Life of the Gundungurra Better Planning Rules ... complete. Look The guest speaker at the Society’s Have you been frustrated by at the written general meeting on Friday 29 November Council approving a bad development document and will be Jim Smith. because it said it HAD TO under background studies—you may wish to Jim has been searching for inform- existing planning rules? Here is your comment on these? ation on the Gundungurra speaking chance to change the rules! The development of a Vegetation people of the Blue Mountains, on foot The long-awaited Draft Local Management Order is provided for in and in the archives, for 15 years. His Environment Plan 2002 is on display. this DLEP and will inevitably extend to talk at the November meeting will We have until 13 December to look LEP91 if adopted. You could give your concentrate on what is distinctive about at the draft plan which is on public support to this (see page 2 of the insert Gundungurra people, compared with exhibition at Katoomba and Springwood under “Better Environmental other Aborigines—their names, artwork, Council offices, and the libraries at Management in Urban Areas). language, appearance, personalities, Blackheath, Katoomba, Lawson, The proposed increase in the number movements, food sources and legends. Springwood and Blaxland. (see the of protected ‘significant vegetation He will try to explain how the unique Gazette for when Council Planners will communities’ in LEP91 is now on environment of the Gundungurra shaped be available to help). exhibition and needs your support and their character, culture and lifestyle. It is inevitable that there will be loud suggestions (see page 2 of the insert The environmental messages opposition to the draft LEP from people under “Vegetation Mapping”). contained in Dreamtime stories will be whose speculative ventures may be discussed and the talk will include the threatened by having a good Success of SEEN Conference first public reading for a non-Aboriginal environmental plan in place. It is Blue Mountains Conservation audience of a recently discovered legend. essential that the good aspects of the Society, the Sydney Environmental Jim will discuss those places in the DLEP are supported by letters from each Education Network, and Blue Mountains Blue Mountains where the spirit of the of us as individuals as well as by the City Council recently held the 25th Gundungurra can still be felt. Society as a whole. Annual Environmental Education The meeting will be held on Friday This is our best chance to protect Conference in Katoomba. The theme of 29 November at the Conservation Hut, our natural environment and stop the conference was ‘Echoes into the Wentworth Falls, commencing at 7.30 urban sprawl and over-development of Future’. Robyn Williams from ABC pm. Join in the “green quiz” at the the Blue Mountains. radio who also chairs the National beginning of the meeting and find out An insert is included with this Environmental Education Council gave what the Society is doing. If you are a newsletter. Please take the time to read the Allen Strom lecture. new member and don’t know anybody the information presented in this article; Many thanks to the Society’s please introduce yourself to one of the visit the exhibition and ask questions of volunteers who gave their time and committee members (wearing a red name the planners; fill out a form (available at energy to help make the conference so tag). Visitors are very welcome. the exhibition); make a submission to successful. Council; come to one of the planned meetings. Contact Monica Nugent Looking for 1000th member Draft Vegetation Management Order 2002 on 4784 1631 or email The Society’s membership has been will be on Display until 13 December at monican@bigpond. com.au for hovering between the 800 and 900 mark Blue Mountains City Council Offices more information. for over a year. Let’s try and make it up (Katoomba and Springwood) and at The Society will be compiling a to 1000 members by the end of 2002. Blue Mountains City Council Libraries submission and would like to hear We have produced a new brochure to Meetings will be held in the Lower, Mid and the views of as many members as promote the Blue Mountains Upper Mountains to discuss environmental possible. So far, the natural area Conservation Society. A copy is issues in each sector. protections look good, but we have enclosed with this newsletter. Meeting venues and dates are: not yet analysed how this affects Please pass the brochure on to each locality. Your help is needed. somebody who is interested and KATOOMBA Council building If your mailing address is encourage them to join the Society. 6pm - 8pm Thursday Nov 14th outside the Blue Mountains and you (notify us if you may be late to arrange ac- have a special interest in a cess). particular locality, please let us Waratahs from Blackheath SPRINGWOOD Neighbourhood Centre know soon by contacting Monica. By Monday night’s mail two thousand 7.30 pm, Friday Nov 8th Land Not Covered waratah blooms were forwarded to Melbourne organised jointly by SWAG and BMCS by DLEP2002 for use as decorations at the ball given by the BLAXLAND Neighbourhood Centre If you are interested in land Governor-General during Cup week. This 7.30pm, Tuesday Nov 12th which is not covered by consignment, which is, perhaps, the largest ever Organised jointly by RAID and BMCS DLEP2002, it will have been zoned (If you would like us to arrange child care, forwarded from this State in one lot, weighs under LEP1991. There are three nearly half a ton, and comes from Blackheath. please contact us ASAP) matters that you need to take an A Council planner will attend interest in NOW. All the flowers are beautiful specimens, in first- And be able to answer questions. The general framework and class order, and were gathered within a few Please read the information in this newsletter principles of the DLEP2002 are miles of Blackheath railway station. Waratahs relevant. These is likely to be used are plentiful this year about the locality, and and visit the exhibitions to become familiar when the review of LEP91 takes with the Draft LEP. place, which is promised to occur large bunches were gathered every day by Contact Monica Nugent on 4787.1631, or after this DLEP2002 process is visitors to this mountain resort. email [email protected] (Lithgow Mercury. 6.11.1912) Hut News, No. 184, November 2002 — Page 1. “Hut News”, the newsletter of the book of the legends will be produced has taught hundreds of people to write Blue Mountains Conservation Society in a similar quantity. To obtain a copy Inc. well and enjoy it. There is a 30% send $25 (includes GST and postage) to discount for Conservation Society P.O. Box 29, Wentworth Falls, 2782 Jim Smith, 65 Fletcher Street, Phone47571872 Fax47571753 members. Email: [email protected] Wentworth Falls 2782 by mid Contact Michael on 4758.9200 or Web page: December. The books will be delivered [email protected]. He www.bluemountains.org.au to subscribers in January. will also run a workshop on how to make President: Robin Mosman Early next year a second volume of a website work for you and your readers 4757.1354 previously unpublished and uncensored the day before (November 23). (e-mail) [email protected] (fax) Gundungurra legends will be produced 4757.4503 in the series. Help Wanted First Vice President: Heather Hull 4739.1493 Wild Spaces 2002 Exercise and help the Environment (e-mail) [email protected] Walkers wanted to deliver Hut News, Second Vice President: Tony Towers Environmental Film Festival particularly in Faulconbridge, Woodford Hosted by Blue Mountain Greens and Springwood. Please phone Liz van (phone/fax Nov 15,16,17, Gearin Hotel, Katoomba Reyswoud on 0418.206.899 or email 4757.1321 The Seventh Annual Wild Spaces [email protected]. (e-mail) [email protected] Film Festival will be screening on 15-17 Treasurer: Bart Beech 4739.9947 November in 13 venues around Blue Mountains Our Future (e-mail) [email protected] Australia. Wild Spaces is a unique Draft Vision for the next 25 years Correspondence Secretary: Joy independent media forum dedicated to Blue Mountains residents have McDonald the distribution of information relating to received a glossy brochure in their (phone) 4757.2725 (fax) 4757.2729 environmental and social justice related mailboxes and a request from Council to (e-mail) [email protected] issues. The program for 2002 is a strong ‘have a say’. Were the outcomes for the Membership Secretary: Elizabeth van Reyswoud and diverse blend of local, national and last 25 years what the people of the Blue (phone) 4757.2694 (mobile) international produced feature films, Mountains wanted in 1975? Some 0418.206.899 shorts and animations. people say no. (e-mail) [email protected] In addition, the Katoomba festival Will today’s vision guide our Meetings Secretary: (VACANT) will feature a special Blue Mountains decisions over the next 25 years? Will Meetings Convenor: Jim Wallace World Heritage multimedia presentation we see a time when we have “protected 4784.3305 (e-mail) [email protected] by Lenore Lindsey. the World Heritage environment that Education: Jenny Hill For full program details, see the Wild surrounds us” and “The Blue Mountains 4782.1303 Spaces 2002 brochure available from the is recognized as a centre of excellence (e-mail) [email protected] Gearin Hotel and supportive businesses for sustainable living and sustainable Plant Nursery Manager: David Coleby in Katoomba and other upper mountains communities”. Perhaps so with good (phone/fax townships. Government, good Council, educated 4784.1395 Land Use: Lyndal Sullivan Tickets will be available on the night, Blue Mountains residents. We have to 4782.1635 $14 unwaged, $8 unwaged. For further ALL realize that we live in a special (e-mail) [email protected] information, contact Brent Hoare, 0417 place and are surrounded by a beautiful Bushcare: Clive Heywood-Barker 478268 or [email protected] and diverse World Heritage Area which 4787.5574 deserves our protection. (e-mail) [email protected] Help Sydney Water Restore Bushland Let’s send the forms back with our Publicity: (VACANT) Sydney Water has been extending the comments. Walks Convener: Bill Tocher network of sewer lines between Hazelbrook and North Katoomba The Bird Baths of Umbigumbi New Book of Gundungurra since 1997. Whilst this is a good Legends thing, it can damage bushland. The bird baths of Umbigumbi One of the founders of Blue Sydney Water has made an Are a bustle of bathing on Monday, Mountains Conservation Society and its undertaking to restore bushland to a And Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday, first patron was the bushwalker, author condition equivalent to or better Also Friday, Saturday, Sunday. and naturalist Frank Walford. In the than that prior to construction. This The reason for all this activity, 1930’s Walford befriended the means bushland on public and As Candy explained to me, Gundungurra man Jimmy Shepherd who private land. Is it hasn’t rained for a month or more was living in the Katoomba Falls Gully Some members have noticed Where the bush runs down to the sea, camp. that this does not seem to have And so there’s a shortage of water Walford obtained many local happened in all areas, and some Except for the water that she Aboriginal legends concerning the sewer lines have become corridors Pours into the earthenware bird baths, dreamtime origins of such places as the of weeds or tracks of bare earth. Numbers one and two and three, Ruined Castle, Devil’s Hole, We want to assist Sydney Water Where the spotted gums, E. maculate, Narrowneck, Boar’s Head and Orphan to meet its obligations by informing Stand straight and tall and free, Rock. These stories which also included them of bushland sites not yet On the slopes of Umbigumbi a true Gundungurra myth of the origin of rehabilitated. If you are aware Running down to Lake Cuttagee. the Three Sisters, were read on ABC of any such site please contact Joy There are whipbirds and bower birds and radio in the early 1940’s. Jim Smith has McDonald, phone 4757.2725, thrushes put these radio talks together into a book. email [email protected]. And robins, yellow and rose, The book includes a commentary by Jim Thornbills and honeyeaters - Smith on the environmental and Writing Press Releases Many species of those - anthropological significance of the If you missed out two years ago Even a lone tree creeper, stories, none of which has been on the Writing Press Releases A shrike tit, a firetail, a wren, published before. Jim has written the life workshop, it’s happening again on Puffing their feathers and splashing about, stories of Walford and Jimmy Shepherd November 24. If you are involved Again and again and again. in environmental issues, are an and examined the friendship between the Sitting at Candy’s windows two men as an early example of artist or work in business or community, the media can get your All of this we can see, reconciliation. While the spotted gums, E. maculate, The book is being produced in a message out. In one day and a follow-up Surround us with dignity, limited edition for subscribers. Only 160 Where the forests of Bermagui copies of Jim’s last book, on the history evening you can learn to write Sweep down to the booming sea. of the Federal Pass, were published and press releases which are interesting and likely to run. Michael Burlace Graham Alcorn Hut News, No. 184, November 2002 — Page 2. Blue Mountains Swamp Yesterday our brigade worked on Dwellers the northern end of Lawson Ridge. Long Live the King One the more spectacular groups of Our aim was to secure the south ‘When the governor sent Ensign Barallier swamp dwellers at this time of the year eastern perimeter and prevent spread as an ambassador to meet the King of the are the Xyris (say “zyris”) species. They in that direction. Our sector’s task Mountains, he thought he was joking.’ — So are tufted rush-like plants, with bright was to cut a trail down a steep slope writes bushwalker and historian Andy Mac- yellow flowers borne on heads at the top from the end of the fire trail on queen. of long stems. The yellow flowers look Lawson Ridge to Wentworth Creek On 4 November 1802, a French-born like lily flowers except that only 3 then light along the trail and black member of the British forces set out from stamens are now functional (6 in lilies), out the edge. Half a dozen brigades Nattai to cross the Blue Mountains. the other three are sterile “staminodes” were involved. No one thought we The favourite explorers for economic conspicuous with bright yellow hairs. could do it. But we completed our rationalists are Blaxland, Lawson and Wen- Nineteen species occur in Australia, task by dark. I am proud of this tworth. Their motives for seeking a trans- five in the Blue Mountains area. achievement and so are my Mountain route and their actions in their Xyris gracilis ssp gracilis (Slender colleagues in Valley Heights. later lives would be applauded by the Yellow-eye) has egg-shaped flower I hope that the work we are doing world’s bean-counters. For those of us not heads on stalks up to 60cm tall. The will reduce the area burnt and quite so concerned about economic benefits, flower heads are narrow egg shaped, 6- therefore reduce the amount of our favourite explorer is Francis Barrallier. 8mm long, 3-5mm wide, with 6-14 biodiversity lost from the Grose He was the first white man to see the wilder- bracts. There are 1 to 4 yellow flowers Wilderness and the Blue Mountains ness which would later inspire Myles Dun- in each head. Found coast to tablelands National Park. But given weather phy to propose a Greater Blue Mountains in sedge swamps and in deep sandy soils forecasts the chances are the fire will National Park system which would become near margins of coastal swamps. break containment lines. (Hugh the World Heritage Area declared in 2002. Flowers November to January. Paterson, Tuesday 22 October Barrallier engaged with the Gandangara Xyris juncea (Dwarf Yellow-eye), a 2002.) Aborigines. Macqueen writes, ‘Barrallier small tufted plant distinguished from did meet with a King of the Mountains. His other members of the genus by a The fire dropped down into the name was Goondel, chief of the Aboriginal combination of its smaller leaves and Grose Valley below Lockley’s Pylon people in the area.’ There is even a legend flower stalks, with rounded flower heads. today (Thursday 24 October 2002). that he was led astray by Gogy who was in Found on swampy margins and other We were watching from Govett’s fact a criminal and outcast among local Abo- damp sandy places, flowers November- Leap lookout as the large helicopter rigines. December. dropped its load of water and then Andy Macqueen is glad that Governor X. complanata occurs in the lower returned with another load, again and Phillip Gidley King’s difficulties in finding Blue Mountains, differs to other Xyris in again. He was going beneath the an excuse for Barrallier’s explorations led its flat leaves and stalk and long cliffs and so close to them but the governor to invent the term ‘The King of cylindrical flower head. couldn’t get close enough. The other the Blue Mountains’. In his book, ‘The Life Xyris operculata, (Tall Yellow-eye) little helicopters were coming and and Journeys of Barrallier’, he writes: and Xyris ustulata are closely related. going, dropping water on the fire, ‘The King of the Mountains is not a The arrangement of bracts on their egg- working in the valley behind, mountain, nor a person. The King of the shaped flower heads separates them. looking like tiny insects in the depths Mountains is that spirit, that presence …. Flower heads are on stalks which in of the Grose Valley. The helicopters which inhabits that region of massive quartz- Xyris ustulata may be more than 1m tall. left for the night and the flames ite, granite and sandstone mountains, ridges, X. operculata is found Coast to flickered on the cliff below valleys, ravines and canyons in the southern Mountains, also Qld, Vic, Tas and SA, Lockley’s, another red line of flame Blue Mountains … and flowers August-November. X. slowly inching upwards on the cliffs ‘I keep going back to meet the King … I ustulata is restricted to Woronora Plateau of the Perry’s Lookdown Headland have yet to meet the King: but he knows I and Blue Mountains and flowers on the other side of the valley. There am there and he looks after me because I November-December. was smoke in the valley behind the respect him. He refreshes me and gives me Watch out for the bright Xyris two landmarks. life. It is a fulfilling search.’ flowers decorating our swamps this Friday 25 October 2002. In the Vale, Francis Barrallier, the intrepid ex- month, adding to the splendour of the darkness, from Govett’s Leap plorer who found nothing of purely eco- Blue Mountains springtime lookout, we could see a thin, almost nomic value for the rampant developers of Bushfire straight, red line stretching all the early New South Wales!! Hear, hear, Andy Nearly all the brigades in the Blue way across the valley from Macqueen, Barrallier’s biographer! Long Mountains responded to a fire on the Mt Lockley’s Pylon to Perry’s live the King of the Blue Mountains! Hay Road in the Grose Valley early this Headland. There was another short Don Morison. morning. Four separate fires either side red line on top of Perry’s Headland of the trail—almost certainly deliberately where it was burning. It didn’t really lit. Despite our best efforts we could not look like fire, just a thin red line, and no Welcome to New Members control it. It is now a going fire and smell of smoke, the westerly wind Peter Wilson, Winmalee further control efforts will not start until blowing the smoke away from us. Jenny Pryor, Blackheath tonight. It is hoped the southerly change We went to the general meeting at the Lynn Georgiou, Hazelbrook will assist. Conservation Hut then came back to the Robert Rowe, Blackheath This is bad news for the Grose lookout. There was a crowd of people Monica Nugent, Leura Valley. This is the fourth big hot fire in there, watching the fire, and the smell of Ruth Lambert, Blaxland the last 40 years. This change to the fire smoke and a cold easterly wind blowing Jenny Rich, Blackheath regime is damaging the biodiversity up from the valley, the line of fire taking Jessica Huybrechs, Avalon which is the main value for which Blue the shape of two giant arrows pointing Ian and Julie Chamberlain, Mountains was listed as world heritage. towards the cliffs between Bridal Veil WentworthFalls (Hugh Paterson, Saturday 19 October and Horseshoe Falls. Ben& Joshua Clement-Churn, Woodford 2002) Away from the lookout there was Don Cameron, Faulconbridge barely the slightest breeze, all was still Tara Geldard, Faulconbridge Membership Enquiries and clear. In the morning we woke to Steve Campbell, Faulconbridge Contact Elizabeth van Reyswoud find the haze surrounding us was not Kerrie Sebbens, Katoomba Phone 4757.2694 smoke but a cool, moist, mountain mist. Gordon Stevens, Katoomba Email: [email protected] Christine Davies. Post: PO Box 29,Wentworth Falls 2782 Hut News, No. 184, November 2002 — Page 3. 10th Anniversary Celebration DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Congratulations to the Leisure Nov 23 (Sat) Management Meeting, 9am, Mid Mtns Community Centre, Lawson. Walkers on their 10th anniversary. Nov 29 (Fri) General Meeting at The Hut, 7.30 pm. (See page 1.) The group kept me on my feet from 1992 or 93 until I could walk no QUOLL CLUB (Activities for 12 and under)  Jessica 4757.3686 for more info. longer, about 1997 or 98. I was so very BUSHCARE (Tools provided — bring morning tea and gloves.) grateful that Christine started it just Nov 09 (Sat) Valley of the Waters Bushcare Group. (9 am, 2nd Saturday of when I needed it, after a second major every month) Tools provided. Bring morning tea, gloves and operation. drinking water. Contact Karen on 4757.1929 for the meeting place. Best wishes from K.Rachel BUSHWALKS: Makinson (now 85 and about to have a Monday Leisure Walks: Usually half day walk unless noted, leisurely pace. second hip replacement). During October, walks were cancelled due to Safety Closures of National Parks All leisure walkers past and present, walking tracks and early fire season. We request walkers call the contact or Bill G and their friends are invited to Lunch at (4759.1692) before 8pm the day before the walk to verify whether the published the Bacchante Rhododendron Gardens walk is on, or an alternative arranged. This arrangement will continue for the at Blackheath on Monday 11 duration of the season. November at 12 noon. Bring a plate of Nov 11 Tenth Anniversary Walk. Meet for walk at Blackheath Neighbourhood finger food. For those who are able, Centre 9am.  Terry and Mary 4787.6918, or meet for lunch at there will be a 10th Anniversary Walk Bacchante Rhododendron Gardens 12 noon. Bring a plate of finger food. starting at the Blackheath Nov 18 Twiss History Walk.  Allan 4739.2767. Meet Bull’s Camp, GWH, Neighbourhood Centre at 9am. Linden 9am. Medium. Nov 25 Horne’s Point to Fairy Bower.  Jock 4758.6346. Meet Mt Victoria Seldom Seen Station 8.30 am. Medium. I recently had a two week camping Dec 02 Blair Athol mine and Ikara Head.  Allan 4739.2767. Meet trip to Croajingalong NP, a coastal park Mt Victoria Station 8.30 am. Medium. in Victoria running 100 km from the Dec 09 Spit Bridge to Manly.  Bill 4759.1692. Train 6.39 from Lithgow border, then to Native Dog Flat in the (Lawson 7.42) second carriage. Lunch at Manly. Victorian Alps. Unfortunately I had Dec 16 Evan’s Crown Bux Trip.  Jock 4758.6346. Leaves Katoomba depot packed the wrong stuff—light sleeping 8 am. Easy/Medium. Book with Kees 4759.1958 for travel plan. bag and thermals, so couldn’t go on the Very Easy Walks on Thursdays. These walks are conducted at a slow pace to suit extended walk—or perish! Never the walkers on the day and are usually 2 hours starting at 10am. Lunch follows for mind, there were Brumbies around those so inclined. Contact Bill 4759.1692 for any enquiries about the program. each night, adding their fresh pooh to Nov 07 Mount Annan (car pool). Meet Springwood commuter carpark 9am. the pooh heaps and neighing, snorting Full day, bring lunch/BBQ. and anything else to disturb. They are Nov 14 Valley of the Waters, upper section. Meet Wentworth Falls Station lovely animals but they should not be carpark 10 am. there—they are destroying much of the Nov 21 Down Lawson’s Long Alley TO Car Shuttle. Meet Mt Victoria creek and river sides and sphagnum Station 10 am. swamps. It’s a beautiful area. Nov 28 Glastonbell. Meet Mt Victoria Station, carpool, 10am. On the way home I needed petrol so Dec 05 Blue Gum Swamp. Meet Winmalee at end of Whitecross Road 10am. turned into a place called Seldom Check for alternative if fire hazard. Seen—nothing there except this Dec 12 River Lett Waterhole. Meet Mt Victoria Station 10am. This is the final strange petrol station. There were used walk for the year, bring picnic celebratory lunch. cars—old and not so old, about 12 of them—everywhere, effigies made Weekend Bushwalks: Bushwalkers are requested to phone the contact before 8 pm from junk, old skulls, the office a fibro the day before the walk. The walk may be cancelled if fewer than 4 walkers register. or if other circumstances make conditions unsafe. Always discuss with the contact if shack with a variety of signs, one the walk you would like to do is medium/hard or hard, before attending. saying that if no one was there beep If this is your first walk, or you are in any doubt, discuss with the contact or three times and if no one comes go to Bushwalks Convener Bill Tocher 4758.8545. the house. Nov 09 (Sat) Glow Worm Tunnel in the old coach road Newnes. Meet Mount I beeped three times and no one Victoria Station 8.17am.  June 4787.7312. Medium. Bring lunch came so went to the house but couldn’t and extra water and a torch for the tunnel walk. open the gate. I had to climb over, Nov 16 (Sat) Walk to Zig Zag at Mt Victoria and on to Wilson’s Glen. Meet being careful not to step on the many Mount Victoria Station 9.50 am.  Mary/Terry 4787.6918. chooks of various sorts running about, Medium with a hard climb. Bring lunch. and saying g’day to the cocky in the Nov 23 (Sat) Ruined Castle. Meet Katoomba Station, Gearins Hotel carpark cage. Once over the gate I was met by 8.30 am.  Ron 4757.1526. Medium with hard climb out. Bring geese and their goslings giving the lunch and extra water. alarm that a customer was there, and an Dec 01 (Sun) Wonderland Track. Meet Medlow Bath outside Hydro Majestic Emu—nearby an Ostrich. When I 9.35am.  Bill 4758.8545. Medium, some steep downhill track. finally found the front door and the Bring lunch/water. bloke opened it, I could see that there Dec 07 (Sat) Crossing the Blue Mountains of NSW, Day 7. The final walk of was a lot more stuff inside that he the series from Woodford to Blaxland. Bushfires and National Park didn’t want to lose. Tied to another car closures may affect route.  Jim 4758.6009 for information closer was Lucy. I fell in love with Lucy and to the date. Some off track walking may be expected. May be hard would have taken her off his hands for in parts. Bring lunch and extra water. $200 but sense prevailed—I can’t have another dog as I am SELDOM then we came to a sign that said unsuitable where there is quite a nice free THERE. This puppy is a Dingo and for caravans and that there very few places camping area and in the Wingecarribee she was gorgeous. to pass another vehicle for 11 km—true, River we saw Platypus. Stream Watch Then we went to travel over the true! And it was winding and steep and have been working hard on this river McKillops Bridge which spans the mostly a ghastly drop to one side. The and it’s really showing, and what a Snowy River. The drive would have Snowy looks good now, but still not and thrill to see these elusive animals. been spectacular had I been game to probably never will be the big river it was. Mary Jane Shaw. look. Of course it was a dirt road and After a long day we reached Berrima This issue of Hut News has been printed on 100% Recycled Paper Hut News, No. 184, November 2002 — Page 4. Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc PO Box 29 Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 Phone (02)4757.1872 Fax (02)4757.1753 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.bluemountains.org.au

DRAFT LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2002

What is Draft LEP2002? Draft Local Environment Plan 2002 is great news for the environment! If it goes ahead it will be a big step towards protecting creeklines, Blue Gum forests, hanging swamps and many other special features of the Blue Mountains. This is the draft of the legal document which will set out the rules about how land can be used and devel- oped in most of the Blue Mountains. (Other parts of the mountains are covered by LEP 91.) Since 1984 there has been a prolonged community effort to replace LEP4 with one which would give better environmental protection. Council planners have put in a huge amount of work over the last four years to iden- tify what needs to be protected within the city area and what needs to be done to reduce impacts of urban devel- opment on the surrounding World Heritage area. BUT, this is only a DRAFT and Council needs to hear from us all …. There will undoubtedly be vocal opposition. If we don’t speak up the plan could be delayed or shelved or be so watered down as to be ineffective. We have until December 13th to speak up. It is very easy to find out about it and have your say. Draft Environment Plan 2002 will be on display until 13 December at Blue Mountains City Council Offices (Katoomba and Springwood) and all Blue Mountains City Council Libraries except Wentworth Falls. See the Gazette for the places and times of where it is displayed and when planners are available to help. Ask a planner to help you understand the proposed zonings for your area, and fill in a form. If you would like some help with identifying how the Plan will effect your locality or in writing a re- sponse, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to bring the maps to small groups at your home or to the bushland you are worried about. Please contact the Land Use subcommittee through Monica Nugent on 4784 1631 or email ([email protected]). Will DLEP 2002 limit population to what is ECOLOGICALLY sustainable? The principles of sustainability are clearly defined in the Plan, which is a great starting point. The Society has not yet been able to study all the details to know what the anticipated results will look like on the ground. It appears that this Plan will reduce the size of the population from what was possible under the existing Plan (LEP4). Some of the questions we will be asking are:  Will the urban expansion be contained within the existing developed areas?  What will be the indirect impact of increased densities permitted in village and some residential (living) zones?  Has an assessment been undertaken of the adequacy of services and facilities for the current population level (both resident and visitor)?  What extra land will be required to supply the services and facilities for any increase in population? Can this be provided without extending the urban footprint?

On page 2 you will find more information to help you understand Draft Local Environment Plan 2002.

Hut News, No. 184, November 2002 — Page 5. DRAFT LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN Council will have some ability to stop as a “Protected Area - Vegetation Con- Zones: How can they help the the planting of Environmental Weeds straint Area” which does not include any bush? around new developments in one zone buffer. The Draft LEP consists of a written only—Living-Bushland Conservation.  However if anyone intends to build or document and a set of maps. Each local This will be good news to Bushcare clear land in what should be the buffer area has 12 maps, each of which provides groups who work on reserves adjacent to to such a community, Council must useful background information for that housing with this zone. Unfortunately consider the impact on the commu- area, such as the proposed zones, the weeds will still be planted elsewhere with nity. Only in the case of new lots Protected Areas, aerial photos, steep the blessing of Council and travel down created by subdivision are buffers spe- slopes, significant vegetation communi- creeklines or be carried by birds into our cifically named for consideration. This ties, public land, etc. World heritage Area. is an obvious weakness. If you want to know what is proposed The DLEP also gives Council powers Buffers to creeklines. Council has for some particular patch of bushland, to introduce a Vegetation Management developed a model which has identified look at BOTH the Zone map and also the Order. The Society has been supporting how wide the buffers should be along Protected Areas map for that locality. such an Order to protect native vegetation each creekline and watercourse. The Environmental Protection in existing residential areas. Many exist- creekline corridors have been zoned as EP Zones: The best protection that can be ing houses have important habitat in their and the watercourse buffers around these given to an area is to have it zoned Envi- backyards, which need ongoing protection have been mapped as "Protected Area - ronmental Protection (EP). There are by a mechanism such as a VMO. This is Ecological Buffer Areas". These are two different EP zones depending on another opportunity to demonstrate to critical to the protection of creeks and whether it is publicly owned or privately Council your support to stop bushland water quality downstream; even if they owned. Development will not be allowed being cleared for unjustified reasons. In are degraded it is important that the areas in these areas. your submission, please urge Council to are protected from future development Some of the areas we are pleased to protect native vegetation throughout the and may one day be rehabilitated. This see zoned EP include the land in North mountains, not just on new developments, level of detailed mapping gives our creek- Katoomba known as ‘Minne Ha Ha Falls by introducing a Vegetation Management lines the best chance possible as any lost lands’, most of the St Columba site Order. challenge should now be restricted to in Springwood, and View Street Blaxland. questions about measurements, and not so Please tell Council if you agree. All of Buffers much about ‘merits’. these areas need the utmost protection Buffers to Escarpment Areas - The under EP Zoning. BMCS, together with other local groups, has been advocating the use of "Protected Area - Escarpment Constraint Living-Bushland Conservation Area” includes both the sensitive escarp- Zone: In spite of its name this does not “buffers” to protect creeklines and other sensitive areas (eg heaths and swamps) ment areas and also a buffer, which varies guarantee the retention of bushland, how- according to its location. ever if it has a Protected Area hatching on for many years. In 1997 we contributed the map, that will help. Some properties to the funding of a study, carried out by have two zones identifying the parts Judy and Peter Smith, to investigate the Vegetation Mapping where development can and cannot occur. width of buffers needed to protect sensi- Council has recently mapped the vege- What are Protected Areas? Some tive vegetation from urban im- tation across the whole of the mountains, Living-Bushland Conservation Zone areas pacts. Based on their findings in this not just in the DLEP 2002 areas and not are also classed as Protected Areas (PA). study, they recommended 60m as the just the ‘significant’ vegetation. These Unlike areas zoned EP, these areas are minimum width needed for protection maps and an accompanying report which not guaranteed to be safe from develop- against human impacts such as rubbish describes these communities are now on ment, however any development proposed dumping, weed invasion, and tracks. display also (closing date Dec 13). This in these areas will need to satisfy council Clearing for development or agricul- has been an immense task and provides that it will minimise the impacts on the ture also leaves the edge of bushland some good base data for the whole com- slope, the escarpment or vegetation without any protection afforded by trees munity, both to learn more about our flora (whichever has been identified as having or shrubs. These edges suffer from higher and also to help us protect it. a special value). This protected area wind speeds, higher light levels and Council is inviting comments about status has been given to: more extreme air and soil temperatures this. You may know of something that  Areas around creeklines which effects the moisture levels in the has been left out please let them know leaf-litter etc. and thank them too!  Significant vegetation communities In addition to this there is an amend-  Steep slopes DLEP 2002 recognises the need for buffers to creeklines, sensitive vegetation ment to the LEP 1991! It is to expand  Escarpment Constraint Areas areas and escarpments. We need to sup- the number of “significant vegetation  Riverine Scenic Quality Corridor port this in general and also look at how communities” to include the extra ones  Water Supply Catchment Area this is applied in your local area. identified in this mapping survey. This Buffers to Significant Vegetation will then give greater consistency Better Environmental communities. 24 different types of between both LEPs. The amendment Management in Urban Areas ‘significant’ communities were identified which will bring this into force is also on The DLEP has recognised that the in the extensive survey undertaken by exhibition until 13th December. protection of the surrounding National Council. We urge you to take the time to have a Park depends on how we live up-  Where Council has been able to verify look at the maps for the areas you know slope. The DLEP introduces a number of all the details of the vegetation commun- and let us (and Council) know if you tools which will be available to Council to ities identified in the Vegetation believe there are any problems and what ensure new developments do not add to mapping Survey, these have been zoned you agree with. the problems of silt in creeklines, weed as EP together with a 10 m buffer, then invasion and polluted water. an additional buffer of 50m has been When assessing a new development classed as a “Protected Area-Ecological Council will be able to keep develop- Buffer Area”. ments away from sensitive areas (creeks,  Where Council has not verified the slopes, special vegetation), or at least Significant Vegetation community in limit the impact. any particular place, it has been classed Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Insert for November 2002Hut Hut News News., No. 184, Page November 2. 2002 — Page 6.