Wild Images Free Energy Audit Wilderness photographer Henry Gold An energy efficient house is the best way to will be the guest speaker at our July reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases. general meeting on Friday 27 July at the John Ross of Integral Energy has made a special Conservation Hut, Wentworth Falls. offer to residents of the Blue Mountains to do In 1956, the year after he arrived FREE ENERGY AUDITS on homes for a limited from Europe, Henry Gold joined the time this winter. So do accept this offer and get a Bushwalkers Club and began to free audit done on your house, even if you are Housing Issues appreciate the Australian landscape. A renting – it will still help save money on your ‘Local Housing for few years later his skill as a photographer heating bills. Ring John Ross on 4782.5296 began to open the eyes of Australians to Local People’ will be the its unique wilderness heritage. Save Energy: Save Habitat theme of a public meeting on Henry is a true Man of the Mountains An energy efficient house is one way to reduce 24 July, 9am – 1pm, at the and he knows the NSW wilderness that the amount of wood being burnt. Six million Santa Maria Centre in lies beyond the reach of the automobile. tonnes of firewood are consumed in each Lawson (cnr. Kitchener and He supported the infant environment year, as much as is exported as woodchips. The Mary Streets). movement as its honorary photographer equivalent of ten football fields of native forest is The purpose of the and he has continued in that capacity. felled each day for firewood. meeting is to build a better In 1967, Henry provided the images Firewood on sale in the Blue Mountains and understanding of affordable for the classic brochure “Quarrying Sydney comes from Queensland and woodlands housing issues in the Valuable Scenery”, which helped to save around Oberon, Capertee, Mudgee and Dubbo. Mountains and to develop the Colong Caves area in the southern Loss of habitat is reducing biodiversity and our strategies and action steps Blue Mountains. Countless numbers of wonderful wildlife. addressing the problems. Henry Gold photographs have since been You can stay warm on a winter evening and The presence of used to publicise wilderness protection. conserve habitat too. Society members at the He provided images for the World Further information: meeting would be highly Heritage Lobby Book which was used to • Get a free copy of the leaflet Is Your Wood desirable because of the secure World Heritage Listing for the Going up in Smoke? Ring EPA on 131 555 possible impact of new Greater Blue Mountains. • Contact Alternative Technology Centre at affordable housing His work has covered the Greater www.ata.org.au/heating development on the natural Blue Mountains, Kakadu, the NSW • When building or renovating contact the ecology, and because of the rainforests, the Snowy Mountains and Sustainable Energy Development Authority importance of becoming Central Australia, and has been (SEDA) on 02.9319 0022 more aware of the close reproduced in the press and many links between social justice journals (including Habitat and National Earth Alive! Biodiversity Month and environmental sustainability — an Parks Journal), books (Australian 2001 is on in September. Biodiversity awareness that we need to integrate more Natural Heritage), the Battle for the Month is a national celebration of into our own conservation work. Bush, Blue Mountains World Heritage. Australia's rich diversity of life, and what For further information contact Paul His own publications include the all Australians can do to help conserve Mannings on 4754 4451 or Mary Macdonnell Ranges, Colo Wilderness, wildlife habitat. This month is Waterford at the Mountains Community Wild Places, and for 17 years until 1997 coordinated by Community Biodiversity Resource Network on 4759 3599. the NSW Wilderness Calendar. Network. (Many thanks to Keith Muir of the World Heritage Funding Help promote the conservation of Much of the focus following the Colong Foundation who provided the Australia's species and ecosystems, and above information in an email to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage promote your community's conservation Listing has been about the economic Society and in an article in the May issue activities. of NCC’s newsletter, Environment NSW). benefit to the area. This year the Community As a community within a World Some of Henry’s work can be seen Biodiversity Network and the Threatened on the Henry Gold Wilderness Gallery Heritage Area it is our responsibility to Species Network have developed a one- look after the area, to repair the damage web site at http://www.colongwilderness. stop-shop National Biodiversity Month/ org.au/GoldGallery/default.htm already caused and ensure that no further National Threatened Species Day (7th damage is done. The general meeting starts at 7.30 September) kit. The Kit includes a pm. Visitors are very welcome. The Federal Government has made a product order form, which enables commitment to protect the World Shopping Bags groups taking part to access a broad Heritage area, and to restore those areas Our new calico bags are very popular range of free education and promotional that have become degraded. A major and are selling fast. Each calico bag materials. cause of degradation is the presence and used helps to reduce the 14 million To receive a kit or for more introduction of feral species in the plastic bags going to landfill in Australia information contact the Community National Park. each day. Our birds logo and our name Biodiversity Network. Ph: (02) 9262 The Society is asking the Federal are something to be proud to carry! 4743, Email: [email protected] or Government to create a budget to The bags are available at monthly browse 'Earth Alive!' Biodiversity Month eliminate feral species in the World Friday meetings for $5 and at the http://www.cbn.org.au/projects/ Heritage Area. Conservation Hut Café during the day. earthalive2001/home.html Biodiversity Month Meeting on

Hut News , No. 168, July 2001 — Page 1. “Hut News ”, the newsletter of Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. Our Home & the Environment much higher P.O. Box 29, Wentworth Falls, 2782 embodied energy level Recycling than those produced Phone 4757 1872 Fax 4757 1753 We have made some major decisions on Email: [email protected] by a place in Botany, Web page: http//www.pnc.com.au/~bmcs how to build the house based on the which has the mill on- embodied energy of products as discussed President: Robin Mosman 4757.1354 site, hence reducing (fax) last month. Using products which are the transportation 4757.4503 recyclable has had some similar influences on energy. We plan to First Vice President: Bob Seaborne 4751.6100 the process but not necessarily in isolation to use second-hand (e-mail) [email protected] embodied energy. This means that we have Second Vice President: Jim Wallace 4784.3305 floorboards in the also assessed the embodied energy of bedrooms. They will Correspondence Secretary: Frances Love recycled products. We have also tried to use 4757.2585 (e-mail) [email protected] have less embodied Meetings Secretary: Heather Hull 4739.1493 products which will be recyclable in the future. energy and be cheaper. (e-mail) [email protected] Second-hand products are re-used with Windows - there is an abundance of Membership Secretary: Elizabeth van Reyswoud minimal refurbishment and hence the suppliers of second-hand windows in the Phone/Fax 4759.2508 embodied energy only relates to their q (e-mail) [email protected] Mountains and in Sydney. None however sell dismantling, cleaning and transportation to the double-glazed. "Branches" in Lawson will Treasurer: Bart Beech 4739.9947 new site. For instance we will use second- (e-mail) [email protected] make double-glazed windows from second- Publicity: Margaret Sleath 4759.3350 hand bricks for the piers. These are bricks, hand hardwood, so we are choosing this (e-mail) [email protected] which have been dismantled from a house in option. The issue is that the embodied energy Land Use: Lyndal Sullivan 4782.1635 Sydney, placed directly on a truck and of producing the new windows is much higher (e-mail) [email protected] transported to our place. It means that we will Walks Convener: Bill Graham 4759.1692 than using second-hand windows. The double have to clean them when they arrive which we glazed windows however will save us heating (e-mail) [email protected] may have balked at if they weren't a lime Plant Nursery Manager: David Coleby energy during the life of the house thus Phone/Fax 4784.1395 mortar, which is easy to clean. Recycled offsetting the energy used in production. National Parks: David Patfield 4757.3949 products on the other hand have been re- Our house will be very woody. We have (e-mail) [email protected] processed in some way and hence may have mainly tried to build the house from local Education: Meredith Brownhill 4782.4823 a higher embodied energy. We have tried to (e-mail) [email protected] exotic trees milled on site. Where we haven't minimise embodied energy by using second been able to use this type of wood we have Bushfire Rep: Hugh Paterson 4751-2303 hand rather than recycled products. (e-mail) [email protected] used second-hand wood. Where we can't use Bushcare: Clive Heywood-Barker We didn't mill all the wood for our house, either of the above we have used recycled 4782.9209 so had to find some recycled and second- wood. In these instances, the energy used in (e-mail) [email protected] hand alternatives. re-processing the wood, has been offset by Projects: Helga Esamie 4787.7690 Floors - we decided to make a feature of (e-mail) @pnc.com.au the energy saved over the operation of the the new lounge, dining and entry hall floors finished house. The one exception is in using Ian Baird 4782.6775 and so looked at options for floorboards from (e-mail) [email protected] recycled floorboards in the lounge. Well Serge Domicelj 4784.1907 demolition yards. Second-hand floorboards nobody is perfect - we wanted to give (e-mail) [email protected] can be found in a number of demolition yards ourselves a treat. Newsletter Editor: Christine Davies 4787.7246 around Sydney and the Mountains. These Wherever possible we have tried to re-use (fax at BANC, mark for attn C Davies) 4787.7777 always have nail holes, which while they may (e-mail) [email protected] products from the house we have demolished. add character to the floor, they may need When not possible we have tried to find patching up and cleaning before they are re- someone else who could use them. However usable. There are also yards, which recycle despite these intentions it has not been easy Welcome to New Members large pieces of timber collected from the trying to dispose of some products. Gyprock, Colleen McFadden, Hazelbrook demolition of old factories, wharfs, etc. These which is recycled in Sydney as an additive to Mathiana Seskus, Lawson timbers are re-milled into floorboards. Hence garden fertiliser, cannot be re-used in the Ronald and Joan Liversidge, Lapstone you can buy hardwood floorboards that are Mountains. Monica Shephard, Blaxland seasoned yet look new. One place in Rozelle The next instalment will be about some Gail Blamey, Wentworth Falls collects the timbers and transports them to other issues to consider when using timber. Ursula Heckel and Jennifer Gabbay, Kandos to mill then transports them back to Cheers - Wentworth Falls Rozelle for sale. These floorboards have a Greg Wellham and Jessica Yuille. DP Edwards and DA Brown, Blackheath natural water flow. The Burrendong Dam of water use, to restore and protect Admin/Office Help Needed above Wellington, for example, retains freshwater ecology by returning environ- Do you have administration and flows from seasonal rainfall and releases mental flows to and to protect water office management skills and a little time them during the summer months, a time quality. to spare on a regular basis? Our when naturally the should be dry. Now NCC is working to build overworked Secretary needs somebody This is not only fatal for native fish community understanding and support, to help organise and maintain the office species but also supports the spread of talking to local communities about the — a half day a week would be great. introduced pests such as Carp. actions they can take to restore their There are also projects from time to time, Salinity problems in the Macquarie waterways and meeting with State which need somebody to “own” and catchment and run-off from urban Government to ensure that healthy organise the details. Phone Robin development degrade water quality. It is waterways are one of their very top Mosman 4757.1354 if you can help. predicted that Dubbo’s drinking water priorities. Water One of the Challenges will be unsuitable for consumption within The Nature Conservation Council of From its headwaters high on the the next 20 years. And the unique (NCC) is the state’s western slopes of the Blue Mountains, Macquarie Marshes, home to thousands peak environment group. Water is just the snakes its way of native bird species, have reduced by at one of the challenges. NCC work equally least 50 percent over the last 50 years. hard to protect oceans, native vegetation, across the Central West of NSW, through Tragically, the Macquarie River is not the coast and air quality. the sea of bird-life that is the Macquarie a unique case. Only an average of six The NCC needs public support to Marshes and into the Murray Darling percent of natural flows are retained in continue this vital work for the NSW river system. NSW’s waterways. environment. Donations to the Nature Along its length, the Macquarie is a Last year, the Nature Conservation Conservation Council of NSW, Level 5, vital source of drinking water and the Council of New South Wales ran an 362 Kent Street, Sydney 2000, are tax lifeblood for an internationally intensive lobbying and public awareness deductible. significant wetland, and acts as a massive raising campaign to reform water use in stormwater drain. It also doubles as one NSW. This campaign was successful. of NSW’s major sources of irrigation The new water legislation has the water, which has a dramatic effect on potential to vastly increase the efficiency

Hut News , No. 168, July 2001 — Page 2. the Regents. (Isobel Evans, Blue Membership Enquiries Capertee Tree Planting Mountains Bird Observers Newsletter, Contact Elizabeth van Reyswoud During 5-6 May about 200 volunteers May 2001) Phone/Fax: 4759.2508 (a.h.) converged on a beautiful to plant The next tree plant weekend will be Email: [email protected] trees and shrubs to assist in the Capertee held on 11-12 August. Contact David Post: PO Box 29,Wentworth Falls 2782 Valley Regent Honeyeater Recovery Geering (Freecall 1800 621056, email Program. Over 7000 trees were planted, [email protected]. gov.au) Why do they keep expanding? Does the an ambitious increase over the 8500 colony keep growing? What is it like planted during two weekends last year. On Thursday Bushwalks inside? It is estimated that about 80% of the With Jill Dark, Woodford Fire Trail: The creek has cut a beautiful and world’s Regent Honeyeaters visit the A load of drips tortuous path through the tough rocks Capertee Valley. According to the she-oaks shakes herself surrounding Wall’s Cave — a mighty Readers Digest Complete Book of Birds, in the breeze loop, a tunnel through the rocks following they feed on “nectar rifled from various With Olive Noble, Hat Hill to Bald Hill: a landslide, another loop past the cave, box and ironbark eucalypts and “I love walking in heathland — I then another loop after it passes the cave. occasional banksias and mistletoes ... but don’t know what it is — perhaps The discussion got onto the destination of they also take insects, manna, lerps and its stepping out in space”. the water in the creek — winding through fruit”. The Regent Honeyeater remains a (Meredith) the Grand Canyon, bouncing down species whose movements and Something else waterfalls into the , into the population size are still largely a has enjoyed this track Grose River, the , to mystery. its pile of poo the Pacific Ocean. This would have to be Some experts believe about 21% of lyrebird mounds one of the most scenic water courses in Australian bird species are threatened, the world, the creeks and rivers twisting mostly due to habitat loss. A sad observ- the dancers trilling away in the valley and turning all the way. ation on how the unique flora and fauna David asked the question: How long of this wonderful country are valued. — Diana Levy, 31/5/01 — Walls Cave, June 1, 2001 does the water take to reach the ocean? David Geering did an unbelievable He had heard that during dry times, job of organising such a large group to The Thursday walkers enjoyed a leisurely walk to Wall’s Cave on June 1. because of poor flow in the river, the work hard, get wet and muddy, and still waters of the Hawkesbury can take up to wish to return for more plantings. A Honeyeaters were plentiful in the Banksias, darting across the track, five months to reach the ocean, from delicious meal was provided by the locals Windsor. for almost 150 people packed into the sometimes almost colliding with the walkers. It was a beautiful winter’s day, Ferrous Cave, June 28, 2001 Glen Alice Hall. On Sunday 6th some of Our final walk for this term was along our observers were treated to sightings of a time and a place to reflect on Nature’s wonders. a disused and eroded track off Mount The old Termite’s Piddington to the Ferrous Cave. A set of Winter Sunset beautifully carved stone steps is the only mound near the top of the Have you viewed the sunset from No 16? track brought about some indication that it ever was a made walking for there is no better sight to be seen discussion. It was large track. To celebrate the Winter Solstice on a winter’s day with its blue yellow gold, twelve years ago when I we had a “literary morning tea” with rays of light behind black Mount Hay first saw it. It would have candles to light the cave, cheese and quietly going on its way. been interesting to have nibbles prepared by Irene’s Deli, a song measured it then and see by the newly formed Ferrous Cave Choir, The joy and peace of the sunset is broken how much it has grown. and original poetry and poetry by Henry by the 5.40 train going noisily on its way, How old is the nest? Lawson and others. unaware of the beauty of the day. The next series of Thursday There was evidence of As I relax and reflect on the day new work on top of the morning Interpretive Bushwalks will I know that the sunset will return the very next day. mound. The termites commence on July 26. Enquiries to (Bill Marrow) come out at night to work. Christine Davies 4787.7246. proposals. Some of these over the past Australian snake-necked tortoise with 10 years have variously threatened the which it competes (up to 1 kg). Red- , the Blue eared slider also causes disturbances to Labyrinth, and Elphinstone Plateau as the ecology in other ways, is an well as the Grose, Megalong and undesirable tenant overall, and should Kanimbla Valleys. If truck traffic on the be reported if seen. It can be identified highway does increase, I believe by distinctive red marks on the neck. environmentally friendly by-passes of National Party Forms Council Jeer several of the most affected town Squad centres are achievable. An applauded speech at the recent The RTA’s current approach west of NSW National Party conference Katoomba minimises the future suggested there are too many elderly potential spread of road construction councillors holding up development on Pinch me! ——— I’m agreeing with the RTA and traffic impact into local councils. The The RTA has been criticised over its the currently less spoiled thrust of it was that designs for the Soldier’s Pinch (Mt parts of the World these geriatrics Victoria) and Shell Corner (Katoomba) Heritage Area and its should proceed in highway upgrades. Some criticism is surrounds. lemming-like mass to confused but the suggestion that B- ‘‘‘Red‘RedRedRed----earedeared Slider’ versus the cliff edge and double trucks may eventually be free of ‘‘‘Snakeneck’‘Snakeneck’ jump! I recall some present obstacles on the highway No, this is not about very environmentally between Faulconbridge and Lithgow is mud wrestling (in the responsible voting by well founded. usual sense). The councillors with While we could hope that, in the American tortoises greying hair and long term, sanity will prevail and rail which NPWS District wrinkles (attributes will win out over road transport, on Manager Geoff which I also possess). present trends it is a colossal gamble to Luscombe drew attention Perhaps it’s best left hope that there will never be a B-double to some months ago may to the voters whether route over the Mountains (the still be muscling in on some experienced Maunsell-McIntyre report explains Glenbrook Lagoon. The councillors should why). The current absence of such a American red-eared stay. Don Morison. route provokes ‘Super Highway’ slider is heavier than the Hut News , No. 168, July 2001 — Page 3. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Celebrating World Heritage July 21 (Sat) Management Meeting , 9 am, Mid Mountains Community Centre, The Bluegum Pathways project is a Lawson. series of events to celebrate the July 27 (Fri) General Meeting , at the Conservation Hut, 7.30 pm. (See page 1). experience of living around a World Sept 1-30 Earth Alive! Biodiversity Month Heritage Area, with the communities of QUOLL CLUB (Activities for 12 and under) the Greater Blue Mountains. These For more information contact Jessica on 4788.1200. For a copy of the events will inform, entertain and call Quoll Club Newsletter, contact the Membership Secretary (details on Page 2.) attention to our role as custodians of this natural wonder. The project celebrates BUSHCARE (Tools provided — bring morning tea and gloves.) July 13 (Fri) Valley of the Waters Bushcare Group. (2nd Friday of every the environment of which we are a part, month) Contact Karen on 4757.1929 for the meeting place. giving it the recognition that it deserves (following Friday if wet). in our national and regional psyche. July 8 (Sun) Digger Cooper Reserve Bushcare Group. (2nd Sunday of every The Gumtree Songline Walk and month) Meet 9 am at the Reserve (GWH, West of Sorenson Bridge). Gumnut Campfires, Sept 1 to 22 Contact Ross Coster 4759.1247. Walking the LAND. Learning about the World Heritage Values. BUSHWALKS : Carry drinking water (minimum 1 litre), bring morning tea, and lunch for day walks. Wear shoes with a good tread. Appreciation and understanding of the natural ecosystems. Recording the Leaders’ Meeting , to plan weekend walks. Saturday, 21 July, 9.30 am, at species of gumtrees which gives this area 144 Valley Road, Hazelbrook. Register with Bill Tocher, Ph. 4758.8545. world recognition. Expanding Monday Leisure Walks: Usually half day walks,easy/medium, leisurely pace. communication between Note: Bus Trips will be monthly from May. Program/Bookings 4759.1692. conservationists, bushwalkers and local July 09 Grand Canyon. Meet Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre 9am. Contact communities. Kees Putting 4759.1958. Medium. BBQ lunch at Govett’s Leap. The walk is a three week long relay July 15-17 Port Stephens Bus Trip . Bookings, contact Bill Graham 4759.1692. through the heart of the Inscribed Leaving from Katoomba depot 8.30 am. Cabin accommodation at Shoal Heritage Area. There will be 3 starts to Bay, and more .... the walk, 2 from the northern boundary July 23 Water Board track, QVH. Meet Wentworth Falls Station 9 am. Contact and 1 from the southern. Each relay Kees Putting 4759.1958. Easy half day. Bring lunch. stage will be walked by no more than 6 July 30 Portal Waterhole and Old Oaks Track. Meet Glenbrook Station carpark walkers in each party for 2 to 4 days. 9 am. Contact Allan Macaulay 4739.2767. Easy half day. BBQ after. The walk will culminate in a major Aug 06 Valley of the Waters. Meet Wentworth Falls Station 9 am. Contact Bill overnight celebration in Blue Gum Graham 4759.1692. Medium half day, coffee or lunch at The Hut. Forest. For further information contact Wyn Jones, PO Box 60, Blackheath Wednesday Pleasure Walks: Usually morning walks, easy/medium. 2785, email [email protected] July 11 and Grose Valley Lookout. Meet Mount Victoria Station 9 am. Contact Bill Graham 4759.1692. Easy. BMCS Six Day Activity July 18 Murphy’s Glen Turpentine Walk. Meet Woodford Station (south side) Warm-ups are currently underway for 9 am. Contact Jock Mckechnie 4758.6346. BBQ after. the Society’s six-day activity, organised July 25 McMahon’s Point Lookout . Meet Wentworth Falls Station 9 am. Car by Don Morison, which will join in the Pool. Contact Jock Mckechnie 4758.6346. Easy, BBQ after. overnight celebration in Blue Gum Aug 01 Ferntree Gully Bus Trip. Phone Bill Graham for reservation. Departing Katoomba Depot 8.30 am. Easy. Rylestone Hotel for lunch. Forest on 22 September. If you have made enquiries and not Weekend Bushwalks: Bushwalkers are requested to phone the leader before 8 pm heard back from Bill Graham or Don the day before the walk. The leader may cancel the walk if fewer than Morison, or would like to participate, 4 walkers register, or if other circumstances make conditions unsafe. please contact Don on 4759.2128 or These walks are of various grades, full or half day. PO Box 170 Katoomba 2780. July 08 (Sun) Bonnie Doon, Nellies Glen and the Devil’s Hole. Meet Gearins Walking the Far Side Hotel. Contact Mary and Terry Flynn 4787.6918 for meeting time and advice on climbing as grade is medium with a hard climb out. of World Heritage Bring lunch. There is a story of rediscovery starting July 14 (Sat) Terrace Falls. Meet Hazelbrook Station carpark 9.30 am. Contact from the west, at Capertee village and Bill Tocher 4758.8545. Medium day walk. heading southeast. You will discover the July 22 (Sun) Megalong Road to Cox’s River. Meet Blackheath commuter car truth about mining, pine plantations and park 9.30 am. Contact Kees Putting 4759.1958. Medium day walk. conservation. July 28 (Sat) Wentworth Falls, Rocket Point, . Meet Wentworth First stop is Airly mesa, targeted for Falls Station 9.30. Contact Bill Tocher 4758.8545. Medium, day. mining and a very special place, home of Bill Tocher is organising the weekend program for us. Please give him 300 craggy sisters (pagodas). See the your cooperation on 4758.8545. former oil shale mine works, how close Walks are generally Easy to Medium Grade, unless otherwise noted. Easy : they lived to the earth. Mostly good surfaces, but some rough or steep sections. Suited to people of average Next stop is south over Baal Bone Gap fitness. Medium: Includes rough or steep sections, some of which may require to examine the damage done to this scenic clambering over natural obstacles. Discuss with leader if in doubt. If this is your area. From there, along the Great Divide first walk , or you are in any doubt, contact the leader or Bushwalks Convener Bill over Gardiners Gap, to the very Graham 4759.1692. headwaters of the , a trailers paradise. Walkers will venture into the cliff collapsed ruins of western Quarry, stopping off at threatened around 15 or 16 September. There will escarpment of Newnes Plateau. Advance Gooches Crater. Then off to the Grose be an opportunity to join us along the to the headwaters of the Valley via the Invincible Colliery and on way when we get to the pine forest, and where 5ML/day of mine water is pumped to by 22 September. food drops can be arranged.. each day. We will visit the arboreal It won't all be ugly by any means but Those interested in this Blue Gum desert Newnes pine forest, examining the Mining walk please contact: Keith sights and smells of the sewage sludge the bad mixes with the good and you see what we have lost and why we are lucky Muir at the Colong Foundation for application area, then down the Blue Wilderness (phone 9299 7341). Mountains Range to Cables Sands, to have saved the Blue Mountains. The Clarence Colliery, and the Rockla walk should take about a week, starting This issue of Hut News has been printed on 100% Recycled Paper Hut News , No. 168, July 2001 — Page 4.