|
|
News & Events |
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
Box Gum Grassy Woodland Information Session and Walk As part of the Australian Government’s Environmental Stewardship Program, the Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project is now open to land managers within the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee catchments. (see funding page) The Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project invites land managers to bid for ongoing annual payments for up to 15 years to conserve and regenerate box gum grassy woodland on their properties. To learn more about the Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project, you are invited to attend an information session or guided field walk with the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authorities. Information Sessions (7:00pm for 7:30pm start – 9:30pm finish):
Field Walks (9:00am for 9:30am start – 12:30pm finish):
For further information contact the Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project Team on: Free call: 1800 239 453 Email: boxgum@cma.nsw.gov.au More information: www.nrm.gov.au/stewardship/box-gum/index.html
Trees of Mount Majura On this gentle walk through various types of woodland you will discover the range of trees growing on Mount Majura. You will learn to distinguish between Scribbly gum and Brittle gum and other eucalypts and find out how trees have adapted to environmental conditions such as soils, fire and drought. Tree guides will be available for a gold coin donation.
Along the Molonglo Art Exhibition with 2008 - with ASOC at FloriadeThe Molonglo Catchment Prize Exhibition, is an exhibition of paintings in any medium, capturing the spirit of the Molonglo Catchment and its natural values, its people and its past and future. With total prize money of $2,300 this year, its fourth year, the exhibition is sponsored by ACTEW, the ACT Natural Resource Management Council and the Molonglo Catchment Group Inc. The exhibition provides an opportunity for members of the Artists Society of Canberra (ASOC) to showcase their creativity in capturing the local landscape context, but not necessarily as landscapes. Winners in the Canberra section of the Along the Molonglo Exhibition will be announced during the exhibition at Floriade from 22nd - 29th September. From 1st - 12th October, the Along the Molonglo entries will join the ASOC Spring Exhibition at Albert Hall. More information about the exhibition is available on the Artists Society of Canberra website.
Nature’s Treasures Online is a web-based learning resource developed to promote awareness of the ACT’s natural heritage. Nature’s Treasures Online will provide easily accessible educational material to teachers, students and the Canberra community about our local native plants, animals and habitats. Please join Mick Gentlemen MLA and the Conservation Council to launch this fantastic learning resource.
Birds, Bats and Beasties:
This informal café style event is part of a research project called ‘Community Detectives’. This project is about how to get more people interested and involved in biosecurity (pest, disease and weed) monitoring to protect Australian livelihoods and landscapes. Community science and volunteer monitoring complement existing government policy and management on a wide range of natural resource management issues and foster local stewardship. We invite everyone to come and share their ideas and experiences of volunteer monitoring, in any capacity, from birds and bats to disease, worms and weeds. The evening will start with an open conversation between a panel of experts comprising:
The event will be facilitated by Genevieve Jacobs, presenter ABC Radio Canberra and Jason Alexandra, Director Water Policy Co-ordination, Murray Darling Basin Commission.
Download Flyer (
Download
Community Detectives Info Sheet (
Presentation on the draft ACT NRM Plan The draft ACT NRM Plan is expected to be released shortly for community consultation. A representative from the ACT NRM Council will make a presentation on the Plan to the Molonglo Catchment Group at its next meeting on 8 September.
ACT Environment Grants 2008-09 Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment, Water and Climate Change Jon Stanhope announced the successful recipients of 2008 - 2009 ACT Environment Grants for community-based environmental projects in the ACT on Monday 21st July. "ACT Environment Grants assist the community to undertake projects that value, sustain and improve the natural environment of Canberra," Mr Stanhope said. "Seven community-based environment projects will share $100,000 in funding in 2008-09. "These projects will make an important contribution to the protection of our local environment." "Our community plays an important role in protecting and preserving our local environment and the ACT Environment Grants program is a great way to encourage further community awareness and involvement," Mr Stanhope said. A list of recipients is attached to the media release at www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=7138 and includes $13,500 assistance for the Mapping Lower Project, for mentoring community members, especially the youth, in the use of Geographic Information Systems Data Sets for the Lower Molonglo River Catchment.
Play Catchment Detox at www.catchmentdetox.net.au to see if you can repair a damaged river catchment and create a sustainable and thriving economy. It's an online game where you're in charge of the whole catchment. You get to decide what activities you undertake - whether to plant crops, log forests, build factories or set up national parks. The aim is to fix environmental problems and provide food and wealth for the population.
WeedBusters Garden needs volunteers
If you don’t have a great knowledge of weeds, don’t worry, we will try to match you up with someone who does. It’s a great opportunity to talk to people from all areas of Australia and overseas. I have 3 parking passes available for volunteers, but these will have to be shared. Dates: Saturday 13th September – Sunday 12th October Roster Times: 10am – 1pm and 12pm – 3pm Please reply to Rosemary Blemings with your preferred roster time (most welcome to do multiple shifts) – Rosemary has very kindly volunteered to coordinate the roster. 6258 4724 (answering machine) or email rosemary@blemings.org
Dates for the diary: Other plantings: Email admin@act.greeningaustralia.org.au or phone 02 6253 3035 for more information.
Focus on Community Groups Workshop Due to the success of last year’s workshop series, CVA and Toyota are once again working in partnership to deliver twenty Focus on Community Groups Workshops across Australia from August to November, covering:
The workshops are FREE and designed to be relevant for volunteer managers and coordinators working for any organization or government agency that works with or is operated by volunteers not just natural resource management organizations. Canberra is hosting a Project Management workshop on the 10th September in Fyshwick.
Download a flyer ( To register people can simply email their details to training@conservationvolunteers.com.au.
Citizen Centred Governance - discussion paper Feedback on a major reform of government consultation processes Canberrans are being asked to provide feedback on a major reform of the ways in which Canberrans engage with government, and give feedback on government services, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope announced recently. "The ACT Government is committed to engaging Canberrans on matters than affect our community and we are always looking at how we can strengthen our consultation processes to ensure we can better deliver policies and services to that benefit all Canberrans," Mr Stanhope said. "We are asking the community to give us feedback on a new discussion paper, Citizen Centred Governance, which outlines 14 recommendations aimed at strengthening the ways that Canberrans engage with government. "These recommendations are aimed at improving governance and accountability, engagement and consultation, the availability of public information, freedom of information legislation, government service delivery and public sector capacity. "The ACT Government has undertaken a number of major consultation processes on issues such as water security, affordable housing, climate change, feed-in tariff, indigenous elected body, and now we are taking these processes one step further by considering how we can widen the issues and opportunities for input. "The discussion paper adopts a citizen-centred governance model - one that puts the citizen or community at the centre of policy development and provides a range of ways for the community to contribute to the design of policies and development of services that most affect them. Mr Stanhope said the recommendations include:
Another recommendation is for the ACT Government to review the outcomes of Queensland government review of Freedom of Information (FOI). "The ACT Attorney-General and I have asked our agencies to review the Queensland report by November and advise the government on possible improvements to our legislation," Mr Stanhope said. "We will of course also be taking careful note of the Commonwealth review, particularly as the ACT legislation is based on the Commonwealth's Act. Mr Stanhope said the Chief Minister's Department will coordinate the community's response to the discussion paper. An interdepartmental committee will draft the final strategy and the ACT Government will finalise its response within three months. Feedback on the discussion paper is due on Monday 8th September 2008. The discussion paper and feedback form can be accessed from www.cmd.act.gov.au.
Friends of Grasslands Activities in August Workshop – the grassland gospel (1 – 5 pm, Saturday 30 Aug) Please come and make this workshop The Grassland Gospel according to FOG – enhancing knowledge of and on-ground skills in grassy ecosystems a success. The aims of the workshop are to articulate FOG’s key messages, to consider what resources we have and need, and explore how we may enhance members skills in both extension and on-ground work. The location is the Mugga Mugga Education Centre, Narrabundah Lane, Symonston, just opposite the Therapeutic Goods Administration Centre. Afternoon tea will be provided. Please register with Sarah on 6251 2228 or sarah.hnatiuk@fog.org.au
The ACT Collaboration invites you to a public Pre-Election Forum on the Molonglo Urban Development
The Forum is a chance to hear from candidates in the forthcoming ACT Election about their position on the Molonglo urban development. Expert speakers will also talk about some of the key issues related to the proposed Molonglo urban development. The Forum is being held by the ACT Collaboration - a grouping of peak ACT community groups and individuals working for a sustainable ACT.
Download
flyer (
Friends of Mount Majura Spring Working Bee and Morning Tea Hackett Reservoir, Mt Majura, Canberra North Nature Park Join the PCL Rangers and the Friends of Mt Majura to help with bush regeneration, tree planting and weed control at Mt Majura. Great family activity for all ages. Come early for a cuppa and an introduction.
Download
Flyer (
Experience Canberra's Wild Side
All the family will enjoy ranger guided walks and activities.
All this and more at Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Canberra Nature Park—the Wild Side of Canberra. See the Territory and Municipal Services website for the full calendar of ranger guided activities each month. Come along for an easy stroll around the top of Red Hill on a Ranger guided exploration to learn about the mountains, hills and plains which make up Canberra Nature Park. See how the park contributes to the bush capital image and discover some of Canberra’s history, geology, flora and fauna. This walk is flat and suitable for people of various fitness and mobility levels. Meet the ranger at the top car park.
Join a Ranger for an evening spotlight walk and learn about the amazing semi-nocturnal existence of the wombat. Suitable for children over 6yrs.
One of the most important European heritage sites in the ACT Region (entered into the register of the National Estate). Join a Ranger for an (approx) 1.5km walk to witness five remarkable examples of building styles used in the region between the 1860s and 1950s.
Waterwatch Spring 2008 Newsletter It's chock-full full of information and not just for waterwatchers!
Download Newsletter (
A Geological Guide to Canberra Region and Namadgi National Park
A guidebook (140 pages + CD) - provides an up-to-date review of the geological history in the Canberra - Queanbeyan region and Namadgi Notional Park. The region described extends to Wee Jasper, Lake George, Bungendore., Captains Flat, Michelago, Jerangle, Bredbo, Tantangara Dam, Gudgenby, Blue Waterholes and Brindabella. An accompanying W provides the locations and notes on 29 sites of geological interest and 7 geological excursions. A map - provides a compilation of the geology of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) at 1:100,000 scale, and shows the l0cation of sites of geological interest. A GIS compact disc (CD) - contains all the data on the geological map and additional data. It contains geographic information (GIS) software to display the detailed geological information on a personal computer. The guidebook , map and CD are available separately or in combination. An order form is available on the Geological Society of Australia (ACT Division) web page at www.gsa.org.au/divisions/act.html
Willows and Rivers Training Day A free workshop with training sessions and demonstration sites. Come and learn about:
Lunch and transport to demonstration sites is provided on the day.
***PLACES ARE LIMITED***
Download flyer (
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) Family Poaceae The invasive weed, Mexican feather grass has been discovered in the ACT. Mexican feather grass (MFG) has the potential to invade pastures and native grasslands in the ACT. If uncontrolled, it could spread to other states of Australia. Overseas, it is highly invasive and has formed monocultures, smothering desirable species. Importation into Australia is prohibited. Description:
MFG is a densely tufted perennial grass, almost identical to serrated
tussock. MFG produces more seed than the related invasive weed, serrated
tussock and is a slightly taller plant (leaves to about 60 cm long and flower
spikes to 70 cm). The leaves are very similar to serrated tussock. The seed
is similar to the seed of native Stipa grasses (speargrasses). The
awn or bristle-like attachment to the seed is 4.5-9 cm long. The seed itself is
2-3 mm long. MFG flowers from mid spring to summer. Contact: If you think you have spotted this weed, please contact:
Further Information: www.weeds.org.au
Download flyer (
Hilltop To Backfence - free lecture series Celebrating 5 years of ParkCare on Mount Majura. A free lecture series The lecture series presented by Friends of Mount Majura ParkCare covers a range of local environmental issues and explores biodiversity at our doorstep including research on eastern grey kangaroo in the ACT, the bizarre sex techniques of orchids, and the language of lizards. Lectures are held on the third Thursday of the month from February to November 2008 from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at the Blue Gum School Friends Lounge, Hackett shops. Entry is free, however a gold coin donation to support our volunteer work at Mt Majura would be much appreciated. For more information or for enquiries please visit the Friends of Mount Majura website at www.majura.org, e-mail admin at majura.org or phone 6247 7515. A Hollow Existence Dr Philip Gibbons, Australian National University Most of the hollow-bearing trees on Mount Majura were standing when Cook sailed into Botany Bay. Over 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs rely on tree hollows in Australia. Why do tree hollows take so long to form? What animals use them? And why are 100 hollow-dependent species listed as threatened in Australia? Enquiries: ph 6247 7515 or e-mail admin at majura.org
Download Hilltop to Backfence program (
Thursday Lunchtime Lecture Series The Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens organise lunchtime lectures on Thursdays usually at 12.30pm at the Theatrette at the ANBG Visitor Information Centre. Gold coin donation on entry is appreciated. The talks planned for February and March include:
More information is available on the Friends' website. Changes are sometimes made at short notice notice, so check the website regularly.
Landcare Display Trailer available for hire A purpose-built display trailer is available for use by Landcare and Parkcare groups in the ACT Region to highlight their good works and bring information to the community and their members. The trailer was purchased with assistance from Landcare Australia Limited; contributions from the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee, Southern ACT Catchment Group and ACT Rural Landholders helped to fit it out. The trailer comes with fold-out whiteboard/display panels, tables, chairs, brochure holders, a display toolkit and a range of generic landcare posters. Cost is $20/day. Contact the trailer@molonglocatchment.com.au for more information or to arrange hire of the trailer.
To help understand the health of the catchment, the Molonglo Catchment Group (MCG) collects water quality data to find what sediment and salts are being transported down the Molonglo River. To do this the MCG needs help with two things to determine just how wet and dirty the catchment is:
Please contact the Molonglo Waterwatch Coordinator if you can assist.
Willow mapping is underway! The extent of willows is being mapped by the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee to help develop a willow management strategy. The willow strategy is part of the Commonwealth-funded Defeating the Weeds Menace programme. Douglas Kerruish will be mapping willows in all creeks that flow into the Murrumbidgee River. Any information, records or photographs would be a great help. Perhaps you may even have seen the recently discovered willow sawfly larvae defoliating willows! If you know where willows are, or where willows have been controlled, you can contact Douglas on 0419 143 784, or douglas.kerruish at act.gov.au
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
About the Molonglo Catchment Group Contacts Links PrivacySend mail to
webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.
|
The
Geological Society of Australia (ACT Division) has three new products providing
information on the geology of the Canberra region for students, tourists and the
general public.
