DOCSLIB.ORG

STEP Inc Community-Based Environmental Conservation Since 1978

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
STEP Inc Community-Based Environmental Conservation Since 1978 STEP Inc Community-based Environmental Conservation since 1978 STEP Inc 2018 STEP Inc, PO Box 5136, Turramurra, NSW 2074 Website www.step.org.au Facebook www.facebook.com/STEP.Inc.Sydney Twitter @STEPSydney ISBN: 978-0-9578390-4-5 Front cover: Trees and Rocks of the Sandstone (acrylic, April2018) by Yvonne Langshaw (www.yvonnelangshaw.com) STEP was born from a local controversy, the construction of the Canoon Road netball complex at the expense of valuable bushland. But STEP’s history should also be seen in the broader context of the 1970s environmental movements, such as the Gordon- below-Franklin campaign and the formation of the Greens Party. Closer to home, from 1970–83 the Battlers for Kelly’s Bush fought to retain an area of bushland in Hunters Hill, which provided a precedent for Green Bans. STEP has not won all its battles — not its initial one, for a start — but it has won or helped to win many, and ameliorated the effects of many others. It has changed the nature of the interaction between the district population and its natural environment, spreading its focus and influence far beyond its very local beginnings in South Turramurra and the adjacent section of the Lane Cove Valley. All local people there and in its later wider sphere of influence have benefited from STEP’s efforts as their natural environment and its protection have been improved. I am always being asked what STEP stands for. I have to point out that the name comes from the acronym of South Turramurra Environment Protection but we now work for so much more than the conservation of bushland in that small suburb. Nevertheless those heady early days were a great beginning for an organisation that went on to make its mark on the character of Turramurra and nearby suburbs. The actions of STEP members created awareness of the value of the fantastic bushland and wildlife in our region and the steps required to care for, and enhance, this asset that had been allowed to become weed infested and degraded. What other major city has such magnificent natural areas within its suburbs? STEP members initiated many activities but also worked with other people and organisations to improve our environment or limit actions that would be detrimental. These relationships have become increasingly important in recent years and will be even more so in the future as the forces working against the preservation of the environment become more pervasive. We hope you enjoy this reminiscence of the people and events over the past 40 years. Jill Green, President ii So much of our history fades away, unrecorded and soon forgotten. Some things, however, deserve a better fate and so it is with the 40 year STEP story. Many people appreciate our natural environment, they like to know that bushland is there to be enjoyed and appreciated. They are enthusiastic about Australia’s unique animals and plants. Most people, however, don’t realise that it all is continually under threat. Under threat from the unthinking and the greedy who would happily degrade our environment to further their other objectives. So it has happened that we have lost a lot by means of a lengthy series of small decisions and this is still happening. As a result bushland has been lost, fragmented and degraded, many river systems are in crisis, unforgiveable plant and animal extinctions have occurred and our oceans are polluted as well as rising. Only a few people decide that they must do something to make things better. They range from those who are prepared to take the sort of direct action that often sees them in jail to those who demonstrate on the streets and to those who join together to argue and lobby for a better world. Environmental groups here range from the national ACF to more local groups such as STEP. Graeme Aplin has done us a great service by writing this STEP history. He has told of 40 years of constant effort by a small group of committee members dedicated to making a difference, and of course of all those STEP members who have supported them. It is, however, impossible to mention all the work that has been done. The hundreds, if not thousands of letters, reports, responses to calls for public comment, meetings with relevant parties, attendance at external meetings, phone calls and all the other activities necessary to do the job. Then there have been the monthly committee meetings, the writing of newsletters, the keeping of accounts, the sales of STEP’s publications, the design and maintenance of the web site and the myriad things essential to run an organisation. As Graeme points out, STEP has made a difference, both in major and minor ways. Bushland has been saved, minds have been changed, road plans have been amended and management methods for the environment have been improved, and much more. There remains, however, a huge task ahead. Australia is threatened by rampant exponential growth, by global warming, by plans to dam more rivers and clear more native forests, by over extraction of groundwater, inappropriate mines and more. Population pressures mean that bushland will be cleared for playing fields, roads and other facilities. So STEP’s work will never be finished. Whether there will be enough people willing to continue that work, in the face of a society that is largely busy on the one hand and complacent on the other, remains to be seen. As Lester Brown famously said, ‘saving civilisation is not a spectator sport’. Indeed it isn’t and perhaps Graeme Aplin’s history will remind us all of that, so that enough people will come forward to carry on STEP’s work for another 40 years. John Burke, former president iii Message from the president ........................................................................................................................... ii Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................ iii Preface ............................................................................................................................................................ vi Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: Birth and first battle, 1978 ............................................................................................................. 3 First battle ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Initial aims ............................................................................................................................................ 3 A battle hard fought, but lost ............................................................................................................... 4 Not an end, a beginning ....................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2: Expanding horizons, 1979–85 ........................................................................................................ 7 Netball courts ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Bushland management ........................................................................................................................ 7 Lane Cove River State Recreation Area ................................................................................................ 9 Bushwalks ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Speakers, meetings and newsletters .................................................................................................. 10 Committee matters ............................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter 3: Maturity and incorporation, 1986–98 ......................................................................................... 12 Incorporation and name change ........................................................................................................ 12 STEP’s role reviewed .......................................................................................................................... 13 Vision for Ku-ring-gai .......................................................................................................................... 13 Bushland management ...................................................................................................................... 14 Bushfires and hazard reduction burning ............................................................................................ 14 Lane Cove Valley freeway ................................................................................................................... 15 F3 exit ramps ...................................................................................................................................... 16 Widening of Arterial Road .................................................................................................................. 16 Mona Vale Road ................................................................................................................................. 17 Urban consolidation ..........................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Friends of Lane Cove National Park Help Support Their Work and Keep in Touch with Happenings in the Park
    How to Help FAIRYLAND Lane Cove National Park There is plenty to do and opportunities for all, Individuals, Groups or Companies. Bushcare is great way of learning more about your local environment while helping to preserve it for future generations. Ideal for one off corporate or community days, or regular monthly sessions. Join with The Friends of Lane Cove National Park Help support their work and keep in touch with happenings in the park Find out more at www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au Contact us at [email protected] or speak to the Lane Cove National Park Volunteer Bushcare Co-ordinator 0419 753 806 Produced by Friends of Lane Cove National Park With assistance from Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority and The Australian Government’s Caring for 0ur Country Program History, Heritage and Ecology Where Threats Situated right next to one of the fastest growing commercial centres in Weeds are a major threat in this as in Sydney, less than 3 kilometres from Chatswood and less than 10 kilometres so many other areas. Most of the local soils are derived from from the centre of Sydney is Fairyland, part of Lane Cove National Park. sandstone and are very low in nutrients. The almost 42 hectares of bushland sandwiched between Delhi Road and Surprisingly this has resulted in a great the Lane Cove River provides a home for endangered species including diversity of plants that have adapted to Powerful Owls, and other species such these conditions. Weeds, mainly plants as Echidnas which, while not on the en- from overseas, generally gain a foothold dangered list, are extremely uncommon when ’man’ has disturbed the soil and changed conditions, this can often be this close to the centre of a major city.
    [Show full text]
  • De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge (Darug Country)
    De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge (Darug Country) 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min 4 5.7 km ↑ 121 m Hard track One way ↓ 149 m Following the Lane Cove River, this walk mostly follows a section of the Great North Walk and is well maintained and signposted. Things to lookout for include Fiddens Wharf which is a very pleasant spot to sit and watch the ducks. The walk passes by Lane Cove National Park Headquarters, so pop by and check out the other experiences available in the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darug people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 240 192 144 96 48 0 0 m 4 km 2 km 285 m 570 m 850 m 1.1 km 1.7 km 2.3 km 2.5 km 2.8 km 3.1 km 3.4 km 3.7 km 4.2 km 4.5 km 4.8 km 5.1 km 5.4 km 5.7 km 5.9x 1.4 km Class 4 of 6 Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) Gradient Short steep hills (3/6) Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6) Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) Getting to the start: From Lane Cove Road Exit Turn on to Lane Cove Road Exit then drive for 30 m Continue onto Lane Cove Road Exit and drive for another 45 m Turn right onto Lane Cove Road, A3 and drive for another 1.9 km Before you start any journey ensure you; • Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are late returning • Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge to undertake this journey safely • Consider weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers • Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point • Are healthy and fit enough for this journey Share If not, change plans and stay safe.
    [Show full text]
  • MAC1 Abstracts – Oral Presentations
    Oral Presentation Abstracts OP001 Rights, Interests and Moral Standing: a critical examination of dialogue between Regan and Frey. Rebekah Humphreys Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom This paper aims to assess R. G. Frey’s analysis of Leonard Nelson’s argument (that links interests to rights). Frey argues that claims that animals have rights or interests have not been established. Frey’s contentions that animals have not been shown to have rights nor interests will be discussed in turn, but the main focus will be on Frey’s claim that animals have not been shown to have interests. One way Frey analyses this latter claim is by considering H. J. McCloskey’s denial of the claim and Tom Regan’s criticism of this denial. While Frey’s position on animal interests does not depend on McCloskey’s views, he believes that a consideration of McCloskey’s views will reveal that Nelson’s argument (linking interests to rights) has not been established as sound. My discussion (of Frey’s scrutiny of Nelson’s argument) will centre only on the dialogue between Regan and Frey in respect of McCloskey’s argument. OP002 Can Special Relations Ground the Privileged Moral Status of Humans Over Animals? Robert Jones California State University, Chico, United States Much contemporary philosophical work regarding the moral considerability of nonhuman animals involves the search for some set of characteristics or properties that nonhuman animals possess sufficient for their robust membership in the sphere of things morally considerable. The most common strategy has been to identify some set of properties intrinsic to the animals themselves.
    [Show full text]
  • Hawk Cafe Ideas Sheet
    The Great Outdoors Open the door - it is right outside! BACKYARDS IDEAS • Make a frog play pond ...or a fish pond.....in a dish - make sure you have a toy frog or fish first! • Make a fairy/dinosaur garden in a large dish using leaves, flowers moss, pebbles, sand, dirt, grass, plastic dino's • Read Wombat Stew and go and make one in old pots and pans • Create a waterfall - are great on a hot day • Play in a shallow tray of water with boats • Paint pictures on the paving or fence with water and big brushes • Draw on the paving with chalk - have a theme - pirate island, crocodile creek, fairy dell • Imagine - make a boat out of a laundry basket, house out of a large box • The sandpit - one day it is a beach, the next an island. • Make a "Science Box" - explore the garden - look for bugs, look in mulch under leaves of trees, find spiders in webs, search for the spider when the web is empty. • Scavenger hunt - find things different shapes, things beginning with each letter of the alphabet • Search for a rainbow - rainbow game - collect some paint swatches from your favourite hardware or painting store and find things in the garden the same colour. • Cubbies houses/tents and tee-pees. - as Kids get older graduate from the Pop up tents to constructing their own tents. Give them a tarp, some rope and tent pegs....let them see what they can do....Keep watch and let them have a go - jump in to help just before they give up in frustration or when they have tied each other up in the rope.
    [Show full text]
  • Season 2012 Annual Report
    NORTHERN SUBURBS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION INC Season 2012 Annual Report “From the Harbour to the Hawkesbury” • 34 CLUBS • 1200 TEAMS • 17,000 PLAYERS NSFA Incorporated Management Committee PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE Alan Barwick Chris Rayner Phil Bradfield Roy Ashpole Belinda Templeman Rhondda Shaw President Vice President Treasurer Men’s Football Chairman Junior Football Chairman Girl’s/Women’s Football Chairman Richard Pilgrim Christine Freer Caroline Morris Alan Barwick Paul Templeman James Sneddon Registrar/Recorder Registrar/Recorder Registrar/Recorder Publicity Officer PD & DC Chairman Coaching Chairman Men’s Football Junior Football Women’s Football Pascal Phillips John Ceccato Representative Football General Manager Chairman NSFA Incorporated Life Members J. Thompson – 1962 † W. Bazeley – 1981 V. Poimer – 1994 E. Hayes – 1968 † J. Flint – 1981 G. O’Neill – 1995 C. Parsons – 1968 † B. Waterhouse – 1981 I. Booth – 2001 C. Scott-Kemmis – 1968 † C. Wright – 1981 M. Rushton – 2007 L. Thomas – 1968 Mrs. B. Tallis – 1983 R. Ashpole – 2008 D. Allen – 1973 † Mrs. J. Woods – 1983 P. Bradfield – 2008 A. Sheath – 1973 † J. Glasby – 1983 † D. Miles – 2008 W. de St Croix – 1974 J. Hargreaves – 1984 † C. Rayner – 2008 T. Nossal – 1974 † A. Stephens – 1984 P. Reeves – 2008 W. Mackay – 1985 F. Mason – 1985 † B. Troy – 2008 R. Woods – 1976 † R. Davis – 1986 † C. Freer – 2011 M. Wharton – 1978 † P. Rees – 1988 † Rest in Peace C. May – 1980 D. Harwin – 1989 K. Tallis – 1980 † L. Morris – 1993 Contents President’s Report 2 General Manager’s Report (Treasurer’s
    [Show full text]
  • Ku-Ring-Gai Council Action
    Planning for bushfire risk in a changing climate: Ku-ring-gai Council action Council Name Ku-ring-gai Council Web Address www.kmc.nsw.gov.au Size 82 sq. km Population 101,083 (2006) Awards Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) Excellence in the Environment for Energy Saving and Climate Change Adaptation / Mitigation category 2010 1. Background 1.1 Council profile The Ku-ring-gai Council Local Government Area (LGA) is located on Sydney's upper north shore, about 16km from the Sydney CBD. The LGA is predominantly residential, but contains significant areas of bushland, parkland, and waterways with often steep terrain. The LGA includes 1,100ha of council-managed bushland and 1,646ha of National Park Estate (Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove and Garigal National Parks) of which the dominant vegetation type is eucalypt forest. Development is concentrated along ridge-tops and medium density housing has arisen in areas near key transport infrastructure, such as the Pacific Highway and railway stations. Recent growth has occurred in areas in existing urban areas of Gordon, North Turramurra and Turramurra. Significant built infrastructure includes the north shore railway line, the University of Technology Sydney (Ku- ring-gai Campus), the CSIRO Telecommunications and Industrial Physics facilities, the National Measurement Laboratory and a number of community service facilities such as aged-care centres and hospitals. The LGA supports one critically-endangered and four endangered ecological communities which are ‘likely to suffer a loss of species if subject to repeated high frequency fires’ (Ku-ring-gai Council, 2006 in Ku-ring-gai Council, 2011a).
    [Show full text]
  • North Shore Times
    North Shore Times 0UBLICATION DAYS 7EDNESDAY &RIDAY 2EADERSHIP 7ED p &RI p \ #IRCULATION 7ED p > &RI p > 5NIQUE "ROWSERS b $ERXWXV The North Shore Times is the market leader in local news, current affairs, entertainment and real estate, tailored specifically to North Shore residents. The North Shore Times engages readers with more local news and lifestyle content than any other newspaper in the area. It is complemented by a website that allows readers to access breaking news and the latest digital edition of the North Shore Times with a simple click. The North Shore Times is delivered to homes and businesses in the area free of charge and allows advertisers to communicate more detailed information than other media. Covering an array of editorial topics, advertisements can be placed near relevant content giving you a fantastic environment to better promote your business. Penetration of the North Shore Times Distribution Area# 3RZHUIXOUHDFKDQGSHQHWUDWLRQ The North Shore Times is the number one choice for NorthShore Times(Wed, Friav) 46% local advertisers. It reaches 11,000 more readers than The Sun-Herald, and 70,000 more than The Daily Sun-Herald 41% Telegraph (M-F av). Sydney MorningHerald(M-F av) 38% Sunday Telegraph 13% Daily Telegraph(M-F av) 8% 9LVLWRXUZHEVLWHDQGGLJLWDOSULQW HGLWLRQDWQRUWKVKRUHWLPHVFRPDX northshoretimes.com.au The North Shore Times is skewed towards a female audience, which is beneficial for advertisers as women make the majority of the household purchasing decisions. Our readers are more likely than the average Sydneysider to be earning an annual household income of more than $100,000 and are less likely to have children present in the household.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridge Types in NSW Historical Overviews 2006
    Bridge Types in NSW Historical overviews 2006 These historical overviews of bridge types in NSW are extracts compiled from bridge population studies commissioned by RTA Environment Branch. CONTENTS Section Page 1. Masonry Bridges 1 2. Timber Beam Bridges 12 3. Timber Truss Bridges 25 4. Pre-1930 Metal Bridges 57 5. Concrete Beam Bridges 75 6. Concrete Slab and Arch Bridges 101 Masonry Bridges Heritage Study of Masonry Bridges in NSW 2005 1 Historical Overview of Bridge Types in NSW: Extract from the Study of Masonry Bridges in NSW HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO MASONRY BRIDGES IN NSW 1.1 History of early bridges constructed in NSW Bridges constructed prior to the 1830s were relatively simple forms. The majority of these were timber structures, with the occasional use of stone piers. The first bridge constructed in NSW was built in 1788. The bridge was a simple timber bridge constructed over the Tank Stream, near what is today the intersection of George and Bridge Streets in the Central Business District of Sydney. Soon after it was washed away and needed to be replaced. The first "permanent" bridge in NSW was this bridge's successor. This was a masonry and timber arch bridge with a span of 24 feet erected in 1803 (Figure 1.1). However this was not a triumph of colonial bridge engineering, as it collapsed after only three years' service. It took a further five years for the bridge to be rebuilt in an improved form. The contractor who undertook this work received payment of 660 gallons of spirits, this being an alternative currency in the Colony at the time (Main Roads, 1950: 37) Figure 1.1 “View of Sydney from The Rocks, 1803”, by John Lancashire (Dixson Galleries, SLNSW).
    [Show full text]
  • Consents Issued September 2020
    CONSENTS ISSUED SEPTEMBER 2020 DA0162/20 61 Ku-Ring-Gai Avenue, TURRAMURRA NSW 2074 Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling including internal changes, fitout to basement, skylight and rear patio - Heritage item within Heritage Conservation Area DA0065/20 1A Handley Avenue, TURRAMURRA NSW 2074 Construction of new dwelling, outdoor alfresco area and tree removal DA0012/20 23 Ridge Street, GORDON NSW 2072 Demolish existing structures, removal of trees and construct new dwelling, pool, driveway, front fence and associated works MOD0217/19 25 Palm Street, ST IVES NSW 2075 Modification to DA0256/18 proposing amendments to landscaping and pool MOD0034/20 17 Albert Drive, KILLARA NSW 2071 Modification to DA0040/12 proposing change from staircase to ramp access on western boundary DA0237/20 1 Charlton Avenue, TURRAMURRA NSW 2074 New front fence and fence along northern boundary between front boundary and garage DA0245/20 2 Torokina Avenue, ST IVES NSW 2075 Demolition of existing structures DA0219/20 38 Wyuna Road, WEST PYMBLE NSW 2073 Alterations to existing dwelling including second storey addition DA0258/20 25A Warrawee Avenue, WARRAWEE NSW 2074 Alterations and additions to existing dwelling MOD0125/20 70 Robinson Street, EAST LINDFIELD NSW 2070 Modification to DA0495/17 proposing variations to internal walls, doors and stairs and removing 4 windows MOD0198/19 61 and 61A Telegraph Road, PYMBLE NSW 2073 Modification to DA0159/14 proposing changes to boundary fencing, landscaping and decking - heritage conservation area DA0029/20 33A
    [Show full text]
  • Nsfa Skellern Cup 2017
    NSFA SKELLERN CUP 2017 Welcome to the inaugural NSFA Skellern Cup! Hosted at our new home of football, the inaugural NSFA Skellern Cup is gearing up to be an exciting two days of school football. Bringing together primary school teams from across the Northern Suburbs of Sydney, the gala day intends to celebrate girls playing football by showcasing the inclusiveness, enjoyment and camaraderie the game provides. The NSFA Skellern Cup is named after Amanda and Kimberley Skellern, twin sisters who have played representative club football for Northern Tigers FC for over nine years after beginning their football careers at local club West Pymble FC. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Skellern sisters over the two days who will be on hand to motivate teams, give advice and soak up the atmosphere. Before you arrive at the ground be sure to read on, discovering our unique points system that will eventually crown the winners of the NSFA Skellern Cup. Enjoy the two days! Ed Ferguson NSFA Skellern Cup tournament organiser Contents Amanda & Kim Skellern ......................................................................................................................... 4 GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... 5 LOCATION: ...................................................................................................................................... 5 PARKING: .......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Stage 6 (Years 11 And
    Stage 6 Preliminary Course – Year 11, 2020 HSC Course – Year 12, 2021 COURSE INFORMATION BOOKLET Index Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 Senior Studies ..................................................................................................................... 2 All My Own Work ................................................................................................................. 2 What types of Courses form the HSC curriculum? .............................................................. 3 What are Units? ................................................................................................................... 4 Determined and administered by NESA .............................................................................. 5 The Higher School Certificate .............................................................................................. 5 Post-Secondary Studies ...................................................................................................... 6 The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) ................................................................. 7 Language Courses .............................................................................................................. 8 Courses Offered at Killara High School ............................................................................... 9 Pathways to the HSC ........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A Harbour Circle Walk Is These Brochures Have Been Developed by the Walking Volunteers
    To NEWCASTLE BARRENJOEYBARRENJOEY A Four Day Walk Harbour Circle Walk Stages Sydney Harbour is one of the great harbours of the world. This Circle Walk and Loop Walks 5hr 30 between the Harbour and Gladesville Bridges (marked in red on the map) takes four days and totals 59km. It can be walked continuously using overnight Individual leaflets with maps and notes downloadable from www.walkingsydney.net and SYDNEY HARBOUR accommodation, from a base such as the City or Darling Harbour using public www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au AVALON transport each day, or over any period of time. Harbour Circle Walk in Four Days Day 1 Circular Quay (H8) to Greenwich Wharf (E6) 14km 5hrs Day 1 Circular Quay to Greenwich Wharf 14km 5hrs Day 2 Greenwich Wharf (E6) to Woolwich Wharf (D/E5) 15.5km 5hrs 30mins Day 2 Greenwich Wharf to Woolwich Wharf 15.5km 5hrs 30mins Day 3 Huntleys Point Wharf (A6) to Balmain East Wharf (F7) 14.5km 5hrs Day 3 Huntleys Pt Wharf to Balmain East Wharf 14.5km 5hrs Approximate Walking Times in Hours and Minutes A Harbour 5hr 30 Day 4 Balmain East Wharf (F7) to Circular Quay (H8) 15km 5hrs Day 4 Balmain East Wharf to Circular Quay 15km 5hrs e.g. 1 hour 45 minutes = 1hr 45 Visit www.walkingsydney.net to download leaflets for each day of the four day Harbour Circle Walk in Two Days (or One) Circle Walk 0 8 version of the walk. Each leaflet has a detailed map (1:10k) and historical and Day 1 Circular Quay to Hunters Hill 13km 5hrs 30mins general interest notes.
    [Show full text]