THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 1 February 2006

Christmas Visitors PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Three young So we enter 2006, a year which no Mount Martha has had its Tawny doubt will produce some traditional holiday influx of Frogmouths challenges, some positives and tourists. I am aware that there was spent negatives, the former by way of interference with the sandbar at the Christmas grants, the good things we achieve creek entrance and that some of day sitting in and community support; the latter our members were on the receiving a tree in our in the form of vandalism. What an end of abuse when explaining why Victoria achievement if that energy could the creek should not be artificially Crescent be harnessed for good works. opened to the sea. On one garden, snuggled up together like This summer has again raised a occasion a contractor’s heavy number of issues regarding the machine opened the entrance something straight from May Gibbs. And on the branch below, a state of the estuary, including the under Shire Council Guidelines. parent kept guard. unsightly silt, opening of the We were told that the boardwalk entrance, and walkway access. I was under threat of inundation and As we approached, they all went have wondered what it was like that triggered the action. In the into ‘dead before white man sub-divided, light of the experience in Portland, stump’ mode, developed, cut roads and footpaths where artificial opening of the river watching us and left them unsealed. Was the mouth led to tens of thousands of carefully creek open to the sea and subject fish dying (see report in the through an to regular tidal influence? Was October 2005 edition of The eyelid slit. annual rainfall in those days Creek), we will seek more But if we different to now? What would information on these guidelines. stayed still happen to the catchment area and Another project worth a look is awhile, they everything upstream? Should the the raising of the walkway under relaxed and great naturalist and author Graham the Esplanade bridge to make it resumed the Pizzey’s suggestion to dredge the accessible at all times. I am aware fluffy-feathers, eyes-wide-open estuary, cleaning out decades of silt of discussion at the Mount Martha mode. At dusk they were gone on build-up and using it to create an Community Association about a their nocturnal hunt for insects, island as a safe haven for bird life, pedestrian crossing, or maybe a worms, slugs and snails, frogs or still be considered? pedestrian bridge over the small reptiles. Well, we hope that our Esplanade. Then two weeks later, they were application for $49,804 for a I wish all our members a happy back for a day – in the same tree – Community Water Grant will be and healthy 2006. Do not hesitate but this time, sadly, only two successful and will begin the to talk to us about your ideas; you young and the adult. This is the process of answering some of are always welcome to attend our first time I’ve seen Frogmouths in these questions. Field Officer Liz meetings and, of course, we’d love the vicinity, though my father Barraclough provides more details to see you at our working bees. recorded them in the 1980s and they are on BERG’s species list. about this in her report on page 2. Keith Wilson, President Angela Kirsner

BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Waterwatch Jenny Selby Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Schools Liaison Jan Oliver Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 1, February 2006 more about the estuary’s natural Have you seen an FIELD NEWS processes, and we have approached Echidna? the department of Ecology and There have been a number of Field Officer Liz Barraclough Environment, Faculty of Science, recent echidna sightings within and reports: Deakin University to assist us with near the reserve, on both the north part of this project. Our aim is to BERG winds down over the and south banks – Kotor Hill and understand the geomorphology of summer holiday period, and this Victoria Crescent being the most the estuary and creek, past and year in particular the heat has made recent. We’d love to know more present. hard field work unattractive. about our echidna population. Are This will entail core sampling of we seeing the only two in the area, Working bees the floor of the estuary and creek or are there lots? What is the The January working bee was a to identify changes in extent of their territory? small and select group, but we sedimentation rate, source and Please report any sightings to completed the work planned pattern. A botanist and specialist in BERG – where, when, what they nevertheless. Working at the salt tolerant flora will also advise us are doing and the like. And keep an campground, carpark and along the on species selection and eye out for signs of echidnas: Mirang Avenue drainage line, we appropriate planting techniques. weeded the remaining Cabbage The university has offered to • Feeding: Thistle (Angela’s weed vigilance on involve and supervise conical holes in soft earth, up to her walks to and from the shops undergraduate and post-graduate 20 cm deep with had kept the beach side of Mirang students in any related activities the mark of the under control), most of the and research. snout at the end; Dandelions, a few Blackberries, Dr Helen Arundel, also from damage to ants’ Cotoneasters and other thistles. Deakin, is to publish this year her nests; rotting Keith also did a great job removing recent research into estuaries along timber torn apart the charcoal graffiti from the the Australian coast, investigating by strong claws; rotunda walls and cleaning out the their opening and closing patterns, overturned litter fire places and the laundry. their effects on the ecology, and • Tracks: (see February will see us back in full the effects of man’s interference photo and swing, and at the working bee on etc. We look forward to this report diagram) front feet Sunday 19th we will install the sign and the relevance of her findings turned inwards posts for the educational nature to our estuary. and marks of walk through the campground area strong digging and probably have another blitz on Kotor Hill Group claws; hind toes the weeds in the area. This group of residents has undertaken to directed backwards; be custodians of the area between Seppelt tracks show the print The Tuesday Group needs more Ave, Ferraro Ovals and Hopeton Creek, of all claws as feet people. This small weekly working and have been is weeding, mulching and move forwards bee has done wonders in planting the top of Kotor Hill. • Scats: (see photo) transforming and maintaining the Margaret Caldwell reports: long cylinders up to Bunyip area. Any extra hands – We have been watching our plants 2 cm in diameter, regular or occasional – would be often broken up, dry very welcome. Ring Mary Stemp grow since our first meeting and working bee in July and, though we insect particles visible on the surface, on 5974 3996 for more variable colour, strong earthy smell information. have lost some with the heat, the majority are doing well. The when fresh, found in piles A study of the estuary reaction of local residents to what on rocks or we are doing has been very The threat to our estuary’s natural near feeding ecology is of great concern, with possible, though vandalism of sites the continuing reduction of guards and stakes is a constant Echidnas saltmarsh and depth of the creek problem. shelter in channel, the increasing siltation There have been two recent hollow logs, smothering the seagrass and echidna sightings on the Kotor Hill old burrows, thick vegetation or eelgrass beds that provide essential and we will endeavour to find out forest litter. If disturbed, they will nursery areas for fish species and more about our "resident" echidna, rapidly dig down leaving only a few help maintain water quality, and its habitat and how we can ensure quills visible. They usually breed in the reduction in waterbird numbers its occupancy of our area. winter, in burrows about a metre and species. The next working bee for the long that terminate in a nursery We have applied for a substantial Kotor Hill Group will be in chamber. Community Water Grant to learn March. Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 1, February 2006 Black Wattles from stipitata), Running Postman spp., annual grasses and weedy Black Earth (Kennedia prostrata) and Kidney ground covers. Once these are in Weed (Dichondra repens). Four check, our focus will shift to the Jo Thyer is our hard-working contact species of orchids and five species removal of woody weed seedlings with Naturelinks, Council’s of lilies were also recorded – before they become too large. environmental contractor for our Reserve, including some of the most A Reserve at Devil and is involved in monitoring and enormous Chocolate Lilies Bend managing the control burn site. She (Arthropodium strictum) I have ever Minister for Environment, John describes what’s been happening there. seen! Grasses also recruited in large Thwaites announced on 19th numbers and around 10 species The indigenous flora at the January that most of the now occur on the site. Weeping Balcombe Estuary burn site has Melbourne Water land around Grass (Microlaena stipoides) is the responded incredibly well to the Devil Bend Reservoir will be most common of these, with three controlled burn which took place conserved in a reserve under strikingly different forms observed. in 2005. Species diversity has ParksVic supervision, and utilizing increased dramatically post fire, Unfortunately, weeds love a burn community groups and local with over 60 indigenous species just as much as indigenous plants – expertise within the Mornington recorded on the site so far. and a whole range of weeds (over Peninsula Biosphere to assist in The most obvious of these is 40 species and growing) have been management. This success follows Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), popping up through out the site. a long-running campaign by many which came up in large numbers Panic Veldt Grass (Erhartah erecta) Mornington Peninsula residents. has been the most prolific ground after the fire and now covers about It is excellent news for the health flora species, recruiting almost two thirds of the site. The of Balcombe Creek, as Devil Bend continually since the burn seedlings have grown rapidly over Creek, which is dammed to form occurred. Two woody weed summer and many are now over 5 the Reservoir, is one of our creek’s species, Sallow Wattle (Acacia feet tall. Fireweeds (Senecio spp.) major tributaries. The two come longifolia var. longifolia) and also recruited well, as did other together within The Briars. Mahogany Gum (Eucalyptus shrubby species including The State Government will sell Kangaroo Apple (Solanum botryoides), have dominated the upper storey recruitment. off the 40 hectare block north of laciniatum), Common Cassinia Graydens Road to provide funds Naturelinks, with the help of (Cassinia aculeata), Twiggy Daisy to start the management of the rest some enthusiastic BERG Bush (Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa) of the area. Much of the new volunteers, have been working on and Boobiallas (Myoporum spp.). reserve is leased for agistment and the site in a bid to keep these Most of the diversity, however, is details of how leases are to be dealt weeds in check. The main focus of in the ground flora layer. In spring with have yet to be announced. our work so far has been on those the site looked amazing. It was Melbourne Water will maintain the weeds that can establish covered in herbaceous ground dam wall. covers such as Sundews (Drosera themselves and set seed quickly. At spp.), Blue Bottle Daisy (Lagenifera the top of the list is Panic Veldt Grass, closely followed by Gladiolus

Reporting Estuary Openings Clean Up Australia Day There are heavy fines for members of Sunday 5th March the public who open the Estuary to the Every year hundreds of thousands of Australians help sea when it is closed by a sandbar. As clean up their environment on Clean Up Australia well as being dangerous (at least one Day. This year, BERG will be coordinating action child has been rescued after being around the estuary and shops, and through the swept away by the current), it Reserve. interrupts the ecological processes Meet from 9.30 am in the car park at the corner of within the estuary’s swamplands. Watson’s Rd and the Esplanade. BERG will provide Council reserves the right to open the bags and gloves, or BYO. And don’t forget the hats estuary to protect assets, subject to a and sunscreen! careful assessment. If you see the estuary being opened by a member of the public, you can ring Any Spare Tip Vouchers? Council on 1300 850 600 and ask for a Do you have any spare green waste tip vouchers? BERG Local Laws Officer. They will attend if would be grateful for any you are not using – we, like available. The Mornington police (phone 5975 2733) will also respond if everyone else, pay to dump our many trailer loads of available. weeds at the tip.

Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 1, February 2006 Diary Dates BERG Working Bees Meetings All welcome! BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt Martha Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meetings on Saturday 25th ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. February and Saturday 8th April. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re All members welcome. running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and where we are working. Next working bees Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY and SUNDAY 19TH MARCH. 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud ™Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer, 5986 6566. Bring gloves – other equipment provided. Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of the All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. Waterwatch testing: Tuesday February 21st 2006 (every 3 months, third Tuesday of the month) Friends of Fairbairn Park working bees – contact John Stoker 5974 472

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

Name ...... Address...... Phone...... Fax ...... Mobile...... Email ......

THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA

THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 2 April 2006

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN significantly less than in previous assist this [see Field News for an A PERUSAL of my last gas and years. Dare we hope that people update on this – Ed]. We liaise with electricity bills claimed that in our have seen the light and are doing Rod Barber of the Fisheries home we contributed 1.8548 the right thing with their rubbish? Department, within the State tonnes of greenhouse gas Department of Sustainability and emissions, which sounded and Environment. looked very bad, so much so that I “The lower reach of Balcombe inquired about changing to a Creek opens into a broad shallow cleaner supply source. channel. The lagoon becomes a I learned a lot during that tidal lagoon which is connected to inquiry. For example, Australia Port Phillip Bay by a sandy broad produces more damaging expanse of mudflat at low tide, greenhouse gases per person than drained by shallow channels. The any other developed country. estuary retains significant Our supplier provides us with geomorphological values. It is an the choice of utilizing electricity example of an estuary that is sourced from hydro, solar or wind, frequently closed by spit growth. BERG “stalwarts” helping to clean up The site should not be dredged, all free of greenhouse gas our bit of Australia emissions. The upshot is that for filled or otherwise reclaimed and about one dollar a week, we have should be maintained as a switched to “greenhouse gas and ON THE subject of the estuary ‘working’ model of the estuarine greenhouse electricity”, thus entrance opening, Council has depositional environment.” hopefully there will be 1.8548 advised us as follows: While working in the area near tonnes less of greenhouse gas per “We are happy to hear any reports the rotunda recently, I saw schools quarter in the atmosphere – nearly from BERG, including who is of bream enjoying themselves. 8 tonnes a year. trying to open the estuary. We can Wonderful! Our next bills will be interesting. then decide if we need to contact the individual/s involved. Public FINALLY a word for those CLEAN UP Australia Day safety factors need to be taken into stalwarts we don’t see as frequently (5 March) was successful, with account. as we used to because of indifferent health. You know who twenty “gatherers” plus about “In regard to the Shire opening the twelve from Southern Peninsula you are, we have not forgotten estuary, we will open the estuary to you, and we gratefully value your Vintage and Historic Care Club. protect infrastructure assets after We cleaned-up along the foreshore contribution to BERG, albeit now due consideration of ecological in other capacities. and roadsides, beach, estuary, factors such as Galaxias spawning, campground, Ferraro Ovals and bream hatchings, development of Until next issue Old Soccer Pitch, and a few people seagrasses etc. We are at the very Keith Wilson, President scoured as far up as Forest Drive. early stages of trying to understand BERG welcomes new members: And we collected 50 to 60 bags of these factors. Hopefully we will be rubbish – more than filling a large Bev and Colin Fryer successful with our current grant Tonja Raymond skip provided by Council. This was application to water fund to BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Waterwatch Jenny Selby Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Schools Liaison Jan Oliver Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 2, April 2006

We've got rats! Some Swamp Rat facts Editor’s note: For many years, We are lucky to have a big block of The Swamp Rat is one of on our land opposite the north land near the boardwalk and not Australia’s native rodents. Its body bank of the reserve, we have had far from the creek so we enjoy our is around 14-18cm long, with a tail networks of burrows among the friendly birds, our resident Blue of 9-10cm. It has large, rounded Melaleucas. And although we’ve Tongue Lizards and the occasional ears, a short, blunt snout and thick, never actually seen the occupants, Echidna and Koala. We became soft and shiny dark grey to brown they have been identified as intrigued, though, by the arrival of fur, paler on the underside. Its tail Swamp Rat burrows. a small rat, first seen digging is almost hairless and both tail and The burrows were among a huge around our water bowls and then hind feet are black. It is found crop of (clearly tasty!) weed feeding openly in the middle of the throughout coastal areas of south- grasses, and when I spread mulch day on the prolific black wattle eastern Australia from Tasmania to thickly to smother the weeds, our seeds on the front gravel path. South Australia to Queensland. Rats took umbrage and migrated Mysterious heaps of dirt began across the road to the reserve, erupting from the gardens and where their digging continues to be small ‘freeways’ were constructed something of a threat to small new to link them together. The rockery BERG plantings! They are, at the back door developed a nevertheless, welcome residents. myriad of tunnels and we They appear to be fond of discovered how much the rats like grasslands – native or exotic, they eating parsley roots when my nice are not fussy. And vegetables. In border wilted and died. We first addition to parsley, it seems that thought they might be the Bush John Gould published this illustration of carrots and potatoes are to their Rat but Malcolm Legg from the the Swamp Rat in 1863 in his taste, and even – reportedly – Fauna Survey identifies them as the ‘Mammals of Australia’ Vol. III dogfood. common Swamp Rat, Rattus Swamp rats enjoy variety of On the positive side for lutreolus. They are about 160 mm habitats, ranging from wet and dry gardeners, Swamp Rats are said to long and their tail is shorter than sclerophyll forests to buttongrass be fond of the compost heap, their body. We are not near the moorlands and coastal heath. Their where their constant diggings water but he says they were only diet is largely vegetarian – grasses preclude any need to turn the heap. called Swamp Rats because they and sedges with a sprinkling of were originally found near a fruits, seeds, and fungi and the swamp. occasional insect. Their activities have eased off a Their presence is given away by little – thank goodness, but it their diggings – quite extensive makes gardening really interesting shallow burrows, often with when a small furry blur flashes past conspicuous soil heaps outside. and we never know which bush They are gregarious animals and will reveal another freshly live in small colonies. They also constructed rat suburb. At the construct extensive systems of moment we're quite happy to have runways through dense vegetation our furry tenants. by neatly biting off (and eating) Rosie Brick sedges and grass stems. Well wrapped! Swamp rats have long incisors and, if handled, will bite fiercely Breeding begins in spring and runs to autumn. More than one to protect themselves.

litter of 3-5 young may be raised AND today’s useful Swamp Rat- per season, in nests built in hollows fact: Mainland females have five or in dense tussock grass. Females pairs of teats while Tasmanian from the first litter of the season females have only four! may give birth themselves during

the same breeding season. Congratulations! to Pam Hearn Dog walkers – please remember to keep your dogs on leads in the Reserve. It’s little (BERG Committee beasts such as Swamp Rats and Blue member and The Swamp Rat’s tail is somewhat Tongue Lizards that are at risk from dogs off newsletter artist) and Andris shorter than its body, clearly leads. Plus the damage energetic dogs can Niedra, who were married on distinguishing it from its undesirable do to the many small and fragile ground Saturday 25th March imported cousin, Rattus rattus storey plants and seedlings. Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 2, April 2006

Cape Ivy (Delairea odorata), native applying for a Round 8 (2006/07) FIELD NEWS to South Africa, was introduced to Grant. Field Officer Liz Barraclough reports Australia as a garden plant. A We have also applied for a dense perennial, it creeps and GVEHO (Grant to Voluntary WORKING bees for February and climbs to smother and strangle Environment and Heritage March saw us attacking the indigenous vegetation. Its ivy- Organizations), for administrative invasive Cape Ivy scrambling over shaped leaves are support, and we should know in the Swamp Melaleuca at the end of fleshy, lush the next few months of our Wattle Ave. Some years ago we green, often success or otherwise. thought we had removed all signs shiny, and it has Meeting and Planning of this weed but we were not bright yellow vigilant with our follow-up and all clusters of unpleasantly scented, In February, we held our annual the small bits of stem and rootlets daisy-like flowers from July to BERG Planning Meeting. Simon we had missed came back to haunt September. Wind and water catch Thorning (MPSC) and Jo Thyer us with renewed vigour. Cape Ivy the crown of hairs on its tiny seeds (Naturelinks) met with a small is in two other sites in the Reserve and spread them. But it can also group from BERG to run through – in roadside vegetation near the root from any stem node that the year’s activities, projects and pumping station at the end of touches the soil. It particularly grants. Augusta St, and on the southern loves moist areas. Some of us also attended a side of the fire track from the end The best way to control Cape Ivy meeting in Mornington to explain of La Trobe St to Ferraro Oval is to remove it by hand, carefully Melbourne Water’s recent takeover no.2. tracing stems and runners back to of the Shire’s waterways. We hope Grants their source and removing the that one outcome may more funds and practical works for the Congratulations to Sunshine main roots – then bagging and betterment of our creeks and Reserve and Community Fireguard dumping the lot on the tip. waterways. Group on their successful Immediately paint with a suitable application for a Community herbicide any cut stump that is to Jeff Jugovic spoke on Water Grant, Round 1. be left in the soil. Regular ‘Indigenous Gardening’ at the Unfortunately BERG did not fare monitoring and follow-up weeding February meeting of the Field as well. We submitted a rather are essential, as any remaining stem Naturalists in Blackburn, and of his ambitious and costly application pieces can regrow. experiences revegetating and with perhaps not enough emphasis In the meantime, we hope to start regenerating his Mt Eliza garden. I on community water saving. On work with the School of Ecology was particularly interested in its request, the assessment team will and the Environment, Deakin relevance to a booklet we plan to let us know where we went wrong University, on determining the compile, together with Laura from so we can rectify our application to effects of silt deposition in the the Shire Nursery and Russell from submit for the next round in June. estuary. Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprises, on landscaping using Our focus again will be We have just sent off our final indigenous plants – including understanding the ecology and report on work carried out under management and maintenance. geomorphology of the estuary. our Round 7 Envirofund Grant, Watch this space! and are now in the process of

Recipes for the Workers! Echidnas Those who come to BERG working bees know the excellence of the Thanks to those members who morning teas – usually baked in a spare moment by Liz. People have reported Echidnas. Sightings been asking for recipes! So here is the first of an occasional series. include: Picnic Fruit Slice • on the track from Victoria Cres 125 gms butter (melted) ¾ raw sugar to the Bridge, in mid December 1 egg (whisk slightly) 1 tsp vanilla • on the track beside the Soccer 1½ cups SR flour Pitch, near the corner of Uralla Stewed or tinned fruit (eg apple & rhubarb, pear & peach), well drained – ‘as Rd and the Highway, mid much as you like, about a cup’ December Mix together everything other than the fruit. Press half the mixture • two or three sightings on Kotor into a lamington tin (5x11 inches/13x28 cm). Spread fruit over, then Hill. crumble or spread the rest of the mixture over the fruit. Bake at Please continue to let us know of 350°F/180°C for 30-45 mins. Or use a round 8-inch tin and serve it any sightings of Echidnas and other as a pudding, with cream or yogurt. Double the quantity for a crowd! wild life.

Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 2, April 2006 Diary Dates BERG Working Bees Meetings All welcome! BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt Martha Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meetings on Saturday 8th th ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. April and Saturday 27 May. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re All members welcome. running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and where we are working. Next working bees Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, SUNDAY 9TH APRIL (one week early because of Easter) 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud and SUNDAY 21 MAY. (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer, 5986 6566. ™ Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of the Bring gloves – other equipment provided. month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. th Fairbairn Bushland Reserve Friends Group Waterwatch testing: Tuesday May 16 2006 (every 3 th th months, third Tuesday of the month) working bees Sunday 9 April, Sunday 11 June, 10.00 am. Contact John Stoker 5974 472.

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

Name ...... Address...... Phone...... Fax ...... Mobile...... Email ......

THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA

THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 3 June 2006

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN many people who use the area, and industry's unregulated growth. They ince our last newsletter we have now and again we are able to recruit call for olive orchards to be netted, Sheard that at last something some of those to our cause. So keep at a cost that would be far less than major is going to be done to turning up – the air is good, the the $10,000 to $15,000 a hectare improve the overall condition of the morning tea is better than good, cost of weed control. Murray Darling river system. Whilst and the results of our labour are Introduced to South Australia in far removed from our tiny there for all to see and enjoy. 1836, olive trees spread unchecked Balcombe Creek, it is interesting to Until next issue through the Adelaide hills after the reflect on just how many people, Keith Wilson, President state’s olive industry collapsed in towns cities, and farms depend for the late 1800s and orchards were their very existence on this much abandoned. In Victoria, olives have maligned waterway. Let’s hope that naturalised in various locations the words quickly turn to action. including the Grampians. Increasingly BERG is asked to These bushland invaders are support individuals and or groups extremely tough plants, able to who are objecting to or supporting withstand cold, heat, drought, winds various community activities. and poor soils. And they are very Recent instances have included the long-lived. In the Mediterranean proposed Dunns Rd/Craigie Rd region there are many over 1500 development, sub divisions, years old. When broken or cut at applications for liquor licences, the base, they re-shoot. Birds and channel deepening, the future of Keith and helpers at work on the new foxes distribute the seeds, and a Devilbend Reservoir, and a huge seed bank accumulates, so proposed new private school. It is Nature Trail through the campground – see Field News, page 3 they keep coming back after they flattering that our views and have been cleared. support are sought. Such requests On the Mornington Peninsula, demand that we consider every OLIVE TREES where olive trees are increasingly aspect of every case, weighing up all common in gardens and orchards, pros and cons and, if appropriate, A GROWING CONCERN horticultural time bomb’ is the Shire’s Weed Management expressing our thoughts fairly and Strategy classes them as ‘a serious clearly. ‘Ahow two leading environmental scientists have threat to one or more vegetation Let me say – again – that the formations’. The Strategy, prepared work at our working bees (third described the olive in Australia (The Sunday Age, 2 April 2006). in 2003 by the Keith Turnbull Sunday each month) is the very Research Institute, is at heart of BERG. Thank you to those In the latest edition of their book http://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au, under regular toilers who are there every Practical Conservation Biology, ‘Our Natural Environment’. month and a warm welcome to Australian National University ecologist David Lindenmayer and We have not yet found olives in those who are thinking of joining us our reserve, but we need to be or who get there when possible. It Mark Burgman, an environmental risk analyst at the University of vigilant and alert to the potential is always pleasing to receive threat they pose. complimentary comments from the Melbourne, warn against the olive BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Waterwatch Jenny Selby Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Schools Liaison Jan Oliver Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 3, June 2006

FRIENDS UP-STREAM Benton’s Rd all the way to the Century Drive adjoins the west side beach. of Balcombe Creek and runs from Lately we’ve received a big boost Benton’s Rd almost through to of enthusiasm from our local Craigie Rd. The Century Drive primary school, Benton’s Junior Habitat Link Group started in College, who are super keen to be 2004 with assistance from Liz actively involved and have already Barraclough and a small grant from helped us to plant some trees. the Shire. Tony O’Connor, With the help of local residents, protect the adjoining landowners, Group Co-ordinator , we have landscaped the 10 metre we have applied, under BERG, for Ph: 5977 2810, Mobile: 0404 951 500 wide nature strips with islands of a $2000 Melbourne Community You can help! Water grant for plants to form a indigenous plants, tree stumps, big BERG’s August working bee will be bush screen along the path. red rocks and a picnic table. helping the Century Drive Group in This year we aim to create a 1.5 We hope that eventually, with the a large Shire-sponsored planting kilometre nature trail along the 60- support of South East Water and session at their retarding basin. 70 metre wide strip that forms the the Shire, our nature trail will be BBQ lunch provided. linked through the Water Treatment Creek Reserve – to allow local Sunday August 20th, 9.00am families and kids to enjoy this Plant Reserve and the Briars to the Boardwalk, to enable families from Meet outside 9 Century Dve (next beautiful environment. This would door to the Retarding Basin) include upgrading the fence that Mornington East to walk from protects the Creek habitat. To

enable animals and plants to If you are aiming to provide VITAL LINKS recolonise sites depleted during habitat for indigenous fauna, it Adapted from “Using Indigenous Plants catastrophes such as fires and helps to be aware of some of the to Conserve Indigenous Fauna”, by droughts. indigenous plant-animal botanist/ecologist John Reid, presented to Any progress towards the pre- relationships. Here are some the 3rd Biennial Seminar hosted by the European condition of vegetation examples relating to refuges and Karwarra Australian Plant Garden, will increase its value to indigenous nesting sites: 1996. Full article available at: fauna, and every contribution by ŠFallen branches, sticks and leaf litter http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/A gardeners and landscapers towards are used by various lizards, some POL17/mar00-1.html using indigenous plants to create frogs, many insects, soil hoppers fauna habitat is valuable. It is like and slaters, and Dusky Antechinus f individual bushland sites are to gradually putting pieces back into a (nests in hollow logs) I remain viable in the longer term, disturbed jigsaw puzzle. From an ŠTussocks (grasses and sedges) are habitat corridors linking patches of indigenous ecosystem perspective, used by caterpillars of many remnant and planted vegetation the closer we get the better. butterflies, frogs (spawning sites), (like the Century Drive project) are The habitat approach to garden Swamp Rat, and as nest sites for vitally important. planting uses local bush remnants, birds including Superb Fairy-wren, Corridors of vegetation along where available, to guide species Brown Thornbill, Buff-rumped streams, roads, railway lines, choice, and will be most effective if Thornbill, Whitebrowed Scrubwren, easements etc. provide valuable it is integrated with surviving Painted Button Quail. habitat, especially in urban and rural remnant vegetation or linked to ŠPrickly plants and dense low cover are areas where remnant vegetation is similar plantings on nearby sites. used by many birds including, extremely fragmented. They enable Cooperative arrangements between scrubwrens, thornbills, Red-browed animals and plants (via seeds) to adjoining private properties to Firetail. move between patches of habitat protect and plant with local species ŠUnder loose bark on trees are found that would otherwise be isolated. would provide the kind of coverage various insects, Huntsman spiders, Both anecdotal and research that will make a real difference. some frogs, and bats. evidence suggests that migratory To try to replicate natural ŠTree hollows are used by birds bird species continue to visit processes in gardens is to accept including Laughing Kookaburra, remnant sites that are connected by some natural features that would Sacred Kingfisher, Striated habitat corridors but decline in usually be frowned upon by Pardalote, parrots, cockatoos, owls, isolated sites. It is highly likely that gardeners, such as foliage and sap some ducks; and Mammals other animals such as mammals and feeding by insects, parasitism of including Brown Antechinus, insects also use corridors to move trees and shrubs by mistletoes and possums, gliders and bats. from one remnant site to another. dodder laurels, and rotting logs and Habitat links between sites also sticks on the ground. Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 3, June 2006 And Liz produced this for morning tea at involves removing woody weeds FIELD NEWS the May working bee: (notably Privet, Solanum pseudocapsicum, Boneseed, from Field Officer Liz Barraclough Cullen’s Magimix Orange Cake – moist and easy! Wandering Jew) and planting where A nature walk through the necessary to increase diversity and Chop: 1 whole orange, skin and all, campground natural habitat. THE CAMPGROUND area was to a pulp in the blender. Choose a sweet, juicy orange. Under the Melbourne Water the focus of the April and May Community Grants, River Health Add : 3 eggs working bees. In April we weeded Incentives Program, we have applied 2 cups sifted self-raising flour and pruned in the carpark and for $200 towards production of our 8 ozs/250gms softened around the Southeast Water newsletter and $1500 for butter or margarine building, in preparation for its supplementary planting by the 1 cup sugar splendid painting (more about this Greenfield Way Group along their in next issue). Mix/blend for approx 20 secs. section of Hopeton Creek (a major In May, we concentrated on Grease and line the base of a round tributary of Balcombe Creek). The BERG’s new Nature Walk. Our cake tin. Put in the mixture, cook task, as always, will involve weeding. small crew of men dug holes, mixed approx 1hour at 310°F / 150°C. We hope help raise further local cement, and installed about thirty Dust top with icing sugar before interest and involvement. serving. wooden posts naming indigenous In December, we applied for a plants throughout the campground. Managing the Catchment GVEHO grant towards out The rest of us weeded (Cape Ivy in Over the past year or so, the Shire administrative costs. It is still with particular), planted and moved has worked towards bringing the minister! plants to fit in with the design of together all groups with an interest the nature walk. ™ in or responsibility for the NOTE: Special Planting Days Another twenty or so posts will Balcombe Creek catchment. The go in over time as we supplement aim is to coordinate management of The Mornington Peninsula Shire plantings to show a good example the whole catchment, in line with has asked for BERG’s assistance to of each species. the Balcombe Creek Waterway help others protect Balcombe Creek Notes on Management Plan which has guided further up-stream – a fair request as each of the the Shire’s management of the area the health of our section of the labelled since 2002. creek depends on the good health of its upper reaches. Two special plants are On April 4th, a meeting brought planting days are planned: being together, for the first time, prepared representatives from the Shire, ™Sunday July 23rd and will be Melbourne Water, South East Where? Serpentine Wetland Reserve, available on Water, the Port Phillip and Western cnr Bentons and Benton Grange our web site Port Catchment Management Rds, Mel 146 7/8 A/B and in hard Authority, BERG, Rotary, the When? Any time between 9am to copy. They Mount Eliza Association for 3pm *BBQ lunch provided will explain the characteristics of Environmental Care (MEAFEC), each plant, its past uses by the Why? To plant out the prepared and and the Railway Preservation mulched area at the end of the Aborigines and early white settlers, Group. It is planned to repeat the and how the plant can be used, wetland and link it with the exercise on an occasional basis and, riparian vegetation along the creek. managed and maintained in a if possible, to have EPA and garden setting. We also plan an VicRoads also attend. ™Sunday July 30th activity sheet to be used by schools The meeting discussed the National Tree Planting Day and interested groups. ongoing management of the creek, Where? Mt Eliza Regional Park, The signs, with their rubberised, grants, planting days and the like. Lakeside area off Two Bays Rd nr computer-generated lettering sealed Follow up will include smaller on- Moorooduc Hwy, Mel 105 K8 with polyurethane, were designed site meetings to address particular When? Any time between 9am to by Kylie Robertson. Kylie’s special issues. 3pm *BBQ lunch provided interest is working with schools, Waiting on grants Why? To plant lots of indigenous encouraging their awareness and plants along and above the creek involvement in the environment. We are waiting to hear about three

Previously with Naturelinks, she grant applications: and her husband Travis have Under an Envirofund Round 8 BERG welcomes new members: formed a new business ‘Seeds grant, we plan to rehabilitate the Barbara Thraves Bushland Restoration and south bank from Augusta St bridge Graham & Judy Hubbard Environmental Education’. to Uralla bridge (below Balcombe Close and Uralla Rd). This will Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 3, June 2006 Diary Dates BERG Working Bees Meetings All welcome! BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt Martha Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meeting Saturday 8th July. ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. All members welcome. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, where we are working. Next working bees 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud SUNDAY 18TH JUNE and SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST. (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer, 5986 6566. ™ Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of the Bring gloves – other equipment provided. month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. st Fairbairn Bushland Reserve Friends Group Waterwatch testing: Tuesday February 21 2006 nd (every 3 months, third Tuesday of the month) working bees, 2 Sunday of the month, every two months (even months) – contact John Stoker 5974 472

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

Name ...... Address...... Phone...... Fax ...... Mobile...... Email ......

THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA

THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 4 August 2006

Burning in the Bunyip! growth of seeds long-buried in the PRESIDENT’S COLUMN ground in a similar way to the hot Mary Stemp reports SOME time ago, I told you about burn by Council. IF YOU were to visit the Bunyip changing over to “greenpower”, to on a windless winter Tuesday “Does Council know you are contribute to reduced greenhouse morning when the ground is wet using that thing?” one rather gas emissions. Well, my last from a night shower or dew, you disapproving lady asked us. In fact, account tells me we saved 1.39 might find me waving a flaming all our work for BERG is done tonnes of gas emissions, at a cost wand over weeds with a roar that with Council knowledge and to us of just $1 per week. support. frightens the At our last meeting, membership dogs and most “Are you officer Angela presented an update of the people. allowed?” the lady of memberships and your most We are usually persisted. I generous donations. We very much steaming Panic personally have a value your support. Your money veldt grass permit to use the goes towards our tools, newsletter, (Erharta), a fast- weed burner ‘for administration and the like. conservation growing, Equally important is your help at shallow-rooted purposes’ and must our working bees. We welcome weed which observe stringent new friends at these most convivial grows and seeds conditions concerning air occasions! The number of satisfied year round. visitors to the area is testimony to Annual grasses temperature, wind Mary and Isobel at work our work.. like Quaking strength and the grass also succumb to our steamer. wetness of the underbrush as well We are delighted to welcome to Any burning tends to be incidental, as carrying a shovel, water (we’ve our committee Tony O’Connor of dry dead leaves and other had our best success with a weed- who, with a few friends, has been ground litter – which is why I spray container with hose and doing marvellous things at Century always wear heavy boots and have pump) and a mobile phone. Drive, further up the creek.. Isobel on stand-by with a shovel “Could you use it in the large BERG thanks Esso Australia and water-pump. home garden/property?” The We are most grateful to Esso “Why do we ‘burn’?” you may steamer, which runs off a gas Australia for a generous grant to ask. The infestation of weedy bottle, is expensive and takes some BERG that will enable us to install grasses in general and Erharta in getting used to. I don’t recommend a series of bat roosting boxes for particular is way beyond our it. our tiny local bats. We spotted capacity for hand-weeding. And I never burn on my own. these boxes on a recent ABC New Burning also reduces the need to Isobel acts as my safety officer. She Inventors and the inventors, Stacey use chemical sprays for weed- tamps out spot fires with a shovel and Alan Franks from Queensland, control. And the deeper-rooted and sprays water on logs before have had great success with them. indigenous plants should survive they have time to burst into flame. More later. any accidental singeing; some may Recently she said, “I’m not afraid Till next time, even relish it. We often wonder if of this thing any more! At least, Keith Wilson, President our burning actually stimulates the not as much as I used to be!” BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Waterwatch Jenny Selby Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Schools Liaison Jan Oliver Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 4, August 2006

Snowgums that Left Highway at Mordialloc, where the Snow future development may threaten The magazine ‘Wild Life’ was launched them. in 1938, edited by the well-known But whatever befalls the other naturalist Crosbie Morrison. Around group near Melbourne, those who 1950 it became ‘Wild Life and can no longer climb to the heights Outdoors’ and this article, by Jean and solitudes of the snow may see Galbraith, appeared in the September snowgums at Mt. Martha – thanks 1952 issue, a year or two before to the foresight of the Mornington publication ceased. Shire Council. Mountain lovers especially, but all lovers of nature, RECENT reservation of a bush- all who love trees, must think of land sanctuary on Mt. Martha, by the Mornington Council with the Mornington (Vic.) Shire Coun- gratitude. cil, has sent the thoughts of tree- Near the top of the hill is the site lovers on far journeys. of the sanctuary. There are some As a rule, the eucalypts of Out of their context – snowgums on Mt. other trees there-species one would Victoria (like those of other parts Martha, forming an odd natural expect to find – but the snowgums of Australia) know their places, and “pocket” in a region where snow never give the place its distinction. It is the mere sight of many species is falls. unspoiled by picnickers; it has not enough to tell a botanist something been invaded by weeds. The little No other trees are so of the soil, altitude, and other flowers still grow there; not the characteristic of the heights as circumstances of the land where he alpine flowers which are company these; yet these, of all trees, will sees them. for the snowgums in the Alps, but play games with him, appearing in Thus, passing through strange the little people of the open ones and twos and unexpected country, he sees silver-leaf stringy- bushland. A rare form of the groves in the lowlands, where no bark, spotted sun-orchid blooms there, one would expect them. "Poor soil," he says to himself, opening mauve flowers on blue "Snowgums! Down here!" says his days. Sweet hounds-tongue lifts absently. incredulous mind; but there is no racemes of white flowerets with a He notes the heavy sickle leaves mistaking them. They are taller, fragrance that reaches up to you, of apple box, and thinks less gnarled than on the sweet and strong. immediately, " Agricultural land." inhospitable tops, but snowgums Then swamp gum (the Victorian undoubtedly. Dianella, the "little Diana" of the woods, has blue berries following one, Eucalyptus ovata); "Poor drain- Perhaps the high places, the hard its scattered blue-and-gold flowers; age," runs his thought. climbs, and the great rewards, are Glycine festoons the bushes like a Or he sees the smooth olive- no longer for him now. Never tiny Wisteria with inch-long green stems of Eucalyptus regnans, mind. These snowgums bring him racemes, and you may find the and he tells himself, "We've been the echo of the old thrill. Perhaps apple-berry with yellow-green bells climbing." they are not playing tricks after all and berries like fat little green But one eucalypt plays tricks – not mocking him, but rather sausages. Here, too, are blue with him. It is one of the most friends come down to talk of the pincushions, and grassland lilies, characteristic of all, the snow gum old days and the great climbs. yellow autumn-lilies and white of the mountain tops. And he sits and thinks of the things honey-scented milkmaids. No climber will ever forget it – they know, These, and the snowgums, wide low spreading limbs, gnarled by He and the forest alone together … spreading, heavy of leaf, make this winters of storm and snow, All the things they have seen, bushland sanctuary a place to be gleaming like a many-shaded pearl, All the things they have heard … thankful for. We, who know the heavy blue-green leaves, bunches wild- flowers, know how fast they of stout fruits with a bloom like There are one or two on the are disappearing, and how grapes. Show any mountaineer a roadside at Morwell – how long incalculable already are the losses. snowgum and his heart leaps. He is will they survive? There used to be Let us be thankful for what has back in the years of his glory, the some at Longford; are they there been preserved. These snowgums mountain ridges spread out below still? A few still grow at Providence at least are safe; all honor to the him, the mountain grasses at his Ponds, and land there is to be councillors of Mornington, and to feet, the mountain wild- flowers in reserved; a few on Australian Paper those who are saving the trees at bloom and round him, kindly, with Manufacturers’ land at Tyers, Providence Ponds and at Tyers in spreading limbs, the snowgums. where the company is preserving them; a group on the Nepean the Latrobe Valley. Would there were more like them! Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 4, August 2006

FIELD NEWS Kotor Friends Bees in nesting boxes Margaret Caldwell reports Field Officer Liz Barraclough reports Our friendly bee-lady, Bron NUMBERS were down for the A’Beckett, took away one swarm IF YOU have walked down Kotor June and July Sunday working- from the camp ground area, and Hill recently you will have noticed bees, maybe because of the will remove the second when she lots of new planting and mulching. weather. The half dozen who were returns from holiday. We hope This is the work of the Kotor there simply had to eat far too they prefer her hospitality to ours, Hill Friends, a subgroup of BERG much morning-tea and resume and that our nesting boxes can formed in mid 2005 by neighbours work at a much slower pace! provide a home for whom they are wishing to re-establish and Despite the low numbers, in June intended! revegetate the area below Kotor Close, adjoining Seppelt Avenue we followed up woody weeding Students at work along the boardwalk between La and above the Ferrero ovals. Mt Eliza Secondary College Trobe St and the cricket nets and students will again be coming to planted about 50 indigenous help us mulch, plant, clean up shrubs; and in July, planted out rubbish and weed, as part of their another 200 plants in the social service program. We campground area, from the carpark welcome any members interested to the old toilet block. in joining us between 9.30 am – At our August working bee we 2.30pm on Wednesday 30th Aug, will be helping the Century Drive 6th Sept, 22nd Nov, 29th Nov and Group with more planting. Meet at 6th Dec. the usual place and we will then Kotor Friends and dog at work Greening Australia Training Day proceed to Century Drive. BBQ The Kotor Close subdivision is lunch provided. Gidja Walker will be running what land originally owned by the Zwar promises to be a fascinating day on Successful Grants family and sold in early 2000. All Coastal Restoration (estuaries, but one of the blocks have been Š We have received three separate EVCs, swamp scrub, Banksia built on. The walkway through Melbourne Water Grants: $200 for woodlands etc), and using Kotor Close to the Hill and ovals is the newsletter, $1500 for Chinamans Creek, Rosebud and much used by the community to revegetation by Hazel Athey’s Balcombe Creek as examples. The access the Boardwalk. Greenfield Way Group, and $2000 day will start at Rosebud and a bus for planting by Tony O’Connor’s will be available for transport to Mt The group started in June 2005 Century Drive Group. We Martha. If BERG members would with a meeting between understand that Melbourne Water like to attend, register directly with neighbours, BERG members, and will now support weeding (so often Greening Australia (Rebecca Simon Thorning, Shire excluded from grants), so we shall Passlow 9450 5321 or Conservation Officer. Simon drew apply for this under their [email protected]) or let me up a revegetation plan, and input September round of grants. know and I can make a group was discussed and welcomed by adjoining property owners. Our Š $1800 under Grants to Voluntary booking. It normally costs $60 but first working bee was in July 2005, Environmental and Heritage Groups our GVEHO grant allows us to and we are holding about four a (GEVHO) will fund office pay for some training days for year. It is wonderful to see families materials, administration and members. Therefore it will be free! with their children weeding, training (see below), and free up If you hear of a course or mulching and planting. your donations for other things. training that might be relevant and Stage 1 was the planting of five Š Round 2 of the Australian you would like to attend, don’t metre wide mulched bed with Government Community Water Grant hesitate to contact us to help with mixed indigenous understory will be opening in July. we shall funding. species with scattered Manna again apply and hope to be more Gums. Under Liz Barraclough’s successful this time round. AGM ADVANCE NOTICE expert tutelage, we are learning lots Envirokits about weeding and the best Saturday 21 October, At last we have all the information indigenous plants for our 9.30 am collated for the Envirokits and they conditions. are ready to go! We shall distribute Mount Martha Community House There are constant comments them to the immediate neighbours with Jeff Weir, about the success or our project – of the Reserve but they are Executive Director of the not only environmentally, but also available to anyone who is Dolphin Research Institute, in the growth of our interested. Please contact us if you marine biologist and award- neighbourhood community. would like one. winning underwater photographer. Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 4, August 2006 Diary Dates BERG Working Bees Meetings All welcome! BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt Martha Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meetings on Saturday 19th ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. August and Saturday 30th September. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re All members welcome. running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and where we are working. Next working bees Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, SUNDAY 20TH AUGUST and SUNDAY 17TH 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud SEPTEMBER. (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer, 5986 6566. ™Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of the Bring gloves – other equipment provided. month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. Waterwatch testing: Tuesday 22st August 2006 (every Fairbairn Bushland Reserve Friends Group 3 months, third Tuesday of the month) working bees, 2nd Sunday of the month, every two months (even months) – contact John Stoker 5974 472

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

Name ...... Address...... Phone...... Fax ...... Mobile...... Email ......

THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA

THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 5 October 2006

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN The Tenth BERG Annual door seals fight tightly, and there is ome weeks ago the Mornington General Meeting good air circulation around sides SPeninsula Shire Council ran a will be held on and back of the unit. series of public meetings entitled Saturday 21 October ™Average annual household cost “Your Community – Your at Mt Martha Community House. for lighting is about $100. Turn off Future”. One of the speakers, Registration, tea and coffee at 9.30, lights when they are not needed, Council’s Sustainable Energy Fund Meeting starts at 10.00 am, replace standard globes with Officer, Rolf Freeman, presented followed by energy-efficient ones, and use the the following facts. Guest Speaker Jeff Weir, lowest wattage globes needed. Victoria is currently Australia’s Executive Director of the Dolphin And consider changing to Green worst, per capita, greenhouse Research Institute, marine biologist Power by talking to your gas or polluter. The vast majority of our and award-winning underwater electricity supplier. electricity is generated from brown photographer. Bat boxes – thanks to Esso coal, and this accounts for more Agenda As mentioned in the August issue than half of the State’s greenhouse • Welcome and apologies gas emissions. of The Creek, we have receieved a • Minutes of Ninth AGM The CSIRO projects that: generous grant from Esso Australia • which has funded sixteen roosting ™Victoria’s alpine areas may have Committee reports: President: Keith Wilson boxes for our tiny, indigenous, 18-60% less snow cover by 2020; Treasurer: Richard Kirsner insect-eating bats. The boxes are ™with a 2° temperature rise, flows Field Officer: Liz Barraclough now in place in the estuary area in the Murray Darling Basin may • Election: President, Vice-President, between the rotunda and the start decrease by 12-25%, and Treasurer, Secretary, and 6 ordinary of the boardwalk. Mary Stemp is Melbourne’s water supply may committee members. working on some signage that will decrease by 7-35%. • Appointment of Auditor graphically tell the story of these One third of Victoria’s energy is Nominations for Office Bearers marvellous creatures. Our thanks used in the home, accounting for and Committee: Forms may be again to Esso Australia for this 36% of the State’s greenhouse obtained from Mary Stemp, phone very tangible support of our work. emissions from energy. With little 5974 3996. All nominations must be in Autobiography of an old salt effort, we can all help to lessen the writing, signed by at least 2 members, BERG’s founding president problem and, at the same time, accompanied by the written consent of Richard Hawkins now lives in save ourselves dollars. For example the candidate, and delivered to the Secretary by 14 October 2006. Benalla, but as ever, is not allowing ™Reduce your power usage by that further step into retirement to about 10% by turning appliances slow him down. Word is that ™Refrigerators use the most off at the power point. Richard’s autobiography, The Old electricity of any household ™In winter, keep heat in by closing Tin Trunk, has hit the bookshops – appliance, with an annual average doors, windows and curtains. it is available at Farrells in cost of $140. Save money by Lower your heater thermostat by Mornington. Well done Richard! setting temperature 3° to 5°, the 1°, put on a jumper, and save up to Keith Wilson, President 15%. freezer -18° to -15°; make sure BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Schools Liaison Jan Oliver Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Century Drive Group Tony O’Connor Waterwatch Jenny Selby Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 5, October 2006

BLACK WATTLES which provide food for IF you have looked Treecreepers or bark-gleaners such lately at the as Thornbills. Possums, bats, BERG’s ‘burn parrots, owls and Sugar Gliders patch’ – the acre or roost and nest in crevices, and the so that was subject Sugar Gliders bleed the tree for its to a controlled sap – look out for their scratches burn in March on the trunks of these trees. 2005 – you will have seen a Glands in the leaf axials produce veritable thicket of Black Wattle, protein-rich nectar, much ‘wattle and daub’ huts, as well as Acacia mearnsii. This fast-growing appreciated in winter by insects, being used for furniture and craft tree is a ‘pioneer’ species, one of birds and marsupials which, in work. Its white ash helped to the first to return after fire or other return, predate on scarab beetles whiten sheets and remove dark disturbance, where it helps to bind and pasture pests that cause die- stains, or as a basis for soap, when the erosion-prone soil and back. The abundant pollen in the mixed with water and animal fat provides shelter to slower growing sweetly scented, creamy-yellow and scented with herbal extracts or plants. flowers, which appear in lavender oil. Black wattles occur naturally in a November, attract a range of birds, As a source of high quality wide range of climates and including Wattle Birds, Yellow tannin, paper pulp and fast- habitats, including grasslands, Throated Honeyeaters and the growing timber, the Black Wattle riparian zones, urban areas and New Holland Honey Eaters. has been exported to countries in watercourses from near Sydney to Ants are attracted by oil in the Africa, South America and Europe, Tasmania, and from sea level to up seed stalk, and they harvest the where it is frequently a plantation to – occasionally – about 1000 m. seeds and store them underground tree. But there is a down side – Typically it reaches about 6-10 m in their nests – perfectly placed for outside its native habitat, it is an but may grow to 20 m. germination. Some of the seeds, invasive plant that has become a From top to toe, the tree is however, provide a liquid meal to major environmental weed in some important in the ecological cycle. an insect that pierces the seed coat areas, notably South Africa. As a legume, it has root nodules of with its proboscis and sucks out Indeed, with its similar climate, rhizobia bacteria that fix nitrogen the embryo. South Africa has many Australian from the air and return it to the Aborigines ground the seeds to a environmental weeds, just as we soil, where it is then available for flour rich in polysaccarides and have many from South Africa – up-take by other woodland plants. protein, which they made a into Boneseed and Polygala are two The roots also have a symbiotic flat bread. They collected the sap prominent examples on the relationship with mycorrhizal to eat, or dissolved it in water with Mornington Peninsula. fungi, which attach to them and a bit of sweet wattle nectar and a Locally, however, we treasure the produce ‘truffles’ that are relished few formic ants for a lemony drink. generous, versatile and useful Black by marsupials such as betongs, Or mixed with wood ash or burnt Wattle. bandicoots and potoroos. Digging mussel shells, it formed a ‘cement’ Line drawing by Marion Simmons, from for the fungi creates micro-sites on that was used to plug holes in http://www.worldwidewattle.com/speciesgallery/mearnsi the soil surface for difficult-to- utensils and canoes. The bark, i.php?id=17958 germinate species, while spores soaked and heated a wooden Recipes for the Workers! from the fungi are spread in the waddie, yielded antiseptics for Another of Liz’s working bee marsupials’ droppings. treating cuts and aching joints; or morning tea recipes: infused in hot water, a remedy for Ghost Swift Moths pupate in the Easy Muffins indigestion. Or it could be turned root area and can often be Mix in magimix/blender: recognised by the presence of a into lengths of coarse string for 2 cups SR flour parasitic fungus, one of the baskets and to bind the heads onto cordyceps species, at the base of spear shafts. The branches were 1 cup soft brown sugar the tree. The larvae (like Witchety used in building lean-tos or half- 3ozs/90gms butter Grubs) that survive the fungus dome huts, which were covered Stir in: bore into the trunk, and Yellow-tail with bark sheaths or coarse foliage. 1 cup milk Black Cockatoos shred the bark For the early colonists, Black 1 cup blueberries or any fruit eg and rip off small branches to find Wattle bark was an important apple and cinnamon this tasty food. source of tannins, which were used Grease muffin tins, spoon in The cracks and crevices in the bark for tanning and, more recently, plywood and particle board mixture and at 350° F/180° C for are inhabited by tiny bats, insects, about 20 – 30mins. spiders and other invertebrates, adhesives and antisecptics. The timber supplied the framework for Makes approximately 18 Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 5, October 2006 FIELD NEWS riparian strip. The woody weeds, especially the Pittosporum, are Weedbuster Week oy, is it dry! Not the best being selectively and gradually The theme for Weedbuster Week conditions for planting, but B removed, so as not to cause (7th--15th Oct) 2006 in Victoria is: we have ordered a couple of Fighting the Weed Menace: Communities thousand plants plus, so there are sudden major disturbance, open the area to an influx of new weed Combating Weeds. few other options. In a normal species and upset the dense habitat BERG activities are: year, our plant survival rate is for indigenous wildlife in the area. ™ around 95% – water them in well woody weed removal at our usual rd once, and if they planted in the Again we owe the great turn-up working-bee on the 3 Sunday of th right place at the right time (late and enjoyment of this morning to the month (15 Oct) winter to early spring) they’ll be the enthusiastic and determined ™ a weed information stand on OK. I’m not so confident this year. efforts of Hazel Athey. Saturday 14th October, together Nature seems intent on blowing And many of the impressive list with the Sunshine Reserve away the few drops of rain we have of new members in this newsletter Conservation & Fireguard Group, had! are from the Century Drive or outside the Mt Martha Greenfields Way groups. supermarket. We will display Working bees Over the last few months, led by buckets of our best and fairest Nevertheless, we’ve had some Margaret Caldwell, the Kotor Hill weeds with experts to explain their great planting days. Group has also been quietly busy, menace and methods for their At the August working-bee, the enriching and adding to their control. usual BERG crew joined a large planting on the hillside, down the Rescheduled due to rain and enthusiastic group (including pathways and along their section of Yes, it does rain sometimes! Rain lots of children) from the Century Hopeton Creek. Weeds have been Drive Habitat Link Group (a sub forced the postponement of the sprayed and so far 300–400 plants Greening Australia Training Day group of BERG) to plant over have gone in. 1000 plants. It was part of an with Gidja Walker. The new date is Mary’s Bunyip Group can still th Envirofund grant (‘Linking Tuesday 14 November, when be seen every Tuesday morning Remnants along Balcombe Creek’) Gidja will be running a Coastal burning, spraying, hand weeding to revegetate the area around the EVC Restoration field day at the and planting. ‘The Bunyip Trio’ retention basin off Century Drive. estuaries of Chinaman’s Creek (Mary, Isobel and Gwen) are Thanks to Tony O’Connor for all (Rosebud) and Balcombe Creek. responsible for the terrific example the local organisation and to Simon The day will start at 10 am at of diversity in this area. Thorning for the planning, plants Balcombe Estuary and a bus will and BBQ, which amply rewarded Grants update be available for transport to all the hungry participants. On Sunday 6th August three Chinamans Creek. Register directly with Greening Aust (Rebecca The September working-bee government Envirofund officers Passlow, [email protected] with the Greenfield Way / (one all the way from Canberra) or 9450 5321) or let me know and Hopeton Creek Group was visited to assess and inspect a I can send off a group booking. It equally successful, with a number number of our recipient normally costs $60 but our of neighbouring families joining in envirofund sites. I walked them, at GVEHO grant allows us to pay for to plant over 250 plants along the a reasonable pace, for two hours some training days for members. through the reserve and though a little tired at the end of it, they So it will be free! BERG congratulates seemed pretty happy and Liz Barraclough, Field Officer

Gill Gordon, the driving force impressed with our work. behind the Sunshine Reserve We have just applied for Round BERG welcomes new members: Conservation and Fireguard 2 of the Community Water Grant Margaret Paton Group. Gill, also a BERG to study the siltation and ecology Sue Hall member, won the Victorian of the estuary and to do Elly & Elliot Arnup section of the Keep Australia appropriate plantings of wetland Jean & Zona Severn Beautiful Dame Phyllis Frost species (eg Seagrass) and associated Cate & Stuart McElroy Outstanding Achievement riparian vegetation. A major aim is Sharon & Bram Koning Award 2006 for her to filter and improve the quality of Wayne & Jenny Jenkins outstanding work on the the water from the Henley St Scott & Deborah Wilson Sunshine Reserve. stormwater outlet. There would be Merv & Jill George And profound apologies input from the Shire, Melbourne Ann Johnston from the Editor, who simply Water and Deakin University. We Geoff, Nicole, Charlotte & Emily Lawyer forgot to include this splendid hope to hear by the New Year. The Lewis family news in the August newsletter! Kevin Bourke Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 5, October 2006 \ Diary Dates BERG Working Bees ™BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt All welcome! Martha House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meetings on Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: Saturday 11th November and Saturday 16th December. All members welcome. ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re ™SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, where we are working. Next working bees 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER and SUNDAY 19TH (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer on 5986 6566. NOVEMBER. ™Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of ™Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. the month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. Bring gloves – other equipment provided. ™Fairbairn Bushland Reserve Friends Group All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. working bees: 10 am, Sunday October 8th, November Waterwatch testing: Tuesday 21st November 2006 12th 2006, March 11th, June 10th 2007 – meet at top of (every 3 months, third Tuesday of the month) Margeurita Ave. Contact John Stoker on 5974 4726.

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

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THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA

THE CREEK Newsletter of BERG, the

Volume 10 Issue 6 December 2006 provided us with grants over the upstream, Century Drive. The PRESIDENT’S COLUMN past year: Mornington Peninsula ultimate would be to have groups

Extracts from the President’s report to Shire Council, Environfund – working over the entire length of the recent BERG AGM: Natural Heritage Trust, Melbourne the creek. The Harrap Creek, e now have nearly 300 Water, and Esso Australia Pty Ltd. Fairbairn Reserve, and Sunshine W members supporting us in One supporter who has Reserve groups also continue their many ways. Thank you all, and contributed greatly since BERG excellent work. know that your contribution helps started is our auditor, Jim Thomas, Finally, to my hard-working in buying equipment and publicity whose unseen work continues to committee, your dedication and material, and with the newsletter – keep us on financial track. excellence in all we do assures our complementing and extending the A very pleasing development is success. money we get from grants. the establishment of auxiliary And to all, a very merry Christmas Thanks also to the groups along the creek: Kotor Hill, and a safe and happy New Year. instrumentalities that have Greenfield Way, and further Keith Wilson, President

VICTORIA’S MARINE bottle-nosed dolphins, which are genetically isolated and possibly a REASURES T separate species. Guest speaker at BERG’s AGM was In the shallows near the old Jeff Weir, Executive Director of the Quarantine Station they herd fish Dolphin Research Institute, at Hastings. up against the sandbank or just This article is based on his talk. enjoy scratching their tummies. e have, in Port Phillip Bay Further out, they may bang on the W and along Victoria’s coast water to surround a shoal of fish line, a series of marine ecosystems then take turns to zoom through The Dolphin Research Institute that are of global significance. The and eat. They bow-ride the big has been studying the population large majority of species here are ferries – Jeff told of one bow rider in southern Port Phillip since the found nowhere else in the world. who caught a squid and as he early 1990s. It’s one of the longest This is because, for millennia, shook and flicked it about, people running studies of its type in the ocean currents from the north on the front of the ferry were world, and is currently being have bypassed the continent’s sprayed with squid ink! expanded to cover Western Port southern coastline. Each year between six and and the Gippsland Lakes. To build Take our dolphins. Port Phillip twelve wrinkled calves are born – up a picture of the dolphins’ Bay is home to about 80 to 100 the “foetal folds” in their skin take behaviour, the researchers about eight weeks to smooth out. painstakingly analyse thousands of They stay close by the mother, photos, identifying each dolphin by travelling in her slip stream. its unique fin shape. Computers Leaping is something they have to have not yet bettered the human learn – you may see them eye in doing this, though a project practising, trying hard to stay the with Monash University aims to right way up! change this.

BERG Committee President Keith Wilson Treasurer Richard Kirsner Schools Liaison Jenny Selby Vice President Harry Harris Field Officer Liz Barraclough Century Dve Friends Tony O’Connor Secretary Mary Stemp Rotary Club Liaison Andy McGuigan Kotor Friends Margaret Caldwell Minutes Sec. Pam Hearn Newsletter Angela Kirsner Greenfields Friends Hazel Athey Address for correspondence: Hon Secretary, BERG Inc, PO Box 433, Mt Martha 3934. Phone: 5974 3996 Website: http://berg.org.au BERG is a member of Coast Action/Coastcare Program and Greening Australia Victoria Page 2 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 6, December 2006 Humans, particularly ecotourism, and saw killer whales feeding inside are the main threat to the Port the Heads, something Jeff had Phillip dolphins (other human never seen before! impacts include pollution, In its research, the Institute introduced species, coastal focuses largely on dolphins. As the development, overfishing and top of the food chain, they are a aquaculture). The Institute, sensitive indicator of the health of however, has worked with the the whole marine ecosystem, and State Government and industry the Institute’s education and representatives since the early Blue devil fish community involvement programs 1990s and Victoria now has one of embrace the entire marine the best systems in the world to each summer. You can see them ecosystem. They are particularly regulate dolphin tourism and from Cape Otway, 30 to 50 km out concerned with catchment ensure it is sustainable for both to sea, and occasionally from Cape management and human impacts dolphins and tourists. Schanck. They feed on the edge of on land. But the dolphins are only one the continental shelf, on Wirake, the 19 metre inflatable aspect of the Port Phillip’s riches. zooplankton in the nutrient-rich whale, has been a great hit in The Bay is home, for example, to water that up wells from about 3 schools in the Institute’s “A Whale the awesome Blue Devilfish, which km down. out of Water” program. lives in underwater caves off Yet surveys by the Currently, the Portsea; a brilliant blue and yellow Institute show that Institute’s education sea slug called Verco’s Nudibranch; over 90% of programs and publicity Feather Duster Tube Worms; and Melburnians value are reaching 40,000 Victoria's underwater faunal Queensland’s marine people a month. The goal emblem, the Weedy Sea Dragon. life over our own. is over 200 schools and Bright orange colonies of This is a hurdle to hundreds of thousands Bryozoans – tiny, box-like gaining funding and of people. creatures with tentacles – suck resources for marine Importantly, Victoria plankton and oxygen from the conservation in how has a system of 13 water, and brilliant yellow southern areas – Zoanthid marine national parks Zoanthids line sea caves at the even for dolphins. and the 11 marine sanctuaries, Heads. Delicate Sea Spiders about The Institute set up the “i sea i about half of these within about 90 the size of a five cent piece feed on care” Ambassador Project to minutes drive of Melbourne. The amongst the rich life on rocks and address this perception issue. system is unique in the world in piers – and Monash University Established first in schools, the that it is the first integrated series scientists are regularly finding program is now being rolled out to of parks, based on preserving and entirely new species of these business and community groups. conserving the many different spiders. Killer whales have recently The goal is to put Victoria’s living ecosystems around our coastline. been seen off Dromana and, marine treasures on the Jeff drew attention, however, to amazingly, a young hump-backed community’s radar for the whole the concerning fall in levels of whale was seen feeding off year, and to build the perception concern over the environment, Mornington that what lives around our particularly among young people. in October. southern coasts is too Australian Bureau of Statistics Beyond, precious to lose. figures show that, from the early in Western Through “i see i care”, 90s to 2004, the percentage of 18 Port are the Institute has to date to 24-year-olds showing concern some of the worked with young about the environment dropped most ambassadors in around 60 from 80% to 57%. The southerly schools. Workshops, considerable progress in the last 20 stands of Pycnogonid – Sea Spider regular newsletter inserts years has depended on those of us mangroves. Seal populations, and a range of other resources who grew up in the 60s and the 70s decimated by hunting at the end of support these young ambassadors and are now in positions of the 1800s, have built up again and in bringing the “i see i care” influence. Maintaining this level of there are about 35,000 off Seal message to their community. activity and interest is one of the Rocks. And Victoria is also one of Ambassadors from 22 schools greatest challenges now facing us. very few places in the world where spent a day on the Australian To learn more about the Dolphin blue whales – the biggest creature Maritime College’s FTV Bluefin Research Institute, visit its excellent that has ever lived on the planet – fisheries research and training website at www.dolphinresearch.org.au. can be seen as they come to feed vessel in southern Port Phillip – Page 3 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 6, December 2006

FIELD NEWS

From the Field Officer to the boardwalk, below the Century-Drive t will be a most interesting six Bunyip area. We then spotted four Habitat-Link I months ahead to monitor the ‘diggings’, which could be Group effect of this amazing dry on the attributed to the echidna, along the ur Group Reserve and surrounding areas, Bunyip path. Ohas been in including our gardens. How will Mary Stemp action most Saturday mornings, naturally established indigenous but in 2007 we plan to schedule plants cope compared with ones BERG is keen to record keep track of one morning per month. We’ve we have planted? What will be the echidna sightings. If you see an echidna, achieved a lot: effect of planting at different times let Mary know, on 5974 3996 or [email protected]. • Our street plantings are almost and in different places?. And what finished and starting to grow and will be the effect on the estuary Working safely take shape. and creek – the water levels, flows ecently I attended an • From Melbourne Water, we and quality? ROccupational Health and received a $2200 grant in July for Perhaps it’s a year to enjoy a long Safety training for volunteers run creek plantings and maintenance, hot summer in the water and by Denis Cox of Coast Action / and have applied for a second to smothered in sunburn cream!! Coast Care, and have emerged as establish a wetland and The last two working bees have BERG’s OH&S Officer (I guess landscaping in the Century Drive tackled weeding. In October – it’s a step up from tea lady!). The retarding basin. Weedbuster month – we worked purpose is to make us aware of any • Most Monday afternoons, along the firetrack below the risks in the work we’re doing and Benton’s Junior College students Bunyip to pull Polygala, take steps to minimise these risks. help us enthusiastically with Pittosporum and Boneseed When working in scrub, sharp plantings, nature surveys and lots seedlings. In November it was twigs can cause damage to eyes or of good ideas for our “wish list”. great to be joined by some younger legs. BERG’s committee has These include a playground and members to tackle a large and approved the purchase of safety equipment, landscaping ideas like entrenched patch of Polygala, goggles and leggings, and we need duck-boxes for the proposed Boneseed and Italian Buckthorn to ensure that our First Aid Kit is new wetland, nature trails, signs below the track just before the always on site. and monuments. boardwalk. We have now almost Leggings also provide protection • We are investigating possibilities entirely cleared woody weeds from from snakes, which I understand for a walking and bicycle trail the area below the kindergarten, have been seen in the Reserve. (The Balcombe-Beach Trail) bowling green and control burn Expert advice tells us, however, from Century Drive through to site, right through to the estuary. that snakes will not attack humans the Mt Martha Beach. Stage 1 I hope everyone has a terrific if we leave them alone. If you would be a Century Drive Loop, Christmas and Happy New Year encounter a snake, keep still and let from the retarding basin along and thank you for all your help and it go its own way – snake bites are creek to the concrete footpath support throughout the year. We very often incurred by someone joining back onto the south end hope to see you fit and well and trying to kill a snake. of Century Drive. raring to go in 2007. Insect and spider bites are a risk. With lots of enthusiasm at our end Liz Barraclough Heavy gloves are the answer, and of the Creek, especially with the Jottings from the Bunyip are also important when dabbing input of the school, we’re looking herbicide on cut stems of woody forward to getting into gear for e were sitting in Daly's 2007. Dell when a young woman weeds. (We require a licence to use W Tony O’Connor & on the top path stopped and a herbicide stronger than Roundup, pointed out that there is a but even that can be absorbed into Glyn Rowlands possum's nest up in the Tea Tree the skin.) with two young – we could see To use the weed burner, we require a license from Council, BERG welcomes new members: their heads poking out. It’s been Emily & Tim Howes there for some time, but we’d been which stipulates stringent Jane Lockie so busy attacking weeds that we conditions including air Lynette Wilks hadn’t noticed it. temperature, and carrying water Marion Hawker and a spade. When using it, two of Deirdre & Steven Fitzgerald She also told us she’d recently Pat Long seen an echidna near the entrance us always work together. Mary Stemp Page 4 THE CREEK Vol 10 No 6, December 2006 Diary Dates BERG Working Bees Meetings All welcome! BERG Committee meets every 6 weeks at Mt Martha Meet at the Rotunda BBQ (Mel: 144 K11) on: House, Saturdays 9.30. Next meeting on Saturday 27th ™3rd Sunday of every month, from 9.00 to 12.00. January. All members welcome. Coffee and BERG-baked delicacies at 10.30. If you’re SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and running late, phone Liz’s mobile (0408 388 430) to find Fauna Association) meets 1st Monday of the month, where we are working. Next working bee 7.30 pm, at Parks Vic, Hinton Street, Rosebud SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY. (Mel 170 C4). Contact Jan Dwyer on 5986 6566. ™ Tuesdays from 9.30 to 12.00. Coffee break at 10.30. Friends of Harrap Creek field days 4th Sunday of the Bring gloves – other equipment provided. month, 9.30. Contact Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. All queries to Mary Stemp on 5974 3996. th Fairbairn Bushland Reserve Friends Group Waterwatch testing: Tuesday February 20 2007 th th (every 3 months, third Tuesday of the month) working bees: 10 am, March 11 , June 10 2007 – meet at top of Margeurita Ave. Contact John Stoker on 5974 4726.

Membership Application I wish to become a family/individual member of Please send to: BERG and enclose cash/a cheque payable to BERG Membership Secretary for: BERG, PO Box 433 Joining fee $1 $ Mount Martha 3934 Individual subscription (per year) $4 $ Family subscription (per year) $5 $ Donation (tax deductible over $2) $ Total $ ......

Name ...... Address...... Phone...... Fax ...... Mobile...... Email ......

THE CREEK Print Post Approved pp339493/00001 If undelivered, please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE BERG, PO Box 433 PAID Mount Martha 3934 MAIL AUSTRALIA