Landcare Easter working Bee

Indian Myna Bird Control LandcareThe Indian Myna Control Program has been a widely accepted success. It has broughtpeople into Landcare who would not otherwise have become involved. Most of theparticipants are concerned about the loss of habitat for native birds due to the aggressivenature of the introduced Indian Myna birds.Over 300 Indian Myna birds have been removed since the program commenced. There are85 traps located with the community and 20 coordinators overseeing work in their localarea.Catalina Coordinator, Clive Cohen receiving traps fromProject Officer, David CrassIndian Myna Birds at Tomakin

Kianga/Dalmeny/Narooma DunecareSuccessesOcean Parade DalmenyExtensive weeding along various sections at Ocean Parade Dalmeny during the pasteight/nine monthsWeeds removed include Tecoma, Honeysuckle, Polygala, Cactus, African Daisy,Indian Hawthorn, Blackberry, Morning Glory, AgapanthusBobcat with truck contracted to removed the substantial pile of weedsApprox 150 Lomondra longifolia, Westringea fruticosa and Coastal Banksia planted –most of these propagated by Jan RaabeContractors have also removed mirror bush (coprosma), cape ivy, coral tree, andvarious other invasive weeds.Joshs’ Beach DalmenyPreparing t o replant with native tubestock after weed controlworks completedContinue maintaining the stairway access to beach and surrounding area, ieweeding, whipper snipping, ensuring steps on stairs are cleared of debris and sandbuild up, cleaning up general rubbish (cans/bottles etc).Kianga Beach and Carters BeachApprox 40 sea spurge plants removed during the yearApprox 30 lamondras planted at both sitesGeneral maintenance/weeding carried out at both sites

Removing a Creeping Groundsel infestationChallengesRecruiting new volunteersObtaining funding for new equipment to purchase brush cutter and blower vac(Volunteer Grants application lodged in April 2010 was successful and equipmentand safety gear will be purchased shortly)Ensuring landcare sites are maintained in good conditionJosh’s Beach, Dalmeny, weed control and rehabilitation site

Lewis Island CoastcareNorth Narooma residents were concerned about erosion and weed encroachment on LewisIsland in Wagonga Inlet and have now formed a Coastcare group to address these issues.The group is currently deciding on what erosion control technique they will be proposing.Lewis Island

Lilli Pilli /Malua Bay LandcareDuring 2009.10 works continued on a long stretch of the coast between Grandfathers Gully,Lilli Pilli, and Pretty Point, Malua Bay. The group meets once a month on a Saturday andwork together in different sites through the suburbs of Lilli Pilli and Malua Bay.The Landcare group has been working on and off in Reedy Creek, Malua Bay for many years.Their first site inspection to the area was in May 1998 and they found that the creek waslittered with rubbish, weed infested and very smelly! Over the years the group has carriedout weed removal, water testing and even introduced a biological control, rust fungus, tocontrol a very invasive weed... Bridal Creeper.The group now has a project with funding from the Australian Government to clean up thereserve and get rid of the weeds... making it a nice place for native plants and animals andalso a great spot for people to visit!Lilli Pilli / Malua Bay Landcare group havingmorning tea at Grandfathers Gully after abusy mornings work. The main weedsfound were Asparagus Fern,Honeysuckle and Spider Plant - the latteramong heaps of garden rubbish discardedfrom houses adjacent to the reserve.School Children visiting the Reedy Creek project siteat Malua Bay

Long Beach Landcare – Winners of the Regional Coastcare Award 2009The group undertook three days of Bushcare training resulting in six new members.Training inspired an all out attack on weeds in Cullendulla Creek littoral rainforest(over 450 hours).Worked with Green Corps team in February on general maintenance of Sandy PlaceReserve, now about 80% complete for primary weeding.With help from a Koori work team for a week, funded by the SRCMA, removedalmost all remaining Asparagus Fern in Reed Swamp Lagoon Reserve fronting SandyPlace roadway.Received grant funding for a study of Coastal Wattle on Sandy Place Reserve, LongBeach (west section of the dune). Bitou bush removedTraining in First Aid, Place Stories Writing and other TAFE courses. Participated inSouthern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) sponsored PartnershipBus Tour and Eurobodalla Landcare Christmas Function. Attended workshops andconferences; Wetland & Rainforest Workshops, Landcare Muster in Queanbeyan,Myna bird Conference in Nowra.Long Beach Landcare planting Lomandra longifolia onthe edge of the wetlandBatemans Bay LALC work team tacklesenvironmental weedsLong Beach LandcareTraining day at Cullendulla Creek

Mystery Bay CoastcareMystery Bay Landcare continues to work on weed removal and rehabilitation of ourforeshore zone and the campground. Activities in 2009-2010 include planting of beachtolerant Lomandra longifolia and Melaleuca hypericifolium, control and removal of kikuyu.Our group believes in a whole of the landscape approach to landcare and in following thatvision we are ensure that plantings aim to maximise diversity in species and structure of therehabilitated zone. The group is also involved in an ongoing estuary health and water qualitymonitoring project with the senior students from Narooma High School.Successes:-Narooma Cub Scouts planting atMysteryBayTwo successful planting days with the 1 st Narooma Cub Scouts at Mystery bay campground,also helping the Cub Scouts to gain their Landcare Special Achievement badge, this involvedthe Cubs carrying out 8 hours of Landcare works over a 6 month period. About 20 Cubsreceived their Badge, activities included weeding and weed ID around the Scout hall as wellas games and activities designed to get the kids thinking about what makes a weed andways they spread.Mystery Bay Bushcare training day

Mystery Bay Coastcare held an information stall at the Tilba Easter Festival on EasterSaturday. A special Landcare category was included in the Agricultural Pavilion withcompetition categories including: a bouquet of named and listed environmental andnoxious weeds; the longest Kikuyu runner, removed from native bushland; biggest turkeyrhubarb tuber and the biggest Asparagus fern root mat. “These categories were included toassist in educating locals and visitors about the appearance of common plants that threatenthe health and diversity of local bushland. Exhibiting the weeds allowed people to put a faceto the name of the plant. Information on best removal techniques was also provided.Challenges:-Usual challenges include finding enough time to participate in working bees and attractingnew members. We have finished existing projects and look forward to developing an actionplan to guide ongoing projects.Mystery Bay Beach Rehabilitation

Newstead Pond BushcareThis new group has been undertaking Bushcare training and doing weed control around theedges of Newstead Pond, South Head. The Land Alive team assisted with removal of largeweed infestations from the Nature Reserve.Newstead Pond Bushcare group were assisted by the Land Alive team tackling largeCassia, Bananas, Asparagus Fern, and other environmental weeds in the Reserve

Potato Point CoastcarePotato Point Coastcare group formed recently following a Bushcare Training session conducted byPeter Gow in February. Potato Point Coastcare Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month withthe aim to care for the bushland reserves along the Potato Point Headland, Jemisons Beach andPotato Beach targeting noxious and environmental weed infestations.Potato Point Coastcare group

Rosedale LandcareSuccesses:-The main burden has been born by a small number of unsung, dedicated folk who regularlyattend to selected areas and nip things in the bud on their walks around the precinct.A small number of organised working bees were attended by a small number of individuals.Two bush regeneration workshops were run by ELMCThe Envirofund grant was used to hire contractors for a massive weeding program on our BanksiaFlat Reserve during 2009.The weeding pressure was kept up for the remainder of the year by the same contractor paid outof community funds.To all outward appearances the precinct is in reasonably good shape.Challenges:-Rosedale Landcare has been relatively inactive for most of the past year due to the absence ofour Coordinator and no one to fully stand in for him. We expect him to return to duty soon.We have been unable to give much attention to our other major project: landscaping andmaintenance of the public carpark.There are patches of different weeds at locations across the Hamlet that have been relativelybenign for some time but have not yet reached explosion level which could be achieved at anytime. Most worrying are asparagus vine and its close relative, bridal creeper.Autumn progresses but so far we have been unable to detect any rust infection on bridal creeperwithout which in this coming year, Rosedale Landcare has a problem on its hands if BridalCreeper continues to spread.In the forthcoming year we hope to be able to mount working bees in school holidays and we areurging parents to get young people involved and acquaint them with the need to keep ourbushland healthy as well as how go about it.Keen Rosedale Landcarers

Sustainable Agriculture and Gardening Eurobodalla (SAGE)/ Moruya District LandcareThe SAGE group has achieved a lot over the last twelve months at the Moruya CommunityGardens site. The plant propagation and work area has been finished and trainingworkshops can be held in the area. Fourteen rows have been prepared for vegetableseedlings. A Water tank, bore, and associated irrigation piping have been installed.The group meets monthly for working bees and training opportunities on the third Sundayof the month – 9.30 – 12.30Preparation of Organic treatments for fungaldiseasesDemonstration on the proper use of tools in OrganicGardeningWorm Farming demonstration

South Durras LandcareConducted a Plant Swap event in January with over 50 people attendingMonthly work bees plus additional days for specific projects and training.Weeding concentrated on asparagus Fern, Madeira vine, Cassia and Sea Spurge.Receiving assistance with lantana from ESC Noxious Weeds officerReceiving help with the Madeira infestation from a group of Wollongong based bush regenerators,who have come on a 'working holiday', accommodation sponsored by Lake Sea Caravan Park andworked on a section of lakeside reserve they have 'adopted'.Members participated in Bushcare trainingWeed Control contractors assisted with tackling major Madeira Vine infestations along the DurrasLake shorelineThe Emergency Vehicle access to Main Beach has been improved. This access is also to be used by theExcavator to access the Lake entrance as required. Having one main access will reduce damage to thesurrounding dunal bushland.South Durras Bushcare training dayMain Beach Emergency Vehicle access

Surfside BushcareSurfside Bushcare are has been focussed on weed control around the wetlands of SurfsideCreek. Main weeds targeted are Blackberry, Honeysuckle, Asparagus Fern, Farmers Friends,and KikuyuSteve removing Asparagus FernBrenda removing “Farmers Friends”Judy removing Kikuyu grass

Surf Beach LandcareThe Surf Beach Landcare group has been caring for the Surf Beach Creek Reserve for the lastfew years. Last year they assisted by weed control contractors and the Land Alive teammainly targeting Arum Lilly, Asparagus Fern, Coral Trees, Madeira Vine, and Honeysuckle.Surf Beach Landcare at Surf Beach Creek

Tuross Lakes LandcareWork in the field: During 2009 we held fortnightly working bees to carry out the plantingschedule on our Coila Lake Foreshore Rehabilitation project and maintenance of beachaccess tracks and various other natural reserves around the Tuross peninsula. This yearworking bees have been carried out every third Sunday. Help from the Green Corps team isalso greatly appreciated.Kyla Park Grazing Land Rehabilitation: Plantings began here about 5 years ago on degradeddrainage lines and foreshores. Although drought conditions have slowed up growth we arenow seeing encouraging coverage of trees and shrubs, no doubt helped by good rainfallslast February. Maintenance continues on this project.Representation: We have provided representation on Eurobodalla Landcare executive,South East Landcare, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority’s LocalManagement Team, ESC’s Coastal Management Advisory Committee and forums regardingmanagement of Tuross river & lakes.Tuross Lakes Landcare on Water Tower HillOther activities:Supervised registration of participants for Clean up Australia Day at Tuross Head,held a National Tree Day event, and organised our Annual Information Evening forover 100 people with a presentation called “Lure of the Lyrebird”.Made submissions on ESC Draft Management Plan, Draft Local Environmental Plan,Draft Entrance Management Policies for Tuross & Coila, and Extension of Cycle/walkon Tuross Head.

Designed a brochure titled “Caring for Coila Lake” which explains the importance ofprotecting 3 endangered ecological communities within the site of our ForeshoreRehab. Project. Hundreds of these brochures have been delivered to residences instreets on the Coila Lake side of the peninsula.Assisted with the installation of signage and attended the Opening of the BingieDreaming Track.Despite regular promotion of our projects and aims and objectives it is very difficult to findmore volunteers who are able and willing to join in our activities, especially working bees inthe field. Later in the year, however, we are looking forward to celebrating the 20 thanniversary of the formation of our Group.Opening of the Bingie Dreaming TrackRudi Langeveld, Trish Ellis, and Andrew ConstanceTuross Lakes Landcare group worked with BingieResidents Association to install signage on theBingie Dreaming track. The coastal walking trackextends from Congo to Tuross Head.

Tuross Valley LandcareTuross Valley Landcare has been busy caring for the Eurobodalla Reserve which wasinundated by floodwater in Feb 2010. The group’s plantings at Harpurs Lagoon have beengrowing well and were the site of a Wetlands Workshop in 2009.Wetland Rehabilitation site on Harpurs Lagoon, EurobodallaTuross Valley Landcare - Harpurs Lagoon Wetland Rehabilitation