win t er 20 0 9
iMPortant
this newsletter contains
important information
relating to rates
sunrise
t he ne w sle t t er o f bre a k o ’ day c o un cil
contents
Mayor’s Message 2
Update 2
Coming Events 2
General Manager’s Report 3
Community Information 3
Corporate Services 4
AK O’DA
RE Community Road
Y
B
Safety Partnership 5
CO Works and Infrastructure 5
U N CIL
Development Services 6
from the mountains to the sea
Natural Resource Management 7
Break O’Day Council ABN 96 017 131 248 Recycling News 7
Georges Bay Esplanade, St Helens Tasmania Australia 7216
PO Box 21, St Helens Tasmania Australia 7216 Natural Resource Activities 8
T: (03) 6376 7900 F: (03) 6376 1551 E: admin@bodc.tas.gov.au W: www.bodc.tas.gov.au
2
Mayor’s Message
Travelling from my The new emergency services building has Congratulations to Gerald Aulich who recently
home to St Helens been opened in St Marys and is being utilised received an investiture from the Governor for
early in the morning I by the fire, ambulance and State Emergency his dedication to the fire service in our
realised that we do Service (SES) units that are so vital in remote Municipality. It is a long time since Gerald
live in paradise. areas. This is a modern facility that will assist walked carrying a knapsack and a beater to
Leaving in the frost volunteers and the general community. start a long and rewarding career of looking
and extremely clear Residents of the area are urged to visit the after everyone who had problems with wild
air in the Fingal facility when an opportunity arises. fires. Well done Gerald.
Valley, then travelling
The development application and Planning With this in mind it may well be the time for a
down the St Marys
Scheme amendment for the removal of sand friendly reminder for everyone to start looking
Pass I marvelled at the sight of the rising sun
works associated with Georges Bay Barway around their properties and taking action to
radiating across the water and filtering through
has been approved and the works have alleviate potential problems with next seasons
the gum trees in many different shades of
commenced. This is a positive step forward fires. We are all responsible for our own well
colour, this led me to think that yes we live in
and we now await its completion.
paradise, but sometimes we all still think that being and should not have to wait for others to
the grass is greener over the fence. With the It is pleasing to see that funds have been come and save our properties or lives.
coming of winter sometimes we forget the made available for the works at both St Helens
It is wonderful to see the Naval Cadet building
things that we have and the things taking and St Mary’s schools to provide a higher
nearing completion, it has been a long hard
place all around us. Yes this slice of the world standard of education for the children of our
road to get where it is at the moment. Well
is paradise. areas. The two (2) schools are becoming
done to all concerned.
educational places with a standard as high as
The main issue facing Council is the changing
anywhere in Tasmania. The financial year has been one of success
of control with water and sewerage. This has
There is movement to improve all the and thanks to all the staff for the work that has
created some problems with budgeting for the
infrastructure in the Municipality and provide been undertaken. It is never easy to work on
coming year because many of the financial
more facilities for the youth in the towns we jobs and have people watching from the side
implications of the transfer remain unknown.
look after. The skate park at Scamander is lines expressing their opinions from time to
There is also concern as to the cost shifting of
pensioner rebates from the State Government being well utilized, although it is important that time. The ever changing role of Council due to
to Local Government and the transfer of parents make sure that helmets and protective circumstances beyond our control makes life
fluoridation costs, these matters are still being gear is worn at all times. During the budget interesting but we have to overcome all the
dealt with at State Government level. There is discussions we have also been looking at ways hassles’ and get on with it.
a change in employment for some of the that other infrastructure developments can be We have had a number of recent staff changes
outdoor staff however they will not lose any achieved. and we welcome them all and hope they all
benefits and are being employed by the new As I write this report it is noted that swine flu is settle in and their families enjoy the new
water corporation. in Tasmania, it is hoped that it does not lifestyle.
Work in St Helens and St Marys main street develop into a serious outbreak, time will tell.
As everyone knows we are looking at the best
areas has continued, these are now looking The Council has made steps for a centre to be
way to remain sustainable into the future. The
very good and when further work is carried opened and well maintained to assist the State
changes to water and sewerage will make a
out this will further enhance the areas. The Government in helping to minimize stress and
difference over the next few years, the
reports from locals and visitors is encouraging long term sickness. Careful thought and care
planning changes that are likely to take place
and help drive further works. should at all times be undertaken to limit the
spread of this outbreak. with a regional aspect will also provide its
The new toilet and shower development in St challenges.
Marys at the recreation ground has been It is pleasing to see the revival of the St Marys
Football Club, well done to those who had the I hope the financial year ahead is rewarding to
completed and open to travellers who wish to
courage to move ahead with this venture. everyone as the Council moves ahead with its
stop overnight or for day or two (2). This will
Possibly we can expect the old rivalry of St plan of development for the betterment of all.
also be an advantage to the major events that
attract people to the town catering for those Marys, Fingal and St Helens to be on again. robert legge
persons wishing to camp. This we all look forward to. Mayor
2009 council Meeting dates
Coming Events
uPdate...
Monday 10 August
Monday 14 September st helens hospital fundraiser – annual ball
Monday 12 October tidal waters, saturday 18 July 2009
Monday 9 November For further information contact Margaret Osborne on 6376 1772
alternatively tickets can be purchased from Fashion Connections, St
AGM – date to be advertised
Helens – Mouth Café, Scamander and the Coach House, St Marys.
Monday 14 December
3
General Manager’s Report
Local Government in merger between the Break O’Day and to withdraw from the voluntary merger process
Tasmania is entering Glamorgan Spring Bay Councils in their entirety if, in their opinion, it is not in the best interest
a cycle of review and as soon as possible. of the respective communities.
self examination.
The investigation should provide Council with a Opportunities will be available to make
Clearly the transfer of
clear understanding of the social, economic, submissions to the Board, in addition these
water and sewerage
environmental impacts and benefits of the parties will have an opportunity for a face to
to a regional Local
proposal and give broad consideration to face presentation to expand or explain their
Government owned
maintaining local representation if a voluntary
Corporation has been submission. There will also be an opportunity
merger was to be undertaken. This process
one of the factors for persons to register to make a face to face
must include extensive community
that has triggered this debate. One other factor submission only, however you will have to
consultation and Council reserves the right to
has been the continuing difficulty of Local present dot points of the issues you would like
withdraw its voluntary consent to the merger if
Government to attract and retain skilled staff to present.
it subsequently determines following the
in the many professions that make up a Local
investigations that it is not in the best interest By the time you receive this newsletter it is
Government unit.
of the community”. expected formal notification of the review
Break O’ Day and Glamorgan-Spring Bay commencement and submission details will
Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council adopted a
Councils have taken the bold move to request have been advertised in the Tasmanian
similar resolution.
the Minister of Local Government, Jim Cox to newspapers. Some important dates are:
initiate a review into the merits of a merger of At his recent address at the Local Government
the two (2) East Coast Councils. Break O’ Day Conference, Minister Cox publicly • commencement date of the review is
Council’s resolution on the matter was quite congratulated both Mayor Legge and Mayor 3 July 2009
specific being "The Break O’Day Council Cadart for having the courage to initiate such a
• submissions will be called for and the closing
request the Minister for Local Government to review.
date will be 31 July 2009
instruct the Local Government Board to I would urge all residents and property owners
investigate the consequences of a voluntary in the Municipality to embrace the • The Board propose to hold hearings with
opportunities that will be made available to you both Councils as well as the community in
to participate in the review process. The Local August/ September. It is proposed that the
farewell Government Act specifies the procedure for hearings will be held in Triabunna, Swansea,
Pictured below are some of the dedicated the review, which is undertaken by the Local Bicheno, St Helens and St Marys.
staff who have provided exceptional service Government Board. This is an independent This is your opportunity to contribute to this
to the Break O’Day Community in board of experts in the field of Local
critical issue, this is the future direction of
undertaking Council’s water and sewerage Government, it is their role to determine the
Local Government, you can, and should be a
operations. Council wishes them well with process for the review and make a final
part of it.
their transition to the new Ben Lomond Water recommendation to the Minister. This is a
Corporation. voluntary merger process and both Councils tony walker
have been very specific in reserving the right General Manager
coMMunity inforMation
AK O’DA
RE
Y
B
St Marys Water and Sewerage crew.
L-R Barry Halton, Michael Kringle,
Terry Stingle and Michael Smith. Get in2 Gear Program CO
U N CIL
Do you have good driving skills?
Do you like working with young people? Full training and support will be offered to all
Do you like volunteering and are looking for a mentors, vehicle also provided.
new and exciting volunteer program to join? For an information pack and application form,
Then do we have something for you! please phone Chris Hughes on 6376 7900 or
The Break O’Day Council is launching a new Cassie Male on 6376 5242.
program for young people called Get in2 Gear assist our young people to Get in2 Gear
and are looking for Volunteer Mentor Drivers to and get mobile.
Two (2) of the members of the St Helens assist young people to complete their 50 hours
Water and Sewerage crew. of supervised driving to enable them to obtain
. L-R Gary Harvey and Jeff Coulson. their provisional licenses.
4
Corporate Services
rates – what are they for? required to provide a photocopy or an will ensure that rate assessments are more
electronic copy of their card with their closely aligned to the current market value of a
Rates are used to support Council in providing completed application form. property, eg. there will generally be an
services for the benefit of all residents. They increase in times of buoyant real estate
comprise around 50% of Council’s revenue The Department of Treasury and Finance set a
conditions or decrease in accordance with
each year and are used to pay for: maximum amount which can be claimed each
market trends.
year. For the 2009/2010 financial year this
• Waste collection and disposal sites amount is calculated as 30% of your rates and Adjustment factors are not applied to
• Animal control is capped at $374.00. individual properties, but are calculated for a
defined class of property, eg residential,
• Public amenities
primary production, commercial, rural,
• Street lighting and cleaning water and sewerage community services and other.
• Local roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage Ratepayers will be aware by now that Council
The Valuer General publishes the adjustment
will no longer be responsible for the
• Parks and playgrounds factor localities and classes in the Government
management of water and sewerage after 1
Gazette and provides notification in local
• Tourism and area promotion July 2009. From this date the responsibility
newspapers in late February/early March.
will transfer to Ben Lomond Water. Contact
• Community development details for Ben Lomond Water are as follows: A landowner may apply to the Valuer General
• Maintenance of halls, toilets and public for a review of an adjustment factor within a
Ben Lomond Water
buildings period of 60 days following the publication of
PO Box 745
the factor in the Government Gazette. The
• Fire protection Launceston Tas 7250
application for review must be made in writing
www.benlomondwater.com.au
• Planning and building services and accompanied by a statement of the
Tel: (03) 6336 2511
grounds on which the application is made.
The initial rates notice is included with this Fax: (03) 6336 2567
newsletter, a reminder notice will be sent For further information on valuations or the
Ratepayers wanting to find out more about
approximately one (1) month before the 2nd, adjustment factors, please contact the Office
Tasmania’s water and sewerage reform can
3rd and 4th instalments are due. of the Valuer General on 1300 135 513 or via
now call 13 6992. This number is available for
the web at www.dpiw.tas.gov.au
any water and sewerage queries.
Pension remissions You will note that your rates notice this year
In order to be eligible for a pension remission does not include any charges for water and
direct debit
for your rates; sewerage. You will receive a separate account Council is encouraging ratepayers to use our
from the new Corporation for these. direct debit facility to pay their rates. Rather
• You must be an eligible pensioner and must
than paying a quarter of your rates by the four
either own the property or be the eligible Some Councils in the past had used their
(4) standard instalments, your rates can be
ratepayer as of 1 July in the financial year. water and sewerage revenue to fund projects
payable either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
in their communities, therefore from 1 July
• You must occupy the property as your You will receive a letter at the beginning of
2009, these Councils will need to increase
principal place of residence on or prior to 1 each year, stating the new amount payable at
their general rate to cover the losses from
July of the financial year. your desired frequency. Council has also
water and sewerage. Break O’Day Council has
• You must hold one (1) of the following cards; resolved that no interest or penalties will be
always ensured that rate revenue collected for
paid if all payments are made and not
water and sewerage has only been spent on
a Centerlink Pension Concession Card those areas, meaning that we have not had to
dishonoured. If you are interested in paying
your rates using this method please contact
a epartment of Veteran’s Affairs
D increase our rates for this financial year to
Council on 6376 7900 or call into the Council
- Repatriation Health “Gold Card”, cover any losses from water and sewerage.
Office for an application form.
which bears the inscription “War Normal increases will still apply to cover
Widow” or “TPI” increased capital works and normal economic
growth.
a ustralian Government Health Care
A
Council will continue to collect water, sewerage
Card (HCC)
In order to receive this remission, you will
rates or water consumption accounts which
were outstanding at 30 June 2009.
are you Moving??
need to fill out an application form. You can do Could all ratepayers of the Municipality please
this by visiting the Council Office in St Helens. ensure that if you have changed your mailing
Your card will need to be sighted by Council Valuations – adjustment factors address you advise Council of your new
Officers and a copy taken. If you are having You will note that on your rates notice there is address to ensure our system is current at all
difficulties visiting the Council Office, you can a new valuation figure called “Adjusted AAV”. times.
request a form to be mailed by contacting the This figure has been calculated by the Valuer To change your address you can contact
Council, alternatively, the form can be General and is used by Council to calculate Council and request a “Change of Address”
accessed on Council’s website. The completed rates based on property valuations (general form to be mailed out to you, alternatively you
application form can be mailed, faxed or and fire levy). can change your address online on Council’s
emailed to the Council Office. Applicants are webpage.
This figure is reviewed every two (2) years, and
5
Community Information st Marys Main street Makeover
Project
Council commenced the St Marys Main
community road safety these conditions to retain proper control over
Street Makeover after a very busy Christmas
your vehicle. Even if the speed limit says
Partnership period. The work involved removal and
110kmh, if it is not safe to travel at this speed,
driving in winter? replacement of kerbing between Franks and
slow down and drive to the road conditions.
it’s not what you’re expecting Cameron Streets, including new coloured
Speeding increases the severity of a crash, the
footpaths, a low retaining wall, outstands,
Tasmania is a beautiful, picturesque State to faster you travel, the greater the impact. landscaping, drainage and road works.
travel around by car. From St Helens to the Bridges and overpasses ice over faster and
Bay of Fires, every drive is different and The result of this work has created a more
stay icy for longer than ordinary roads. This is user friendly and
spectacular. However while Tasmania has
because the earth under the road is naturally aesthetically
many diverse roads to tour, it also has
warm, but bridges and overpasses have pleasing
unpredictable and rapidly changing weather
conditions. nothing underneath them to hold heat. Pay environment
attention to changes in road surfaces and within the
While it is important to drive safely all year lower your speed over bridges and overpasses. township of St
around, winter is fast approaching and with it Marys.
Even if the road you are travelling on is ice free,
comes a multitude of unusual, variable and
there may be danger hiding just up ahead. St Marys Main Street
unexpected weather conditions.
If you are driving behind another vehicle in
Driving on our roads is all about expecting the
these conditions it is important to leave more Quail street, binalong bay road
unexpected. All motorists need to drive to the
roadworks
works and infrastructure
conditions they encounter on the roads and space than normal between you and them,
even more so in winter months. this way you will have more time to react and Council has recently completed major road
alter your driving if something unexpected reconstruction works on Quail Street/
Winter driving conditions require drivers to
happens. And whenever you need to stop your Binalong Bay Road, between Tidal Waters
concentrate on basic road safety rules. Avoid
vehicle, think ahead and slow down earlier and Colchis Creek Bridge. The works
driving when you are tired, don’t speed, don’t
than normal, braking in a slow and steady involved the installation of a box culvert, road
drive while affected by alcohol and drugs,
manner to avoid skidding on the road. re-alignment, drainage works, sealing, and
wear a seatbelt and most importantly,
the provision of a bird viewing area and
concentrate on your driving. It is estimated that fatigue is the cause of
bikeway. These works have greatly improved
Travel between towns on a map may appear between 10 and 12 per cent of all fatal
the alignment of the road and removed the
straightforward, but in reality our roads are crashes. The combination of fatigue and poor sharp corner which has been a problem for
winding, hilly and sometimes mountainous. weather conditions can be deadly. To many years. This project was funded by the
Combine this with sunshine one minute and minimise fatigue related accidents don’t drive Roads to Recovery Program.
sleet and ice the next; driving in winter can be at a time when you would normally be asleep,
a dangerous exercise. Good vehicle or start a trip after a long days work. Take
preparation is critical to staying safe on our regular breaks, the recommended amount is
roads in winter. at least 15 minutes. And if you are already
With colder weather setting in, now is a great tired, you must sleep, taking a break will only
time to ensure that your vehicle is ready for delay your fatigue.
winter road conditions. It is a good idea to Statistics show that over 90 per cent of road Quail Street being prepared for sealing
have your vehicle serviced at the beginning of
crashes are caused by driver inattention,
the season, to make sure everything is in
fatigue or bad driving habits. No matter what wheelie bins
working order. If you know your car and tyres
the weather, it is always important to Council is concerned with an increasing
are in top condition, you have a better chance
concentrate on your driving. However crashes trend for part time residents and occupiers of
of staying safe on the road.
will happen in winter that might not occur in holiday accommodation to place wheelie bins
As we are all too aware of, winter in Tasmania summer, so please have a safe, hazard free out for collection prior to collection day, and
means snow, ice and heavy rain, all of which winter driving season by being aware of your at times the week prior to collection. A
can be a danger to road users. It takes longer similar situation exists after collection where
road conditions and expecting the unexpected.
to stop your vehicle on icy or snow covered they remain on the street. This creates a
pavement, so you will need to drive slower in Courtesy of the Road Safety Task Force number of issues, there is more opportunity
for them to blow over when full and rubbish
reMinder escapes, they are often positioned on
footpaths which obstructs pedestrian access
for extended periods. Some Councils have
Permanent boil water alert – Mathinna, cornwall and fingal By-Laws that restrict the period a bin can be
placed out for collection, this is a move
The residents of Mathinna, Cornwall and Fingal are reminded that the water supplies are not
Council wishes to investigate.
treated and permanent boil water alerts are in place to protect consumers from occasionally
unsatisfactory levels of E.coli. Residents are advised that bringing water to a rolling boil for a If you own a holiday rental property or
period of one (1) minute is sufficient to eliminate waterborne pathogens. occupy your property part time could you
please ask your neighbour to put your bin out
For further information contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer on 6376 7900. and retrieve it for you after collection.
6
Development Services
deposited, spread and compacted. (As a Further queries can be directed to Justin
reference the level of the top of the training Foster at MAST by phoning (03) 6233 8818 or
wall is 2.2m AHD) by emailing justin.foster@mast.tas.gov.au
A sand bund was constructed along the
seaward side of the excavation area to protect regional Planning
the machinery from waves and swell. Behind
The State Government in partnership with
the bund, excavators are loading the sand into
Local Government has commenced two (2)
six (6) wheel drive articulated trucks for
regional land use planning projects that will
transport to the deposit sites. At the
affect this area. One project is within the 63
completion of the excavation, the bund will be
phone district and the second is the East
removed and the wave action will restore the
Coast region.
beach to its natural slope.
In May, community consultation seminars with
st helens barway update The position of the deposit sites has been
Vision East took place in various locations from
influenced by minimising the amount of the
St Helens residents will have recently watched, St Helens to Triabunna for the East Coast project.
vegetation that is affected and by the
with interest, the works being undertaken to topography of the area. The sites are situated
remove sand from Blanche Beach. The on the low-lying areas behind the dunes. outstanding dog registrations
project follows coastal engineering advice to These areas are being filled with sand, up to
remove sand from Blanche Beach to help for 2009/2010 financial year
the level of the dunes immediately adjacent to
improve the conditions on the barway by a particular deposit site. Consequently, all All dogs in the Break O’Day Municipality should
allowing sand on the offshore bar to move deposit sites have different finished levels to have been registered by the end of June.
ashore onto the beach. match surrounding land. The owners of any unregistered dogs will be
Providing space on the beach for sand All areas that are being filled to a height contacted by Council Officers to ensure all
accretion will also reduce the amount of sand greater than 2.0m have had the vegetation dogs in the Municipality are registered.
that is currently entering Georges Bay and removed before deposition. This allowed fauna
accumulating on the shoals such as Pelican to move elsewhere prior to the deposition of
Point. illegal displays of signs
sand and as the native species are not
expected to grow through sand greater than Erection of signs without a permit is against
sand transfer Project the provision of the Planning Scheme and is
this depth, the stripped vegetation has been
Due to the scale of the project, there have stockpiled and will be placed back on top of an offence under the Land Use Planning and
been significant environmental considerations. the deposited sand to minimise wind erosion Approvals Act (LUPAA). This legislation gives
In 2008, MAST engaged GHD Pty Ltd to and to encourage seed germination. Council the authority to remove the signs
undertake environmental assessments of the without warning.
site. These assessments led to the production It is expected that marram grass will grow on
top of the deposition areas, giving some Council Officers are regularly observing
of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
stabilisation in the short-term, then native signage in the Municipality with a view to
The assessments included flora and fauna
species should revegetate and succeed the checking their compliance.
including threatened species, possible sand
contamination and assessment of Aboriginal marram. If the native species do not germinate
heritage. The EMP also set out criteria for from seed, then tube stock that is currently street lighting
weed and disease management, sand being propagated will be planted.
The provision of street lighting is a service
stabilisation and revegetation of the deposited
Project timeframe funded from the rates you pay to Council.
sand.
One of the requirements in the EMP was that Aurora Energy provides and services the lights
As the area is within the St Helens Point for which an annual charge is made. In the
works could not be undertaken between
Conservation Area, approval was given by past Aurora Energy undertook routine surveys
September and April due to areas of the
Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) via a to ensure lights are operational, however this no
beach being used for nesting by migratory
Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA). The longer occurs and they rely on complaints to
bird species. Consequently, works on the
information gathered by GHD Pty Ltd was follow up non operational lights.
beach will be completed by 31 August 2009.
used to produce the RAA application.
Some further works, away from the beach, Aurora Energy has advised that as part of their
After the RAA was approved, this allowed may continue for up to two (2) weeks after this “Customer Charter” it will replace defective
MAST to submit a development application date. street lamps adjacent to your home or business
with Council which has since been approved. within seven (7) business days from the
Whilst the beach sand transfer should improve
MAST advertised for suitably qualified conditions at the barway, St Helens will never notification of the fault. If the fault requires
contractors to tender for the works to transfer be an all weather port. This project will more than a lamp replacement they may need
the sand and Gradco Pty Ltd was awarded the minimise the amount of new sand entering longer. Aurora Energy guarantees if you are the
contract, who began work in early June. first person to report a problem requiring
Georges Bay, however it will not reduce the
repairs, and they don’t meet their standard,
shoals that already exist inside the entrance.
transfer Process Preliminary work is also underway on
they will credit your account with $30.00 for
each business day that they are late, up to a
The works consist of excavating sand from assessments and approvals for dredging at
maximum of $150.00.
Blanche Beach, down to a level of -1.0m AHD Pelican Point. It is envisaged that the
and transporting this sand to the low-lying approvals to complete this dredging will be Residents are urged to report all defective street
areas behind the dunes, where it is being sought in the coming months. lights by ringing Aurora Energy on 132 004.
7
Natural Resource Management recycling news
Council is committed to recycling, however
reality is that being a small remote community
community Members Monitoring School and the Break O’Day Council. it is extremely difficult to participate in
conventional recycling programs.
impacts of Global warming The team has assisted the Parks and Wildlife
team with various projects including: Break O’Day along with other Council’s in the
The Friends of Four Mile Creek and senior region contribute a levy based on the volume
resurfacing tracks at St Helens Point and St
students from the St Helens District High of rubbish deposited in the refuse system into
Columbia Falls,
School have recently become involved in the a regional pool to be utilised at a regional
completing
Tasmanian Shoreline Monitoring and Archiving basis for waste strategies. These funds have
extensive walks
Project (TASMARC) at key locations along the been used in part to fund a part time
along the
Tasman Sea coastline and in Georges Bay. Household Waste Officer whose main task is
coastline in the
works and infrastructure
TASMARC is coordinated by the Antarctic to examine recycling opportunities. This has
Mt William
Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative been a recent appointment and we look
National Park and
Research Centre forward to some positive outcomes.
between
and these new
Falmouth and At a local level we have considered tip shops
community
Bicheno on a number of occasions in the past and
monitoring sites
searching for and given the volume of materials available it has
in Break O’ Day
removing Sea not been a viable option. I am pleased to
are supported by
Spurge. advise Council has taken a slightly different
NRM North and
approach with some of the funding provided
Council. Green Corps Team
by the Federal Government Infrastructure
The St Helens District High school students Steve said “One of the highlights of the grants.
taking survey readings on Binalong Bay Beach. program was the construction work completed As an initial trial, recycling sheds and
in Kings Park, involving stair construction, enclosures will be established at the St
Nick Bowden from the Research Centre said
building picnic tables and resurfacing the Helens and Scamander Transfer Sites.
“the project engages community members in
walking tracks. Congratulations and a big Residents will be encouraged to leave any
monthly monitoring that will serve firstly as an
thank you to the team for their incredible hard items of perceived value to someone else in
indication of the month to month seasonal
work and their enthusiasm toward making a these facilities for other residents use. These
shoreline movement and secondly as a basis
huge positive impact on so many natural facilities will not be manned however we ask
for long term observation of the movement of
resource projects in the Break O’Day Region.” that persons taking items leave a donation for
our beaches.”
a local charity. There will be some restrictions
He also highlighted that the global average sea such as used electrical goods where there is a
level rose at a rate of 1.7mm a year during the are you interested in joining the
question of safety. It is anticipated the
last century. As a rule of thumb, for every break o’day natural resource benefits will be four fold, persons may be
centimetre of sea level rise sandy shorelines Management committee? more inclined to dispose of goods because
may retreat one (1) metre. Data will be there is a perceived value, it will reduce
recorded, Council’s Natural Resource Management
(NRM) Committee provides a forum for Council’s disposal costs, it provides an
stored and opportunity for those members of our
available to representatives from Council, the community,
Aboriginal community, natural resource community less fortunate to have access to
government second hand goods and local charities will
departments, industries and land management agencies to
collaborate on caring for our environment. benefit from donations. It is anticipated the
libraries and facilities will be operational within the next
educational There are presently two (2) places on the
eight (8) weeks.
institutions. Committee available for residents interested in
representing the general community and the
The Friends of Four Mile Creek learning the art marine environment/industry. Now is an important time to
of shoreline monitoring from Nick Bowden from identify and control spanish
Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative The Committee is responsible for raising and
heath, before it sets seed.
Research Centre addressing NRM issues that affect Break
Scattered plants on the
O’Day through Council’s NRM Strategy and it’s
fringes of infestations are a
partnerships at community and regional levels.
the Green corps team - priority if this weed is to be
If you would like to find out more about the
contained.
Moving Mountains and more NRM Committee or being part of it contact
Care is needed to identify
Council’s NRM Facilitator.
The Green Corps team led by Steve Geddes spanish heath accurately
and made up of nine (9) local young men since it is similar to some
between the ages of 17-20 is in the final six weeds springing to life native species. More information can be
(6) weeks of a six (6) month programme. The obtained at the Council Office in St Helens.
Spanish heath (Erica Lusitanica) is one of the
Green Corps Team program is managed by
earliest flowering environmental weeds of the
Conservation Volunteer Australia and funded
Municipality and an aggressive invader of our
by the Commonwealth Government.
dry forests and coastal heaths. Some large
Although the main project has focused on infestations occur near Diana’s Basin, Chain of
removing radiata pines in the Skyline Tier area Lagoons and at the top of St Marys Pass. It
the team has also completed some fantastic produces lots of small seeds which are easily
work with the Parks and Wildlife Service, picked up and spread, particularly by machinery.
Bicheno Wildlife Park, St Helens District High It is often found spreading along roadsides.
8
Natural Resource Management
coastal lagoons and wetlands the Break O’Day NRM Strategy. NRM North's A separate project by the Australian
investment in the coastal lagoons healthcare Government is looking specifically at Jocks
break o’day project is a welcome opportunity for the Break Lagoon near St Helens, which is listed under
Around 30 coastal lagoons and wetlands along O'Day region. the international RAMSAR agreement for its
the Break O'Day coast are getting much significance as a wetland habitat, particularly
Council is working closely with NRM North
needed healthcare with a project worth nearly for migratory birds.
and its contractor, North Barker Ecosystem
$100,000.00 provided by NRM North – the
Services on the project. Neighbouring Some of the things landholders can do to look
Council's regional partner in Natural Resource
landholders may already have been involved after coastal lagoons and wetlands include
Management (NRM).
in the project's health checks. Engaging the managing drainage and wastewater systems to
The project is filling significant gaps in community and making material changes on keep sediment and pollutants out, protecting
scientific and management knowledge for the ground is a focus for the project. First aid generous streamside and shoreline buffers,
estuaries, small creek lagoons, marshes and priorities are being identified and the project is repairing sites of eroding soil and setting aside
perched freshwater wetlands found between providing substantial funding support for areas of native bushland in their catchments.
Policemans Point and the Douglas River. on-ground works to landholders wanting to
Coastal lagoons and wetlands play pivotal look after their lagoons and wetlands.
roles ecologically and are a feature of the
The project is prioritising lagoons and wetlands
Break O'Day landscape and lifestyles, yet their
likely to have significant natural values and
values and condition have not been assessed
that may be affected by damage to shorelines,
at this local scale until now.
feeder streams and catchments, poor water
Coastal lagoons and wetlands have been a quality or degraded fringing vegetation. The
concern for Council for many years. The health checks will examine aquatic and
Planning Scheme includes wetland protection adjacent terrestrial values and habitats, The RAMSAR listed Jocks Lagoon is part of a
provisions and better care and knowledge of catchment vegetation cover, hydrology and chain of coastal lagoons and wetlands along St
coastal lagoons and wetlands is a priority of land use and wetland naturalness and threats. Helens Point.
AK O’DA
RE
Y
B
CO
U N CIL
Natural Resource Activities 2009
Date / Time Event Where Contact
Sunday July 12 2.00pm Gorse Action Weeding Event Story St St Marys Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727
Friday July 31 Schools National Tree Planting Day Flourish Properties Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727
Sunday August 02 9.00am National Tree Planting Day Cosy Corner North Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727
Sunday August 16 9.00am Binalong Bay Foreshore Weeding Binalong Bay Car Park Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727
Sunday August 30 9.30am Restore Skyline Tier Skyline Tier Beaumaris Todd Dudley Ph. 6376 1049
Ongoing Events
Monthly Tuesday 9-12 Georges Bay Water Watch Group Georges Bay Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727
Every Wednesday 9-12 Wombat Landscaping Group St Mary's Rivulet Robina Balzer Ph. 6372 2022
Every Wed/Thurs 9-12 Restore Skyline Tier Skyline Tier Beumaris Todd Dudley Ph .6376 1049
Monthly TASMARC Shoreline monitoring Four Mile Creek Mike Walsh Ph. 0400 773 396
Monthly TASMARC Shoreline monitoring Binalong Bay Beach St Helens High Ph. 6376 7100
rethink environmental print 36443
Quarterly Understorey Network Field Trips Break O'Day Region Alison Hugo Ph. 0488 677 727