Message from Erin

Welcome to the autumn edition of the Gecko — or, as we call the online version, Gecko Live.

Thanks to those who came along to the annual Bushcare picnic. We had perfect weather for our fun day of games and activities, BBQ lunch and awards ‘ceremony’. See the article below for photos of the day. Now the office is back to the ebb and flow of the usual bushcare activities.

I would like to thank everyone for their involvement in the Bushcare survey/questionnaire. You can see the results here. The standout result was from the first question we asked: ‘How would you like to receive information about Bushcare activities?’ The most popular answer was ‘the Gecko’ with the second being ‘email from Community Co-ordinator’. For those who send out an email to their members monthly, this is very well received. So keep up the good work!

And finally, Lyndal Sullivan has been awarded the part-time Bushcare Officer position. I am delighted that she will be staying with the team.

Erin Hall

Bushcare Team Leader

Dates to note

Upcoming Bushcare-related events can all be found on the Events page of this site. You can find out when our Bushcare policy and planning group, the Bushcare Network, meets. You can plan for upcoming information sessions on control of particular weeds or on the plants of our region. Lots going on.

We’re always adding events, so check back frequently.

Of particular note: the ‘Have Your Say’ Discussion Forum, open for submissions until 5 June 2013, giving you the chance to help shape the future direction of Bushcare and Landcare in the Blue Mountains. (Direct link to the survey)

Bringing Glenbrook Lagoon back to life

water weeds cabomba 2012-2013

Water weeds Cabomba 2012-2013

A Council aquatic weed control program funded partly by the Blue Mountains Environment Levy and partly by the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country initiative is dramatically improving the condition of Glenbrook Lagoon by tackling a water-weed infestation that has ‘choked’ the lagoon for many years. Continue reading →

Blue Mountains Bushcare Conference 2013 Sharing Bushcare Energy

Network logo

Exciting news! You are invited to the inaugural Blue Mountains Bushcare Conference and Workshop. Come along and hear such expert speakers as Margaret Baker, who will talk on plants and geology in the mountains. Council staff will also present information on Council’s weed and bushland management strategies and Blue Mountains projects including grant funded projects. Continue reading →

The Gully Combined Catchment Co-ordination Day

In September 2012 the Bushcare Groups that work in the upper catchment of the Kedumba River — The Gully — Katoomba, held their first annual Combined Catchment Day. The purpose was  to enable all the groups in that water catchment (the area that catches the rain water that drains over Katoomba Falls into the Kedumba River) to come together to meet each other, find out what other Bushcarers are up to and do some Bushcare together. Continue reading →

Connectivity of Action in the Leura Falls Creek Catchment

Since February 2012 a working group made up of bushcare volunteers has met to develop a whole of local catchment strategy for the Leura Falls Creek sub catchment. The group is working closely with the Blue Mountains City Council and  National Parks and Wildlife Service and a draft plan has been developed. Continue reading →

The Bushcare Picnic

For those who came along to the Bushcare Picnic on the 13 April, it was a lovely day in the Megalong. We tossed a gumboot and found out about the waterbugs from the creek around the corner. We also honoured the groups that have been with us for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, with our first ever 25-year service award being presented to Centenary Glen. Thanks to the Bushcare officers for cooking up a storm and to Amy from the Environmental Sustainability Team for running the water bug activities. Here are a few photos from the day. Continue reading →