A Change of Climate Group. You can see live waterbugs in a part of a number display by Blue Mountains City Council of lots across the in the Mountains and Sydney Catchment Authority and city. One of the Scientists and governments now participate in an easy walk led by a most alarming of these changes was agree that the earth’s atmosphere is NPWS Discovery Ranger. Morning tea because a watercourse had been warming. In the Blue Mountains we will be available and BMCS nursery redirected off the private land! The don’t have to worry about sea level rises volunteers will have a selection of native watercourse was once on 78 North but a warmer climate is likely to mean plants on sale. Street, Katoomba. Another disturbing more frequent and severe droughts and a Are there members who can help with change that will not go on public greater risk of bushfire. Compounding morning tea on the day or with letterboxing exhibition is the removal of EP zoning this effect are ongoing increases in the invitations? Phone Meredith 4782 4823. from properties located within a large greater Sydney population. The area of land on the eastern side of combined effect is less water for more Minne Ha Ha Falls (39, 40 and 49 Ninth people and the likelihood of ongoing Good News Avenue, Katoomba). water restrictions. We reported in Hut News that National Parks and Wildlife Service had Other gains and losses include Catherine Hird, a consultant to State suffered funding cuts in the NSW increased environmental protection on and Local government on recycling budget. Environment Minister Bob the St Columbas site and loss of effluent from sewage treatment plants, Debus has asked us to correct this. protection for North Lawson park. will give a talk about this topic at the You will find a more detailed report general meeting on 28 November. The NPWS did not have its funding cut in the State budget. Total expenditure in on the Society’s webpage. Phone Lyndal talk will focus on how this challenge can Sullivan or write to PO Box 29, be met by the garden loving residents of 2003/04 is estimated at $305.3 million. Excluding the extraordinary impact of Wentworth Falls if you would like us to the Blue Mountains living in the catch- postyouacopy. Watch the Council ment of a World Heritage National Park. firefighting costs of $50.2 million, the total expenditure will increase by $11.6 page in the Gazette for notice of the re- Rainwater tanks, garden design and grey exhibition of parts of the DLEP. If you water recycling will be discussed as well million. At the local level the planned expenditure of the Blue Mountains want assistance in understanding what as some bigger picture ideas such as the changes mean in your locality, or if recycling effluent, desalination and water Region in 2003/04 is $6.521 million compared to $6.369 million in 2002/03 you would like to volunteer to assist in efficient cities of the future. any way, contact Lyndal on 4782 1635. The meeting on Friday 28 The State Government has nearly November at the Conservation Hut, doubled the NPWS budget since 1995. EPA Act Review Wentworth Falls, starts at 7.30 pm. What is Happening with Draft The current review of Parts 4 and 5 Visitors are very welcome. of the Environmental Planning and Local Environment Plan 2002? Assessment Act 1979 has been conducted New Format for Meetings Council officers have reviewed the with remarkably poor process. The Following a suggestion from 1404 submissions received during the review is about how all developments in members we have decided to change the exhibition period and reported back to NSW are assessed and is of key interest format of our monthly meeting and Council with recommendations on each to environment and community groups. introduce the guest speaker at the of the issues raised. Council has voted However these key stakeholders have beginning of the meeting. At the on all of these matters and made 159 been almost entirely excluded from November meeting the format will be: changes to the plan – 81 to clauses in the participating in the review. 7.30pm, start the meeting with a brief written document and 78 to zoning or The Department of Infrastructure, outline of issues; 7.45 guest speaker other site specific matters. Most of the Planning and Natural Resources until 8.30 with time for questions before LEP has now been agreed to by Council, (DIPNR) has conducted the review with supper at 8.45; other business from 9pm. and Council has voted to send the DLEP the aid of a 'Taskforce' committee made If this format is successful it will off to the Minister for gazettal with a up entirely of government and industry continue next year. We would view to amending it after the review of representatives. deferred issues. appreciate your comments and sugges- Amending the assessment and tions as to any other changes we should This draft is a huge improvement on consent process for developments under make to increase attendances. the existing LEP4. Many areas with parts 4 and 5 of the Act will have a major The developers of the proposed creeklines and sensitive vegetation will effect on planning and development Newnes Plateau sand mine have been be clearly zoned as Environmental throughout NSW. Therefore the lack of invited to briefly address the meeting Protection. In zones where development meaningful consultation with after supper on 28 November. If this is permitted, there will be a wide range environment and community groups is invitation is accepted members will be of environmental factors which will now deeply disappointing. able to ask questions on areas of concern. have to be assessed prior to approvals being granted. The current act does not consistently deliver good environmental outcomes Celebration at The Hut Unfortunately the changes approved and given the composition of the review The new visual display for the foyer by Council have brought more flexibility committee this is unlikely to improve. of the Conservation Hut is to be into the DLEP. This runs counter to the support from the Commission of Inquiry We urge members to write to Bob officially opened at a Celebration at Debus (Macquarie Street, Springwood) 9.30 am on Saturday 6 December. for a prescriptive planning instrument, makes it harder for Council to refuse to voice their objection to the exclusion Events start at 9am. There will be inappropriate developments and puts of environment and community groups stalls, entertainment by students from more pressure on the community to from this important review. nearby schools and a choice of free monitor these developments. If you are interested in helping with activities provided by NPWS, Stream- this matter please contact Lyndal watch and Valley of the Waters Bushcare 78 zoning changes have been made. EP zoning has been removed from all or Sullivan on 4782 1635. Hut News, No. 196, November 2003 — Page 1. “Hut News”, the newsletter of care group who cares for adjacent land. Rally Endorses Opposition Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. Whilst Bushcare groups may not be the P.O. Box 29, Wentworth Falls, 2782 only community groups concerned about to Sand Quarry Phone47571872 Fax47571753 a local area, it would be simple to notify An estimated 80 protesters against Email: [email protected] them as Council has bushcare sites mapped the proposed sand mine at Newnes Web page: www.bluemountains.org.au and keeps an updated list of contact Junction packed the Uniting Church Hall President: Kevin Bell people. Another easy solution would be in Katoomba on Thursday 23 October. 4787.6436 (ph/fx), [email protected] to display a sign on the property as is The rally, organised by Colong Found- Senior Vice President: Heather Hull done in some Council areas. ation and Blue Mountains Conservation 4739.1493, [email protected] This bias was again seen in the Society, heard arguments against the Second Vice President: Tony Towers review stage of Draft LEP 2002. During mine from Ian Cohen, Greens Senator in 4757.1321(ph/fx) the exhibition stage Council planners put the NSW Upper House, Keith Muir and [email protected] in an amazing effort to give out Fiona McCrossan of the Colong Treasurer: Bart Beech information and make sure the Foundation, local resident Sean Butler 4739.9947, [email protected] community understood the issues and Andrew Cox, Executive Officer, Administration Officer: Joy McDonald involved. It was a major exercise in National Parks Association of NSW. 4757 2725, [email protected] community consultation with a total of Of particular concern was the Membership: Elizabeth van Reyswoud 1404 submissions received, raising 6,300 proximity of the proposed mine to the 4757.2694, 0418206899 (mobile) individual matters. Many volunteer World Heritage Area (50m only buffer), [email protected] hours were spent by the Society and the destruction of high conservation Meetings Secretary: Rosemary Lathouris other community groups preparing value shrub swamps on the site and the 4757.2511, [email protected] detailed submissions. Sadly, community detrimental effect on the pristine Meetings Convenor: Jim Wallace consultation ended here! When Council Wollangambe River. 4784.3305, [email protected] began to review the Plan, community Environmental consultant Haydn Education Officer: Richard Phillipps groups such as ours were disadvantaged. Washington pointed out inadequacies in 4739.2568, [email protected] Planners provided 14 very detailed the environmental impact statements Plant Nursery Manager: David Coleby reports which thoroughly assessed prepared by the applicant, Sydney 4784.1395 (ph/fax) [email protected] community concerns raised. Because of Construction Materials. Land Use Officer: Lyndal Sullivan the wide range of our concerns, it was A similar application for a mine was 4782.1635, [email protected] not possible to properly assess the refused in 1996, when several Bushcare Officer: Clive Heywood-Barker responses to all the issues we had raised government departments deemed mining 4787.5574, [email protected] in our submission. Often it was totally inappropriate at the site. The Publicity Officer:: Samantha Stevens necessary to attempt to assess a very departmental recommendation was 0425316953, [email protected] detailed report of more than 150 pages backed up by a detailed land use study Walks Convenor: Bob van Reyswoud over one weekend and contact that found nature conservation and 4757.2694 (ph/fax) councillors to explain concerns prior to environment protection were a superior [email protected] their meeting. In contrast, residents who use for the area relative to sand mining. Bushfire Officer: Hugh Paterson were only interested in the development While participants at the meeting 4751.2303, [email protected] potential of their own property had a agreed that sand quarrying may not be National Parks Officer: Jenny Rich relatively easy task, just to keep an eye objectionable in an appropriate area there 4787.6243, [email protected] out for when their property address was strong support for the recycling of Web Site Manager: Margaret Sleath appeared on the agenda, and then building materials, especially concrete, 4759.3350, [email protected] respond. to lessen the impact on the environment. Threatened Species Officer: Ian Baird Residents could address a council Two motions were supported 4782.6775, [email protected] meeting. Three minutes was reasonable overwhelmingly by the meeting: Project Officer: Ann Fox to speak on zoning issues related to one 4758.6096, [email protected]  “This meeting opposes the location of property. This was useless if a group a 27million tonne sand quarry proposal Project Officer: Les Coyne wished to raise a number of detailed 4757.3327, 4757.2820(fax) adjoining the World Heritage listed Blue issues. Not only was the time too short, Mountains National Park at Newnes [email protected] but the matters raised were not debated Project Officer: John Haydon Junction and calls on the government to 0421.479.146 by the council at the same time. develop a strategic plan for the supply of [email protected] Sometimes the debates about issues construction materials by the extractive Newsletter Editor: Christine Davies raised by residents occurred hours later industry that would protect areas of 4787.7246, [email protected] or even at the next meeting. This conservation value”, and worked to exclude community input and  “that this meeting supports an resulted in a watering down of the Plan expansion of the Gardens of Stone Community Consultation? in favour of individuals who lobbied National Park to cover the Newnes Blue Mountains City Council often hard to change the zonings of their plateau”. boasts of “working in partnership with properties. The meeting concluded with a lively the community”, but in land use matters The time available to review reports recital by local poet, Denis Kevans, of the process has a strong bias in favour of prior to the council meetings is not a his popular poem “Concreto”, joined by property owners with concerns about problem specific to the LEP review the audience. their views, privacy or property values. process. It is the way council normally A follow-up rally will be held outside If these same residents were to take an operates and always presents a problem interest in their local creek or bushland the NSW Parliament from noon to 1pm for volunteer community groups wanting on Tuesday, 18 November. reserve and form a local group, they to be heard. would not have the same credibility or Blue Mountains City Council has on Hut News by Email opportunities to participate. its agenda developing a community This bias is enshrined in Council’s consultation policy. It is urgent that this Would you prefer to receive your policy DCP35 which deals with land use happen to remove the bias in favour of monthly Hut News by email? If so, matters and sets out the procedures to self-interested residents. It is crucial that please contact Liz van Reyswoud notify the public when Council assesses the large number of residents who care [email protected]. new developments, changes an LEP or about more than their own immediate develops a Plan of Management for Membership Enquiries gains get heard. Without this there will Contact Elizabeth van Reyswoud public land. In this policy a neighbour be no protection of our immediate Phone 4757.2694 who owns land adjacent to a proposed environment or our World Heritage Email: [email protected] development is notified, but not a bush- Area. Post: PO Box 29,Wentworth Falls 2782 Hut News, No. 196, November 2003 — Page 2. Sydney's Water: Water plants from our Nursery of course!). tanks through a rebate scheme and by Drought Immunisation. So how do publishing documents on their require- Restrictions, by Ross Coster you go about having plenty of water, ments (see www.sydneywater.com.au). As you should be aware, mandatory regardless of weather conditions? If you want a lush garden in times of water restrictions are now in force for Disturbingly, during droughts, there drought, install a rainwater tank, but be Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the is always a rise in people drilling bores aware that during drought there is no Illawarra. The mandatory restrictions down into one of the Blue Mountains such thing as an endless water supply. include bans on sprinklers and watering underground aquifers. This is not a good systems and on hosing hard surfaces, idea! Much of our bushland is Where are the Butterflies? including vehicles, paths and buildings. dependent on ground water to supply The Rhododendrons in the parks and You can now only use a hand-held hose swamps, springs, cliff-side vegetation gardens of Blackheath in springtime are to water gardens, a broom to sweep and base flow for creeks. Bore water is lovely, but for me the arrival of spring paths, and a bucket to wash vehicles. not an endless resource. If you put down brings the flowering of the native mints a bore you are effectively stealing water and the passage of the Caper White These restrictions are stronger than Butterflies. expected and have been introduced from the environment. If you hear earlier than normal. Normally water restric- someone you know talking about putting I have observed these butterflies tions cut in when the Sydney Water supply down a bore, please try to talk them out during the past ten years. Last year they dams get down to 55% capacity but this of it. passed through my Blackheath garden time were introduced at 60%. Are Rainwater Tanks the Answer? during most days from late September To some degree, yes. A rainwater tank until early November—in ones and Protesting Citizens. In the Blue twos, meandering from flower to flower, Mountains Gazette, 1-Oct-2003, Dick can be used to catch a deluge like the one I experienced at Lawson on Sat-25-Oct- going nowhere in particular but it seems Harris had a letter published questioning in a generally south-westerly direction— the introduction of restrictions in the 2003. Boy did it rain! The rainwater tank can then supply water for the probably several hundred a day at the upper mountains, given that Lakes peak of the season. In November (last Medlow, Greaves and the three Cascades garden, laundry, toilet flushing and car washing. Some people even drink tank year on 22 November) these butterflies Dams are full or nearly full (76% on 23 are seen in huge numbers travelling Oct). He does have a point, however water but NSW Health do not recommend this practice as tank water across the upper Mountains, fluttering Cascades Dams are topped up daily from rapidly towards the north-east where the Fish River at Oberon which is at can be polluted with lead from car exhausts and Salmonella from bird and they presumably lay their eggs on their dangerously low levels. The Upper preferred plants of the Caper family. Mountains dams have a very small animal droppings. storage capacity and react rapidly to high A Rainwater tank needs to be at least This year they are mostly absent—I usage. 5,000 litres to be worthwhile, and have seen four! Where are they? The preferably 10,000 litres. To be most butterflies are white with black lace It would be very difficult and unfair edging the wings. to have water restrictions at Springwood effective at reducing mains water use, (water from Warragamba) but not at rainwater tanks need to be connected to Please write and let me know if you Woodford (water from Cascades) and for toilet and laundry, possibly requiring a have seen them this year. Christine pressure pump. Sydney Water now (c/o PO Box 29, Wentworth Falls 2782, us to create water shortages at Oberon. email [email protected]) Overall I strongly support the impos- supports the introduction of rainwater ition of water restrictions and I further believe that the restriction on hosing hard Wildlife Entanglement: A Plea from Blue Mountains WIRES surfaces should be permanent. There are various types of entangle- over ponds to prevent birds such as Dick Harris, in his letter, also talks up ment but one that is extremely kookaburras from eating their fish. a rumour that Sydney Water's infra- damaging to our wildlife, especially However snakes, especially frog eating structure at Greaves Creek is in need of snakes, is plastic mesh. For those of species such as red-bellied black and 'urgent upgrade'. This is all rubbish. you who don’t know of this nasty tiger snakes, come along for a feed and The water treatment plant at Lake material, it is a light weight mostly get tangled in the process. Greaves is in need of replacement, which black plastic type mesh with holes Added to this problem is the amount is under way now, but in no way is this approximately 1 cm square. It is of time, food, money and energy spent urgent, nor does it have anything to do usually draped over fruit trees, by volunteers in caring for these with the restrictions. Dick will just have vegetable patches and so on, to prevent animals, often for months until they are to get used to water restrictions like the birds and possums eating the produce. ready for release back into the wild. rest of us! By the way, I never water my The fact is – it kills! For some garden, and it looks fantastic (native We can prevent this needless weeks now Blue Mountains snake threat to our native animals. Dispose handlers have been inundated with calls of plastic mesh if it exists on your where snakes have become entangled in DATES FOR YOUR DIARY property and alert other users that you this environmentally nasty material. may come in contact with. Use chicken General Meeting: Friday 28 November Once a snake noses its way through wire instead – the rigidity allows snakes 7.30 pm, at the Conservation Hut, the mesh it gets tangled, and when it to freely pass through it. Wentworth Falls. (see page 1). tries to get out it gets even more For more information please contact Management Meeting: Saturday 22 tangled. It will have a slow, agonising the Wires Hotline on 4754.2946. November, 9 am, Mid Mountains death. The mesh cuts into the animal’s Donations may be forwarded to Blue Community Centre, Lawson. Members body and into vital organs. Mountains WIRES, PO Box 607, are welcome to attend as observers. Some people use this mesh to drape Springwood 2777. Bushcare: Saturday 8 November. Valley of the Waters Bushcare Group meets at 9am on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Tools are provided. Bring morning tea, gloves and drinking water. Contact Karen 4757.1929. Celebration at The Hut: Saturday 6 December. (See page 1) Blue Mountains Conservation Society Photos by Sonya Stanvic: Snake entangled in mesh; Bushwalking Group organises a variety being released by WIRES snake handler. Not so lucky, of activities for all ages. See page 4. skeleton of a snake found in the same mesh. Hut News, No. 196, November 2003 — Page 3. Pre-School Walks BLUE MOUNTAINS CONSERVATION SOCIETY BUSHWALKING GROUP New Co-ordinators Needed Our Bushwalking Group provides a range of activities. Membership of the bush- The children of the current co- walking group is available to members of the Society. For further information ordinators of the Pre-School Walks are contact the Activity Leader/Coordinator (listed) or Bushwalks Conveyor Bob van graduating to the Quoll Club, so we need Reyswoud 4757.2694 (phone/fax), email [email protected]. Membership new co-ordinators for the walks to details are on page 2. Cost of insurance and affiliation fees for bushwalkers is continue. The job involves organising a $12.50 per member. program of monthly walks suitable for Pre-School Walks, for parent/grandparent/carer with children under 6 years. little children and contacting the newsletter Short, easy walks, approx 1 hour, 1st Wednesday of every month, starting at editor with the details. Lots of support 10.30am. Bring a snack and a drink. Contact Megan 4759.2734 or Kathy offered from ex-co-ordinators. Anyone 4759.3669 for more information or if the weather is doubtful. interested can contact Kathy on 4759 3669 Nov 05 Fairfax Heritage Track, Blackheath. Meet at car park at National or Megan on 4759 2734. Parks Heritage Centre, Govett’s Leap Road. Dec 03 Cateract Falls, Lawson. This is a nice little swimming hole so bring Multi-Day Activity bathers if it is hot. Meet at car park/picnic area about 1 km down Honour Ave. Wombeyan Caves, 27-30 April 2004 Quoll Club: A monthly newsletter and activities for 12 and under. For more A limited number of full packages for information  David King 4758.8932 (email [email protected]). this activity can be booked from 6 Nov 29 (Sat) Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve. From 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. November 2003. Full package includes: Meet at the front gate of the reserve on Great Western Highway, Glenbrook. (all easy to medium grade) Come and test your observation skills. For 5-12 year olds accompanied by parent 1.Three nights accommodation (bunk in or guardian. Please bring a drink, afternoon tea, and wear suitable outdoor modern cabin with ensuite, cooking clothing. Call David King on 4758.8932 to book a spot on the activity. facilities, BBQ, etc.) 2.*Heritage tour of the magnificent Monday Leisure Walks: Usually ‘Short Day’ walks of 3-5 hours suitable for Wollondilly and Mulwaree caves—this is walkers of average fitness. Graded Medium, i.e. can include some short rock a re-enactment of 19th century style cave scrambles or some short sections off-track. Bring morning tea and lunch, plus carry touring, including areas that have never at least 1 litre of WATER, 2 litres on warmer days. had electric light; we may supply and Nov 10 October Creek, Mt Wilson. A wildflower walk. Lunch at Wall’s wear period dress during the tour. Lookout. Meet Mt Victoria Station at 9.30.  Norah 4757 4058 Nov 17 Pulpit Rock, Ross Cave, Fairy Dell, Mt Victoria. Round walk of 3.*The Marble Quarry. See a cross- highlights. Meet Mt Victoria Station at 9.30.  Alan 4739 2767 section of geology and the origin of Nov 24 Bus Trip Forewst Island, Royal National Park. Rainforest walk. Meet Australia’s most ornate building material. 8.30 Springwood Council depot.  Contact Laurel 4784 1554 to book. 4.*Junction Cave—electric lit cave. Dec 01 Florabella Pass. Woodlands and rainforest. Meet Warrimoo Station car 5. Fig Tree Cave—go at your own pace park.  Ron 4757 1526. through a spectacular underground dry river gorge. Thursday Pleasure Walks: These easy to medium grade walks are conducted to suit the walkers on the day. Times given are approximate. Slower walkers are catered Other walks at Maher’s Creek Gorge, for and on longer walks there is an option of a slower group to complete a section of Wombeyan Waterfall, Kanangra Walls the walk. Phone the contact for any enquiries about the program, starting times and area, Porter’s Retreat Cemetery, Mount transport issues. Jellore area. Nov 6 Den Fenella, Wentworth Falls. Start at Conservation Hut, take Overcliff Maximum cost of full package $160 track to Den Fenella. Climb up to Wentworth Falls picnic area and return to per person (this will be reduced if numbers Conservation Hut via Shortcut track. Car shuffle if required. Meet junction of sufficient). Book by sending $50 deposit Falls Road and GW Highway, Wentworth Falls 10am.  Marie 4787 1257. (Australia Post money order preferred) to Nov 13 Dante’s Glen and Empire Pass. Steep descent into cool valley past Don Morison, Box 170, Katoomba 2780. waterfalls and rainforest. Gradual ascent past Frederica Falls. Car shuffle if Packages allocated on a first come, first required. Meet Lawson Station (north side) 9.30am.  Jo 4758.6009. served, basis. Nov 20 Leura Cascades. Easy/medium walk to various lookouts via Prince *Guided by Wombeyan Caves Rangers. Henry Cliff walk. Some steps and great views. Meet junction of Leura Mall and Megalong Street 9.30am.  Joan 4782.2218. Welcome to New Members Nov 27 Lithgow Water Supply. Walk up creek, 4 km return, to the dam wall, Elizabeth Bastian, Blackheath with optional climb up to dam top. Lunch at Lithgow Workmans Club. Meet at Rosemary Vanderlaan, Lawson the Workmans Club, 3 Tank Street, Lithgow 10am.  Bill 4759.1692. Deborah Scott, Engadine Dec 04 Scenic World Boardwalk. Boardwalk through rainforest past old mining Robert & Wendy Procter, Blackheath works. Access via Scenic Railway, Sceniscender or Furber steps. Cost of Margot Ryan, Baulkham Hills transport $6 one way. Meet Gearins Hotel, Katoomba 9.30am.  Simone Alan & Pamela Harris, Wentworth Falls 4757.3416 Dindy Boutagy, Blackheath Dec 11 Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens Christmas Lunch. Irmtrud Valacas, Nth Katoomba. Weekend Bushwalks: Always discuss with the contact if the walk you would like to do is medium/hard or hard, before attending. If this is your first walk, or you are in This is the Day! any doubt, discuss with the contact or Bushwalks Convener Bob van Reyswoud How many times have you passed a 4757.2694. spot that looks interesting and promised Nov 08 (Sat) Booyong Crags. Great views of the Grose Canyon. Medium/hard. yourself that one day you would explore Meet Mt Hay Road, near Leura school 8.30am.  Jim 4758 6009. it? Recently the Thursday pleasure Nov 15 (Sat) Kanangra Walls. Easy. Bus Trip—cost $7.50 per person. Meet walkers discovered that a couple of us had 8am Katoomba depot or 8.30am Mt Victoria Station.  Meredith 4782.4823. always been attracted to the same Nov 22 (Sat) Bald Hill. Medium. Meet 9.50am Blackheath Station. Finish 3pm. interesting rock outcrop on Kings Table-  June 4787.7312 land and decided, this is the day! Nov 29 (Sat) Mt Piddington, Wilson’s Glen, Zig Zag. Medium, steep climb out. Scrambling through a gap in the rocks we Meet 9am Mt Victoria Station. Finish 2.30 pm.  Mary/Terry Flynn 4787.6948. entered a world of small caverns, Dec 06 (Sat) Vera Falls. Medium/hard. Meet Wentworth Falls picnic ground 9am magnificent rock formations and (via Shortcut Track to the Hut for celebration launch—half hour). Finish 3pm. interesting plants. A great place for  Bob 4757.2694. morning tea! I’m now compiling a list of Dec 13 (Sat) Mount Tomah. Christmas party. all those one day spots and intend to visit NOTE: All bushwalkers need to carry water, 1 litre minimum, a snack for them all as soon as possible. Joan. morning tea and lunch for all day walks. This issue of Hut News has been printed on 100% Recycled Paper Hut News, No. 196, November 2003 — Page 4.