forthcoming year. Meeting About Wollemi Last year we made a list of 10 key At our next general meeting at the objectives and achieved most of them, with Conservation Hut on Friday August 29, good progress on others. It was a very Blue Mountains Conservation Society will successful year for the Society, with a 50% host a Joint Public Meeting between increase in membership. BMCS and the Colong Foundation to At the end of the planning day we discuss the Wollemi Wilderness proposal. knew each other better, had enjoyed All affiliated environment groups are ourselves, and had agreed on 13 key Survey of invited to attend. objectives for 1997/98. All of these Degraded Lands ---Can-Can You Help? The meeting will take the form of an objectives are achievable and will be One of the Society’s objectives for open forum with a presentation and slide discussed in coming issues of Hut News. 1997/98 is to undertake a survey of all show by Keith Muir of Colong Among them are the objectives to again major degraded lands in the Blue Foundation. and Felicity Wade of the increase our membership, prepare a quality Mountains urban area (viz areas of half an Wilderness Society. submission on LEP1997, and start some acre and larger, from Lapstone to Mount Members are urged to come along and children’s activities. Victoria). These areas will include the 12 participate. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm. It is going to be a busy year and every catchments that have been identified in the Submissions Are Vital member can help in some way (work on a urban runoff programme, and sites where The Wollemi wilderness is only 80 sub-committee, prepare a submission, local groups are actively regenerating the kilometres from Sydney, but it’s harsh write letters, assist on a fete stall, help at area. country — a labyrinth of gorges, ridges, the nursery, tell your friends about the If you are aware of any land that is half cliffs, deep hollows and scattered humps of Society) to make it a successful one. an acre or bigger that is badly degraded by mountains — far removed from the erosion or weeds, would you please ring the sprawling, seething city. Kids and Youth bush regeneration officer, Norm Harris, on The NPWS proposal to reserve Wollemi Are there kids and young people out 84.1554, and let him know the location of as a wilderness area is now on public there who would like to get together? I’d the site and any other relevant details. exhibition for three months. Unfortunately love to hear from anyone from the age of 6 Thank you! the wilderness area proposed for protection to 20 who would like to get out into the Macro Projects is a little more than half the size of the area bush; or do something for the environment; or learn about it; or Macro Projects Officer Andrew Reiner proposed by the Colo Committee. has resigned from the Management It is vital that as many submissions as campaign for it...... The environment needs you! Committee due to personal circumstances. possible are sent (before 26 September) to: The Committee has received Andrew’s Wollemi Contact Officer Please ring me with your ideas/interests or just to say you’d like to be part of such a resignation with regret and would like to National Parks and Wildlife Service thank him for his work in regard to World PO Box 95, Parramatta 2124 group. I will arrange a meeting so we can all brain-storm ideas and make some plans. Heritage nomination and other vital major In making your submission, please note projects on the Society’s behalf. the following points: Harriet Pocock has already written down her ideas — see below. If any member of the Society feels that • That you support the closure of all roads they can fill this committee position or inside the nominated wilderness areas, Waiting by the phone!!! — Jessica (57.2783) would like to know more, please contact especially the Hunter Range and the Secretary Les Coyne on 57.3327. Wirraba Range 4WD trails, and • The Wollemi Wilderness should be enlarged and reassessed using an “Hut News” , the newsletter of the approach consistent with other NEW CLUB! Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. wilderness areas. The declared For all who have children, here is a P.O. Box 29, Wentworth Falls, 2782. wilderness should include the areas used new club for them. It is like the President: Marion Hawley 84-1933 for essential management purposes. conservation group only with this Vice- } Linda Thomas 82-1291 For more information phone Felicity one you do things like craft, tell Presidents } Imre Gahl 84-3286 Wade, Wilderness Society (02) 9552 2355 jokes and stories about the Blue Secretary/Treasurer: Les Coyne 57-3327 or Keith Muir, Colong Foundation (02) Mountains and its animals. A good (Fax) 57-2820 9241 2702. thing to go to! Plus more, more, Bushcare: Norm Harris 84-1554 more, more fun fun fun fun. Education:Jessica Yuille 57-2783 1997/98 Planning Day by Harriet Pocock, age 8 and a half Entertainment: David Coleby Members of BMCS management 84.-1395 committee recently attended a planning Land Use: Don Morison 59-2471 day, held at the Lawson Community Macro Projects Officer (Vacant) Centre and superbly organised and EMP2/LEP97 to Minister Membership: Ross Coster 59-1247 mediated by BMCS member Gary Since the last Hut News went to press, Nursery: David Coleby 84-1395 Werskey. Councillors have sent Environment Publicity: Marie McInnes 82-7110 The day was arranged so that new and Management Plan 2 to the Minister for Bushwalks Co-ordinator (Vacant) old committee members could get together Planning. Hawkesbury/Nepean Catchment Rep. and share their hopes and aspirations for BMCC Mayor and Blue Mountains Rosemary Lathouris 57-2511 the society, go over what we had learned Conservation Society are now referring to Bushfire Rep: Hugh Paterson 51-2303 and achieved during the previous year, and that document as Local Environment Plan Editor: Christine Davies 87-7246 participate in an overall plan for the 1997. It should be on public display soon. (Fax) 87-7777 Deadline for next issue is Aug. 21 Hut News , No. 121, August 1997 — Page 1. for the reopening of tracks in the valley, in Land Use History of Walking Tracks particular the Roberts, Lindeman and A Call to our Membership —Conservation Society’s Involvement Wentworth Passes. They asked Mr. Willis, In the next five (Extracts from Jim Smith’s recently completed Chief Secretary and Minister for Tourism months, BMCS will Heritage Study for NPWS.) BMCC aldermen resolved in July 1966 for a $2000 grant for these works when he be making important visited ‘The Hut’. They offered to assist submissions on to lobby the state government for extra funds for the tracks stressing the “national” the Federation with the marking of Planning changes Lindeman’s Pass. No grant was affecting all settled significance of the Upper Blue Mountains reserves. However, these representations forthcoming and in 1968 the KDWCS areas of the Blue expressed “deep concern” about the Mountains as well as were unsuccessful. During 1967 a number of visitors to the Blue Mountains wrote to deterioration of the area’s tracks to Plans of Management Council. Council responded with the for the three National the local media expressing in strong terms their “disgust” with the poor condition of formation of a 530A committee for the Parks in the area. area. Even though council had taken over The new Local the local walking tracks and their associated facilities. from the trustees in 1957, the 530A Environment Plan 97 Committee was not formed for eleven could bring about Volunteer Activities in the 1960s . During the 1960’s there was volunteer years. Funds were allocated by the zoning changes for activity on two fronts. The Blackheath Committee who worked with volunteers large areas of Mountain townships and Rotary Club, during the period 1965 to from the KDWCS, some of whom had to amendments to other areas’ planning 1968, constructed the first new walking take chainsaws out onto the tracks to clear controls will also be on display. track in the upper Blue Mountains since accumulated regrowth and fallen trees. Exciting voluntary positions are 1941. The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail The Springwood Bushwalking Club available now to help Blue Mountains was a ‘first’ in another way also. It was assisted with this work. Conservation Society develop its input. designed as an environmental education In 1969 the society’s biggest track Write to PO Box 29, Wentworth Falls walk, with plaques giving the names and project was begun. This was the reclearing 2782, or phone Don Morison 4759.2471. information about trees and shrubs. These of the track, originally constructed over the ‘The Golden History of Blue have unfortunately disappeared and have period 1898 to 1910, connecting the Mountains Evangelism ’ not been renewed. National Pass track to West Street. It had During the 1880s, when lonely single Volunteer work, centred on the area probably not been maintained since the late men camped at the foot of the Ruined around the Valley of the Waters, was 1930s. As it had never been given an Castle to mine kerosene shale, the carried out by the Katoomba and District official name the society christened it “The Salvation Army visited them every Sunday Wildlife Conservation Society ( KDWCS ) Nature Trail”. This work took some five to bring their message of comfort. with some assistance from other groups. years to complete. Apart from a contract Climbing back up the track to Narrow (KDWCS is now the Blue Mountains between the 530A committee and Kevin Neck they used to sing a hymn, “Climbing Conservation Society.) It involved the Browne for $170 worth of work, the entire up the golden stair” (to glory), and this is restoration of old tracks that had fallen into project was completed by volunteer labour. how the track came to be known as the disrepair. A feature of the project was the set of “Golden Stairs” (Source: Jim Smith) The KDWCS began in 1961 and by notes interpreting the environment along I would emphasise that these traditional 1963 had started the renovation of the old the track prepared by Isobel Bowden. The Salvationists climbed the golden stairs — Valley of the Waters tea room as an Nature Trail project was entered into the they did not ascend clutching helium-filled environmental education centre and 1972 Daily Telegraph—Bank of New balloons. meeting place. This work and the land- South Wales Operation Earth Day Some BMCS members were concerned scaping of the area around ‘The Hut’ competition. This was described as that the Salvation Army was giving out consumed considerable time of the “Australia’s largest Conservation Contest”. these golden balloons at the Winter Magic society’s volunteer workers. From the It won the regional prize of $65 and beginning, the society took a deep and another $200 for third prize in the state. festival, and the balloons were escaping In November 1972, 60 Senior scouts from their owners and landing in the practical interest in the condition of the walking tracks in the adjacent reserve. An from the Cumberland Scout District National Park. cleared and restored the clifftop tracks in Our BMCS Education Officer has early project was to purchase 160 railway sleepers from the Railway depot at Lawson the reserve. It is of note that one of their written to the Salvation Army and we hope main projects was the reclearing of the that their golden message may be for 6 pence each and transport them to The Hut where they were used “for the tracks connecting Lyrebird Lookout to promoted with air-filled balloons in future. Queen Victoria Lookout and Murphy’s — Don Morison. construction of permanent retaining walls and steps along the eroded and dangerous Lane. After 1973 the society, although it Welcome to New Members sections of the bushwalks.” carried out much work on ‘The Hut’ and Pat and Cathy Cavanagh, Glenbrook In 1964 the society received a £100 its immediate surroundings, was not Margaret and Doug Mavay,Wentworth Falls grant from the Department of Lands. This involved in further track restoration Frances Kelly, Leura was supplemented by the society’s funds to activities. Anne and John Dillon, Epping build sandstone retaining walls at the top Wildlife Crossing Sign Gordon Pendlebury, Winmalee of the tracks near ‘The Hut’. The large Members of Blue Mountains WIRES Patrick Fitzgerald and Lucy Bainger, Leura slabs of milled sandstone can still be seen became concerned about the number of Robert Goodwin, Katoomba there. In the following year another £200 animals being killed by cars at Oaklands Helen Carse and Maureen Howe, Katoomba grant was received which was used to Road at Hazelbrook. The final straw came Mervyn Bird, Blackheath build the steel ladders between Queen when Jill Dark, a member of WIRES and Michael Abbott and Family, Turramurra Victoria lookout and the National Pass the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, track. The original wooden ladders built in was called out to rescue a yellow tailed the early 1930s had burned in the 1957 black cockatoo that was hit by a car. Sadly bushfire. In addition, two bridges were the bird was dead by the time Jill got there. Membership Enquiries: The built across the Valley of the Waters Creek Jill suggested that WIRES request that Society is keen to have new members connecting the (then closed) Vera Falls BMCC erect a wildlife crossing sign. Jill who are concerned about the welfare of track to the (also closed) Wentworth Pass. and several other WIRES members wrote the Blue Mountains natural environment. One of the intentions of the society was to Council and were pleased when their Contact membership secretary, Ross that this would stimulate Council’s interest requests were so quickly responded to. in the reopening of the tracks. In 1966 the Wildlife crossing signs have now been Coster: Work (047)59.1247, Home society, in association with the NSW 59.1837 FAX 59.1095, or write to P.O. erected at Oaklands Road and Hall Pde. Federation of Bushwalking Clubs lobbied Box 29, Wentworth Falls 2782. Hut News , No. 121, August 1997 — Page 2. Walkers Find Travelling Trees logging area. Participants in the inaugural Forest “Conservation is a state of Don’t buy paper that destroys our Campaign Group (FCG) Field Trip were harmony between men and land ... forests, including the following: astounded to learn that some of the tree we abuse land because we regard •REFLEX PAPER: made from 100% ferns they were looking at were actually it as a commodity belonging to us. virgin eucalypt fibre mainly from native travelling across the forest floor — albeit When we see land as a forests and chlorine bleached. extremely slowly — taking thousands of community to which we belong we •COPYRIGHT: made from 100% virgin years to move a few feet.They grow, may use it with love and eucalypt fibre mainly from native forests topple over, and grow again from the new respect.” (Aldo Leopold 1953) and chlorine bleached. site! •AUSTRALIAN PAPER - made from This was just one of the amazing facts 100% virgin eucalypt fibre, mainly from shared by local forest experts who met and native forests and chlorine bleached. escorted the group to some of their Boycott Woodchipping •RENEW 100 - promoted as ‘100% favourite and little known places in the The Australian conservation movement recycled’. Contains approx 10% pre or Southern Forests of NSW. has announced an official campaign to post consumer milk carton material, 20% The group saw giant Turpentines, giant boycott Amcor Ltd (Australian Paper) cotton linters and 70% pre consumer Brown Barrels and Pinkwoods and heard a paper products on account of the waste. This 70% is native forest fibre. Sooty Owl (listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the company’s connection with the Beware of false recycling claims. Threatened Species Conservation Act). woodchipping of native forests. •RENEW 80 - similar content to RENEW The FCG are inviting Walk Leaders The campaign will initially concentrate 100 with a greater proportion of virgin from Bushwalking Clubs to join them on on a consumer boycott of Reflex eucalypt fibre from native forests. these field trips in an effort to highlight photocopy paper, in favour of recycled By choosing to avoid Reflex and vulnerable areas of forests in Southern alternatives. Copyright photocopy paper, you as a NSW. These forests are not in National Amcor Ltd is the largest domestic user consumer are helping to stop native forest Parks and could well be logged in the of woodchips in Australia, sourcing most destruction. future. The Government is currently of their timber from the Central Highlands For more information: Boycott deciding their fate, with a decision due in and the Strzelecki Ranges in Victoria, and Woodchipping Campaign, PO Box 2461, the latter half of 1998. The FCG is hoping from forests in northern Tasmania Fitzroy, VIC. 3065. that increasing knowledge and awareness bordering the Tarkine Wilderness. One of of the areas and encouraging bushwalkers Amcor’s main sources of timber, the A Funny Ending? to visit will convey a strong message that Central Highlands, contains magnificent Seen recently on the telly: A group of these forests are being used, are valuable Mountain Ash forests, remnant old growth people holding placards protesting against and should be protected. and rainforests, and habitat for many the proposed mega-resort at Hinchinbrook. There are lots of ways to help in this endangered species. The Leadbeater’s The person walking beside the Prime vital campaign — if you want to know Possum — Victoria’s faunal emblem, is Minister said to John Howard, “I think more contact the ACF office on (02) 9247 facing extinction with almost half of its they want you to save the dugongs”. The 4285. (Alex Sansom, Forest Campaign Group) known habitat lying within Amcor’s Prime Minister laughed. (Christine Davies)

In the Bush ranging from dominate the view from most areas and the Lord Howe Island, Part 2 coastal foreshore to ascent of the latter is quite an adventure. Ancient land bridges to the moss covered Though Gower 875m is only about the New Zealand to the south trees on the summit same height as the Lockley Pylon track the and Malaysia to the north of Mt. Gower walk starts at sea level whereas a walk from are reflected in the island’s (875m). To the say Blue Gum (300m) rises about 500m. flora and fauna. casual observer the The main environmental problems of Nevertheless some birds of palm trees are the island are rats, goats and weeds and Australian origin are symbolic of the their eradication is a never-ending struggle. readily noticed such as island. They The NSW National Park Service cooperate slightly modified surround the guest with a local trust to handle these problems. silvereyes, golden houses and provide Most of the island’s nooks and crannies whistlers and currawongs. a characteristic can be covered by a week’s stay. It is a The golden whistler is rustle even when very tidy little island— no vagrant plastic very common and its touched by the bags, no tins or bottles on the beaches, no melodious calls are heard lightest of breezes. graffiti. It is a manicured island. Hibiscus on most walks. The There are many blooms of striking variety and other currawong’s call is varieties and one, flowering exotics surround most guest nowhere as strident as its the kentia, provides houses. mainland ancestor but it has the same habit the administrative board with $1,000,000 a After a week’s stay Bunyip’s rustic of arriving at walkers’ lunch-spots for year. Its seeds are raised on the island and mind started to long for the more handouts. Magpie larks (pee wees) and the potted plants exported world-wide. challenging environment of the Blue black-birds are common but are relatively Their great popularity is due to the fact that Mountains. recent arrivals. they can tolerate European conditions as ——— The Bunyip I learned that most of the vegetation indoor plants. has ancient links with New Zealand and Numerous walks New Caledonia. Though the island is only are available but are 11 kms long and about 1.5 kms wide it very slippery after provides a variety of environmental sites rain because of a surface of slippery tree roots and basalt stones. A bonus however is the absence of leeches and snakes. Mt. Lidgbird and Gower

Hut News , No. 121, August 1997 — Page 3. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

AUGUST 10 (Sun) Excursion — Airley Historic Site. Visit to beautiful Mount Airley (near Capertee) and exploration of 100 year old coal mining relics. Beautiful views and easy walking. Meet 9 am at Mount Victoria Station. Contact Christine Davies 87.7246. (NOTE DATE CHANGE) 11 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Gladstone Lookout. Meet 9.30, bottom of Fairmont car park, Leura. Contact Fay Arnold 84.3225, Jan Cutler 84.3079. 16 (Sat) Bushwalk — The Lost World. A beautiful lower mountain walk. Meet outside Springwood Station, Macquarie Street, at 9.a.m. Contact Ron Wheeler 57.1526. 18 (Mon) Nature Track Bushcare Group, 9-12. Meet at The Hut at 9 am. Contact Jessica Yuille 57.2783. 18 (Mon) Leisure Walk — The Wonderland Track. Meet 9.30 outside Hydro Majestic, Blackheath end. Contact Gillian Janus 87.6181. 20 (Wed) “There Is Life Below Woodford” — Walk 3. Kanuka Brook, Crayfish Pool, Red Hands Cave area. Meet Glenbrook entrance to National Park at 10 am. Contact Allan Macaulay 39.2767. Grade 4. Duration 4-5 hours. 21 (Thu) Committee Meeting . 7 pm at Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson. 25 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Rocket Point. Meet at the bottom end Wentworth Falls picnic area carpark (Falls Road) at 9.30 am. (Bring lunch if you would like to see Lee’s travel photos’videos afterwards.) Contact Lee Tredinnick 57.4030. 29 (Fri) General Meeting at The Hut, 7.30 pm. Joint Public Meeting between BMCS and the Colong Foundation. Open forum to discuss Wollemi Wilderness proposal, with a presentation and slide show by Keith Muir of the Colong Foundation and Felicity Wade of the Wilderness Society. SEPTEMBER 01 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Red Gum Park. Meet end of Noble Street, Bullaburra, at 9.30 am. Contact Carolyn O’Neill 57.3141. WATTLE DAY. 08 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Witch’s Leap. Meet Katoomba Falls Kiosk, Katoomba Falls Road (opposite Caravan Park) at 9.30 am. Contact Marie McInnes 82.7110. 15 (Mon) Nature Track Bushcare Group, 9-12. Meet at The Hut at 9 am. Contact Jessica Yuille 57.2783. 15 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Wall’s Cave. Meet Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre at 9.30 am. Contact Norah Gaynor 87.6071. 17 (Wed) Bushwalk — (To be advised) 18 (Thu) Committee Meeting . 7 pm at Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson. 20 (Sat) Bushwalk — Exploring Mount Hay. Contact Imrie Gahl 84.3286. 22 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Mount Wilson Rainforest. Meet Mount Victoria Station at 9.30 am. (Consider staying on afterwards to look at Spring gardens). Contact Jan Cutler 84.3079. 26 (Fri) General Meeting at The Hut, 7.30 pm. 29 (Mon) Leisure Walk — Newnes. (Day bus trip — fully booked.) Dear Granny, Contact Mervyn Bird 87.7959. Winter is here and summer is soon coming The Lyrebird What to do if you find an injured Snow all around Deep below the ground. The Lyrebird shows off all day native animal —Amy Davis Attracting females is his way There are many factors putting pressure To attract her into his charm on Blue Mountains wildlife. Habitat For the rest of day he is very calm destruction, ferals and cars take an Waiting for more females to be enormous toll. Blue Mountains WIRES has attracted and charmed. rescued everything from a nest of day-old POSITION VACANT: BUSHWALKS Silvereyes to adult Eastern Grey CO-ORDINATOR The next day he shows off his beauty Kangaroos. When he attracts a female If you find a distressed native animal Duties: Organises and publishes a He says U Beauty. you should put the animal in a warm, dark, walks program. Actively markets the His life is busy in the bush quiet place and call WIRES as soon as walks program to non members. Scratching and thumping is his way possible. (It is also very important to Qualifications: Knowledge of Blue Going through the bush. remember exactly where you found the animal). Mountains bushwalks (i.e. able to Now in the mountains and valleys so Your quick action can greatly affect the advise walk leaders on length and high animal’s chances of survival. suitability of proposed bushwalks). He still attracts the females Some animals are best left for the Benefits: Able to help the Society to Even when he is so high. experts. WIRES has trained and Hi, little Lyrebird and goodbye. experienced members who can deal with promote and protect the Blue things like adult kangaroos and venomous Mountains environment. Being part of Joshua Holland, Millie’s grandson. snakes. a great management committee. (age 11) The WIRES rescue number is Contact Christine Davies 87.7246. 047.54.2946. This issue of Hut News has been printed on 100% Recycled Paper

Hut News , No. 121, August 1997 — Page 4.