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THE MAGAZINE OF VOLUME 33 • SUMMER 2005 - 2006 VOLUME

20 years on, tree students still cutting

Flow chart - water in the Parklands

Foundation funding goes to research Directions Parkbench

Approximately 80% of the total surface In addition, I want to reassure our area of Centennial Parklands is not community that each event is carefully irrigated, and the irrigation systems in use managed and has an individual sound and are constantly maintained. environmental management plan that Trackless train a success First two sections of Grand Drive complete Sustainable water usage initiatives also adheres to the requirements of the for Car Free Day The first two sections of include new waterless urinals, low flush Environmental Protection Agency. the Grand Drive footpath toilets and touch-point fittings that limit I hope you take the opportunity to join On the last Car Free Day Centennial Parklands upgrade have now been water use for hand washing. us and enjoy our summer entertainment trialled two special trackless trains to assist completed and Project line-up. people to get around the Park. The trains took Manager, Marianna This summer I would like to invite you alternate routes around Grand Drive and ran to experience a terrific line-up of summer For more information on individual events Preston, says the response from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, at a cost of $3.50 from the public has been entertainment in Centennial Parklands please visit our website or email for adults and $2.50 for children. The trains through music and film, including [email protected] enthusiastic. “People can The special focus of this issue of Parklands were considered a great success and will run Jamiroquai, Good Vibrations, Moonlight see the quality of the is water and its importance to the survival I wish you all a healthy, happy and again at the next Car Free Day. It’s just Cinema and much more, so watch our upgrades and have been of our Parklands environment. hydrated summer. another reason to leave your car at home. website at www.cp.nsw.gov.au for very tolerant of the Centennial Parklands is a unique environ- more details. detours that have been The new section of Grand Drive ment and is committed to environmentally put in place.” The third Like many other city parklands around sustainable water usage and has a number section, from Robertson Road Gates to the Centennial Parklands Café, the world Centennial Parklands hosts of watering and maintenance strategies in commenced in mid October and is due to be completed by the end of major events and places the needs of the Be alert: date change for place to achieve this. November. Works will then commence on the fourth section that will be Parklands, native , neighbours and Steve Corbett next Car Free Day completed over summer. There are a total of six sections and it is The Parklands acts as a detention basin for the local community at the forefront The summer Car Free Day, normally held on anticipated that the upgrade will be completed by the end of March 2006. Eastern Suburbs stormwater and this of planning. Director and Chief Executive water is utilised to irrigate a large number Centennial Parklands the last Sunday of the season, will be held of sports fields. on Sunday, 5 March. Accessible entry for Park users and booked restaurant patrons is via Jervois Ave Gates (off Lang Road) from Parks Week a success 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. So, don’t forget to walk, cycle or catch public transport and enjoy The first-ever Parks Week, held from the peaceful surroundings of a car free 9-16 October, saw thousands of Contents . people around NSW participating in a diverse program of events Parkbench 3 presented by Healthy Parks Healthy Research reveals changing user People, promoting the health benefits of spending time in parks. patterns 4 New Variable Message The week kicked off with an Plan of Management ready to go 4 Signs target speeding information and activities marquee in Pram-a-thon at Centennial Parklands was part 20 years on, tree students still cutting 5 of the highly successful Parks Week program Centennial Parklands on Sunday, 9 Parklands Magazine is published quarterly by the New tree planting across October, as part of the Good Food Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust: Locked Bag 5 Month Spring Picnic, where about 8,000 people had the opportunity to find 15, Paddington NSW 2021 the Parklands 5

Co Carring d out about Parks Week events. Other highlights included Centennial Park’s Centennial Parklands is managed by the York R Flow chart: water in the Parklands 6 Dr Parkes Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. Jervois Ave first Pram-a-thon, simultaneous events in 10 NSW National Parks and an Fox Studios Gates Jervois Grand Drive Ave Depot Rd Loch Ave Trustees: Professor John Niland AC (Chairman) Twitcher’s Corner – Rob exhibition in the Royal Botanic Gardens recreating the secret grove of the Equestrian in Annabelle Bennett AO Centre son Dr York Rd Wollemi Pine. Parks Week was embraced by the public and it is expected David Leckie Rufous Night- 8 Parkes Dr CENTENNIAL PARK Gates Loch Ave Michael Marx AM that it will become an annual event. Busby's Pond Dickens Dr Fly Model Yvette Pietsch A Walk in the Park with Robertson Rd g Casting Yacht rin Sp Pond Pond ter John Walker Freshwa Lachlan Martin Rd Swamp Sarah Whyte Malcolm Turnbull 8 Lily Pond VMS in action Willow One Duck Pond Pond More Margaret Varady AO Shot Musgrave Pond Pond Tree of the Season – Randwick Editor: Rachel Maiden Pond Earlier this year, Centennial Parklands acquired

Cl Kensington o Making it easier to find your way ve [email protected] Ponds lly Darley Rd R Melaleuca quinquenervia 9 d two Variable Message Signs (VMS) as a Govett St Ken sington Gates Stormwater Flow Contributors: Trevor Waller, Matt Hayden Culver Randwick Freshwater Spring The first stage of the new signage project will be rolled out across the t Alison Rd Gates high-visibility quick-response medium to Recipe – Smoked Salmon Tart 9 Darley Rd Photography: Ian Lever, Chris Gleisner, Dianne Botany 6 Parklands over a six-month period commencing in December 2005. Wetlands communicate with park users. Ranger Brian Galea and Veronique Peril Healthy Parks Healthy People 10 Page says the primary objective of the VMS The project will embrace directional signage, place names, street names and Printed on recycled paper is to increase visitor safety. “We use them to information boards including maps. The new look for signage in the Cover: Ducks at Lily Pond from the book Foundation and Friends 11 ‘Through the Gates’ by Simon Rintel target speeding, inform users of special events, Parklands will be robust, contemporary and fully accessible. The signs will (phone (02) 9337 1653 for stockists. Also User’s Guide 12 road works or road closures,” he said. significantly improve way-finding, information distribution and place available through Centennial Parklands, only identification within the Parklands while minimising signage clutter. $29.95) ISSN: 1447-7645 11 The VMS also has a radar unit that gives motorists their travelling speed and encourages them to slow down. 2 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 3 Park News

Research reveals changing user patterns 140 new trees planted 20 years on,

Visitor research plays a vital role in • Visitors are more likely to come to the •65% of visitors in 2005 rated the helping Centennial Parklands manage its Parklands in larger groups, with 52% of Parklands ability to provide quality across the Parklands tree students land and assets and has been undertaken visitors in 2005 being in groups of visitor information as excellent or in various forms since 1985. The Parklands three or more, compared with 39% in good, compared to 30% in 2002. This summer, please check out at least in an urban parkland setting often a few of the 140 new trees planted become an eyesore when they reach recently completed its major triennial 2002 and 34% in 1998. still cutting When asked what improvements could across Centennial Parklands in our maturity due to the usual occurrence visitor research program and the findings •70% of visitors travel to the Parklands be made to the Parklands, the majority 2005 spring tree-planting program. of deadwood within the structure of December 2005 marks the 20th reveal a change in user patterns that will by car and of these respondents over a said they could not think of anything. This the tree. year that student tree surgeons from Ryde help define future management practices. third said they could not be is encouraging, but Centennial Parklands Mount Steel was a focus of activity, TAFE have come to Centennial Parklands The research aims to evaluate perceptions discouraged from doing so! is very aware that continuous with an intensive landscaping program The 30 trees planted are a mixture of completed in October. The program more appropriate species including to complete the practical component of of management initiatives and monitor • The majority of visitors spend less than improvement must be part of our involved the removal of six hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii), their Arboriculture Certificate. the current service performance of landscape. We will continue to look at two hours in the Parklands. A relatively over-mature Acacia salignas and their and blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus businesses and recreational facilities in the ways to provide the best Parklands Each semester about 30 students and high proportion of visitors stay for replacement with 30 new trees and reticulates). Parklands providing comparisons to more than two hours, but this experience in . their teachers descend on Centennial 100 shrubs. Park’s Pine Grove areas to gain experience previous surveys. It also provides visitor proportion is down compared with the This area will grow into an attractive in ‘dead wooding’. This simply means the number estimates across the Parklands. previous survey. The Acacias removed were native to landscape feature for people accessing Western but considered an the Parklands from the South Dowling removal of a tree’s dead branches. John The program methodology involves •50% of users rate the Parklands facilities environmental weed in Sydney due to Street footbridge. Douglas, Teacher of Arboriculture, says on-site surveys, telephone surveys and as either good or excellent and a their prolific self-seeding. This species “These trees are perfect for students focus groups. The on-site surveys have number of ratings have improved since Other highlights of the 2005 spring is short-lived lasting 10-15 years and using chainsaws in trees for the first time.” just been completed and some interesting 2002, including ratings for toilets, signs, tree-planting program include the data has emerged: drinking bubblers and picnic tables. installation of some 60 The students are also taught a variety of Angophora costata, safe techniques for climbing trees, various otherwise known as the cutting and rigging techniques, knots, Sydney red gum or ground work and the use of chippers. smooth barked apple. John says that one of the most important Plan of Management ready to go These trees were learning experiences is the aerial rescue planted along the slopes technique – how to assist someone that has been hurt in a tree. After an extensive consultation process, the Centennial of Queens Park near John Street. Parklands Plan of Management is now ready to be put forward “The work that the tree students do for Ministerial approval. Angophoras are native to cuts both ways – no pun intended,” the coastal areas of NSW John laughs. Centennial Parklands Senior The Draft Plan was exhibited from 29 August to 28 September. and grow exceptionally Arborist Ted Hoare agrees. “Centennial More than 20 submissions were received and considered well on shallow soils with Parklands definitely benefits from the work carefully in the process of finalising the document. A summary of a sandstone base as is that the students do,” Ted says. “We are responses to issues raised in this consultation is now available found within this part of providing a unique training ground online at www.cpplanofmanagement.com.au or by phoning Queens Park. These for the students and, in return, these Centennial Parklands on (02) 9339 6699. Mount Steel before tree planting trees will grow to a areas are kept highly maintained and in height of 20 metres. great condition.” Centennial Parklands would like to thank everyone who made a Once they are On completion of the course, most submission. Director and Chief Executive, Steve Corbett said established, park users “Many of the submissions contained detailed and constructive students go on to gain higher qualifications will be treated to a that will allow them to develop their skills feedback, which we greatly appreciated. Now it is time to move spectacular show in as an arborist. Students often go on to on to the next phase - having the Plan gazetted and using it spring with the majority work for private contractors, local effectively to help manage the Parklands.” of canopies covered in councils, and government organisations creamy white flowers. Once gazetted, the Plan of Management will be made available such as Taronga Zoo and, of course, online and at libraries. It provides overarching guidance for In addition to these 140 Centennial Parklands. managing the Trust lands for the next 10 years and beyond. trees planted during There will be a reunion for all former The Plan is a high level document and is an umbrella for other spring, another 350 trees students and teachers on Sunday, detailed strategies and site plans such as the Moore Park Master were planted in July and 4 December from 3.00 pm in the Pine Plan, which will carry forward the fresh directions provided in August, bringing the total Grove, Centennial Park. the Plan of Management. number of new trees up to almost 500. Plan of Management Mount Steel after tree planting

4 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 5 Flow chart: Musgrave Pond is fed by another Regular water quality analysis is Water for boating stormwater inlet that also feeds One undertaken to monitor the health of More Shot Pond before flowing into the ponds. Since the restoration According to Stephen Crewes, in his book water in the Parklands Willow Pond to join the primary system program, testing indicates that water Sydney’s Model Racing Skiffs, the Centennial outlined above ending in Kensington quality has improved with no sign of Park Model Yacht Club started in the Ponds. toxic blue-green algae in any sample. 1890s, although there are early British In a prolonged drought such as is a fine example of English rock mining Water for Ponds However as a major stormwater Naval reports of model yachts being sailed Sydney has been experiencing the techniques of the period and its relative Busbys Pond is fed by two stormwater After the declaration of Centennial retention basin, the ponds will always here in the late 1870s. The early racing subject of water lies uneasily on every intactness makes it a rare survivor of inlets, which in turn feeds Randwick Pond Parklands in 1888, Director Charles potentially be subject to environmental model yachts had about two foot (61cm) mind, especially in summertime. early nineteenth century urban Sydney. before flowing into Kensington Ponds. Moore and staff of the Royal Botanic factors beyond the Parklands’ control. draughts. However as soil washed into the At Centennial Parklands, water is our Sydney’s water supply was further Gardens set about creating picturesque Lily Pond is the only pond not fed by ponds and silting reduced water depth The ponds in the Parklands form the lifeblood. Our flora and fauna depend supplemented in 1874 when seven and exotic landscape elements. The stormwater. Its source is a fresh water draughts decreased. The club eventually largest freshwater wetland system in on it. Centennial Park contains three new dams were constructed in the seven dams in the former Lachlan spring located in the remnant Lachlan stopped sailing in 1926 and moved its inner-metropolitan Sydney. This reservoirs, 12 ponds and seven open then Lachlan Water Reserve. Water Reserve, fed by natural aquifers, Swamp, joining the larger system via activities to the then new Scarborough priceless ecosystem provides a habitat channels or rills. It is one of the most were incorporated into the park plan Busbys Pond. Park in Kogarah. extensive wetlands in the Botany Basin. Soon after, however, the Nepean water for indigenous fauna and water , and deepened and reconfigured into In heavy rainfall, water leaves the Park But the tranquil waters of our supply system was completed and migratory waders, fish, turtles and frogs. The Moore Park Model Yacht Club ornamental ponds. Islands were formed system from an overflow point in the ornamental ponds disguise a complex Lachlan Water Reserve was abandoned. commenced in 1868 using Billy Goat to break up the waterforms and create Kensington Ponds – the recently natural and built hydrology that Busbys Bore was disconnected in 1879. Water conservation Swamp, now Kippax Lake. safe for wetlands birds. upgraded Kensington culvert. From continues to evolve today, with No longer a primary water source for Centennial Parklands is committed to In tribute to this aspect of Parklands there water flows almost three important implications for a likely the city, Centennial Park was Stormwater flows environmentally sustainable water use. history, regular Model Yacht Workshops kilometres via underground pipe and The Parklands uses almost 300 permanent water-scarce future. proclaimed the ‘people’s park’ in 1888. Centennial Park’s ponds are intrinsically are now run on Kippax Lake, teaching formed channel to the Botany Wetlands. megalitres of water each year, of which children how to build and sail a simple But the Parklands continued to be an linked to each other and to the outside

Water for Sydney a P model yacht. important secondary water resource world. But most users and neighbours Jervois Ave When the Tank Stream - Sydney’s first Fox Studios Gates for Sydney. Woollahra Reservoir in the are probably not aware of this Jervois Ave Grand Drive water supply - became inadequate and Depot Rd Loch Ave northeast corner of Sydney Common, interrelationship. The catchment covers Rob Our reliance on bore water also fell by Equestrian polluted, Lachlan Swamps in Centennial in now the corner of York Road and about 600 hectares of which the Centre son Dr 4%, mainly due to conversion of the Parklands was chosen as a new source Oxford Street in Centennial Park, came Parklands themselves make up about York Rd Parkes Dr bus loop playing field in Moore Park of water for the early colony. 45%. A further 45% is developed land CENTENNIAL PARK Gates into service in 1881.In 1894, a second Loch Ave from bore to pond water. The use of John Busby, a mineral surveyor, was reservoir within Centennial Park was and includes the suburbs of Bondi pond water has subsequently increased Junction, Waverley, Paddington and Busby's appointed to design a system to convey approved (oddly called Reservoir Pond Dickens Dr Fly Model by 20%. Robertson Rd g Casting Yacht Randwick. Stormwater run-off from this rin Sp Pond Pond ter Freshwa Lachlan Other water savings initiatives can be catchment flows via drains and channels Martin Rd Swamp controlled by Sydney Water and local Lily Pond seen in the five new visitor amenities Willow One buildings. Each building features waterless councils into Centennial Park’s ponds. Duck Pond Pond More Shot Musgrave urinals, efficient flushing and timed flow Pond Pond Model Yacht Pond is the primary Randwick Pond taps. Sink and roof water is filtered and receptacle for water flowing from recycled to the pond irrigation system. Cl Kensington o eastern suburbs stormwater drains ve Ponds lly These initiatives mean a combined total Darley Rd R (see Figure A). From there water flows d Ken Govett St water saving of almost 1.8 megalitres of via underwater channels into Fly singt Gates Stormwater Flow Culvert on Randwick Freshwater Spring water per year. This is equivalent to Alison Rd Gates Casting Pond which in turn feeds Darley Rd about one Olympic sized swimming pool. Willow Pond, Duck Pond, Randwick Botany Pond and finally Kensington Ponds. Wetlands Nothing works better than rain Route of Busbys Bore Figure A: How water flows through Centennial Park Sydney has experienced two years of Clean water lower than average rainfall and is now this water to the town centre. He finally No.1). And in 1927, a third was some 175 kilolitres is recycled. Only 25 entering a third year. It is easy to see proposed an underground tunnel passing constructed between the Water for fishing Today, a six-year Parklands Pond megalitres, or 8.3%, is town water and why our ponds look so low. They are entirely through Crown Land (see Superintendents Residence and Fishing was a popular pursuit in the Restoration Program - aimed at this reliance continues to be reduced. the primary source for Parkland’s diagram). Construction of Busbys Bore, Reservoir No.1 to help further meet ponds at the beginning of the minimising the impact of stormwater The Drought Management Plan irrigation needs and yet they rely on Sydney’s first piped water supply, growing local water demand. twentieth century. Flycasting Pond was pollution, upgrading several of the stormwater to keep them full. commenced in 1827 using convict labour. so named due to its popularity with ponds and improving water promotes the use of pond water Although now covered over by playing (recycled stormwater) for horticultural Interestingly, a production bore was Shafts gave access to the tunnel to fields, Reservoir No.1 and Woollahra local fly fishermen. The natural water quality – is almost complete. systems within the Parklands provided and sports field irrigation. The only commissioned at the Learners allow removal of excavated rock and Reservoir remain operational and are Gross Pollutant Traps were installed at a habitat for fish, eels and other aquatic areas remaining to be converted to Cycleway in early 2004 to feed Little ensure adequate air supply for the owned by Sydney Water. Reservoir species and this resource was stormwater entry points. Aquatic pond water are the Rose and Column Kensington Pond from which we draw workers. Centennial Parklands today No.1 was drained and cleaned in 1992 utilised by Indigenous communities. plantings have improved the habitat by Gardens, Paddington Gates and our main irrigation supply. Recently, conducts regular tours in which the and was briefly open for public viewing. Fishing is now banned within the filtering out dissolved pollutants such as Belvedere, and plans also exist to Centennial Parklands ran the bore for history of the Bore is explained and a Woollahra Reservoir was last drained in Parklands to conserve and protect its phosphorus. European carp were convert the Centennial Parklands eight hours, but the resulting 1.3 surviving shaft, located in Fox Studios at 2002 for an engineering inspection. aquatic ecosystems. removed and native Australian bass Equestrian Centre. megalitres raised the pond level by a Moore Park, may be viewed. The Bore introduced. New islands and mere 60 millimetres. It proves nothing underwater berms were constructed to Initiatives in 2004/5 decreased reliance on town water by more than 10%. really works better than a good fall prevent areas becoming stagnant. of rain. 6 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 7 Park Living

Twitcher’s Corner A Walk in the Park Tree of the Season with Malcolm Turnbull Melaleuca quinquenervia This summer have a close look at the Melaleuca quinquenervia Malcolm Turnbull was elected as the Federal Member for or broad leaf paperbark. Growing to over 15 metres, this tree Wentworth in 2004 and is well known for leading the is a true drought survivor and produces spectacular tissue-like republican case to the 1999 referendum. Living locally, bark. Its leaves have five parallel veins, which give the tree its Malcolm is married to former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy botanic name, quinquenervia. Turnbull. They are regular park users and can often be seen Paperbarks occur naturally in swamps and love moist, sandy walking their three dogs, Rusty, JoJo and Mellie in the Park. conditions, such as those in Centennial Parklands. Sir Joseph When did you start coming to the Parklands? Maiden, Director Royal Botanic Gardens from 1896 to 1924, Centennial Park has always been part of my life. I fed the considered paperbarks to be “shapely, shading objects of sylvan ducks there when I could barely walk. For years I jogged beauty.” He introduced paperbarks into Centennial Parklands, Rufous (Nankeen) Night-Heron around the Park with my father and friends like Billy Bridges, possibly his most visibly powerful planting contribution. The George Daldry and Bruce Gyngell. I learned to ride a horse The impressive bark of the Melaleuca from the book ‘Through the Gates’, available By Trevor Waller best examples of paperbarks in the Parklands can be found at: from Centennial Parklands, only $29.95 in the Park. We introduced our children to Centennial Park In Centennial Parklands there is a shy and secretive that is from the time they were babies and they have walked, • Paperbark Grove on Parkes Drive, between Grand Drive • Lily Pond. Mass planting dating back to 1896. mostly active at night. The Rufous (Nankeen) Night-Heron is a picnicked, bicycled and jogged there too. All of us have and Paddington Gates. Planted in 1899. Centennial Parklands mainly nocturnal heron than roosts during the day. It is a • Lachlan Swamp. Although only 30 years old, these played sport on the many cricket and rugby pitches. is the only place in Australia where paperbarks have been stocky heron with a large head, short neck and thick, quite paperbarks are just as big as those planted around Lily Pond My father Bruce was in the park almost every day, if he planted as an avenue. The planting follows a natural long yellow legs. as they were planted in ideal swampy conditions. wasn’t jogging he was riding a horse. watercourse and has matured to form a grand archway. This bird’s upper parts are a rich cinnamon-rufous and the • Maidens Row behind Kensington Pond. Planted in 1999 as a Favourite nook in the Parklands? • Below Snake Bank, between Busbys Pond and the Mission underparts are white. The shoulders have delicate tints of tribute to Joseph Maiden. I have always liked the fields. Planted in 1902 as a wind break in an informal cinnamon blending into the white of the belly. The head has a wilder area at the four-row planting. black crown and a black bill. During breeding there are two or southern end, between three long white head plumes. They have large yellow eyes Grand Drive and Alison that help them find their food at night. During the day the Road. It has been bird’s head is hunched down onto its shoulders in a daytime cleaned up now which Smoked Salmon Tart roost pose. Recipe means it is busier. Years They feed mainly on fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, ago nobody went there This recipe, courtesy of Centennial Parklands Restaurant, is Dough should be sticky and hold together - if not, add more and other invertebrates. Their bills have finely serrated and it was a good place delicious hot or cold – perfect for summer picnics in the Park water. edges that help grip slippery, active prey. They feed by to walk and think. served with a fresh side salad. 3. Place dough onto baking paper or floured work surface. plunging their bills forward while wading, standing still or Dogs or Horses? Ingredients - shortcrust pastry 4. Press, don’t knead, the dough into a ball using a light action. shuffling a foot ahead to disturb prey. Having long legs and a 1 5. Press dough into a flat disk, wrap and refrigerate for Our dogs, Rusty, JoJo 1 /2 cups (185g) plain flour flexible neck helps them feed in water. Malcolm, his daughter Daisy and their dogs, 20-30 minutes. and Mellie, love with the Pillemar family 100g chilled butter diced Rufous Night- can be found roosting in the cover of Centennial Park. Mellie, 2-4 tablespoons chilled water 6. Place dough in between two sheets of baking paper. Roll tall vegetation and dense trees near wetlands, billabongs and from the centre and rotate the dough, rather than rolling the maltese terrier, loves to swim and it is very hard to Ingredients - filling estuarine environs such as mangroves and tidal channels. backwards and forwards. keep her out of the ponds. 125ml full cream milk During breeding they nest in loose colonies in trees over 7. Blind bake in a greased pie dish in a 180°C oven for Picnic or Restaurant? 125ml pure cream water. The breeding season is from September to January. 10-13 minutes. Remove from oven and rest pastry while Definitely picnic. Only last Sunday Skye Leckie (who lives 3 whole eggs The nest is a loosely constructed, flat platform of sticks on a preparing the filling. near the Park) and Erin Flaherty organised dozens of our 100g smoked salmon horizontal fork. They lay a clutch of between 2-5 pale mutual friends for a softball competition at the Mission Fields. 75g ricotta cheese To make filling blue-green eggs that are incubated for about 22 days. It was a great Centennial Park picnic: lots of children and 50g grated parmesan 1. Mix milk, cream and eggs in a bowl. Add salt, pepper and We are fortunate to have a small colony of Night-Herons that dogs, sausages sizzling, some cold beer and wine and a not 1 leek (well washed) nutmeg. Set aside. roost in the Parklands. Please do not disturb these birds at any terribly competitive softball tournament. Salt and Pepper 2. Thinly slice leek and sauté with butter. time as they are very shy and the slightest disturbance could What worries you about the Parklands? Nutmeg 3. Place leek in the bottom of the pastry case followed by have a great effect on these birds, including possibly ricotta, egg mixture and smoked salmon. Sprinkle with Sometimes I think the Park is in danger of being loved to Butter abandonment of their nests. parmesan cheese. death with so many thousands of visitors. But the rangers To make pastry 4. Bake in a 180°C oven for 16 minutes. Trevor Waller is a bird enthusiast with over 10 years do a great job and the Park seems to stand up well to the 1. Sift flour into large bowl. Using your fingers, rub butter into behind the binoculars. He is a member of various bird stresses and strains of being Sydney's favourite picnic flour until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Centennial Parklands Restaurant is open for breakfast and watching clubs in Sydney, including Birds Australia, destination. 2. Make a well in the middle and add water. Mix with a and conducts the Parklands’ Birdwatcher’s Breakfasts flat-bladed knife, using a cutting action, until a dough forms. lunch. So soak up the summer weather, enjoy the view and each season (visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au for details). choose from an assortment of seasonal dishes.

8 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 9 Healthy Parks, Healthy People Foundation and Friends

Healthy Parks Healthy People First Foundation-funded New Water Quality 10 ways to get fit this summer Make the most of the warmer weather and longer days of project Executive summer to improve your fitness with a visit to Centennial Parklands. The Centennial Officer 1 Hire a bike and pedal your way around the 3.8 km cycle Parklands Foundation track in Centennial Park. has approved a grant Michel Zwecker has been appointed the first Executive Officer for the Centennial 2 Pump it up at the outdoor gym at Queens Park. of $10,000 towards a University of Parklands Foundation. Michel’s primary 3 Kick up some dust on the back of a horse in Centennial Park Wollongong Masters focus will be on fundraising for the – a remarkable experience in the heart of the city. Research Project: Foundation so that its key environmental Australian White Ibis and educational programs are delivered. Practice your golf swing at the newly refurbished driving 4 Movements and He will also be working to raise range at Moore Park Golf. Children dip-netting in Centennial Park Control Methods in community awareness and support for the Foundation. The quality of pond water in Centennial Parklands is crucial 5 Gather the whole family for a session of ice skating, bowling the Urban to the survival of our aquatic organisms as well as for the or skate boarding at the Entertainment Quarter. Environment. It is the first funding project Michel brings to the Parklands extensive health of water downstream from the local catchment area. Join a sports club. With cricket, softball, netball, touch 6 undertaken by the experience in both fundraising and Rainwater enters the Park’s pond system from gutters and football and Oztag to choose from, the opportunities to get business-to-business marketing. He spent Foundation since it John Martin with a young ibis drains in the surrounding catchment, incorporating Bondi fit, have fun and meet people are vast. eight years fundraising for the international became operational Junction, Waverley and Randwick. Litter and other solid conduct proper observations we cannot medical aid agency Medecins Sans Dust off the rollerblades and skate a few laps around the earlier this year. pollutants - polystyrene cups, plastic bottles, leaf and garden 7 know what the dynamics are of such shady, tree-lined avenue of Grand Drive in Centennial Park. Frontieres, based in both Barcelona litter, dog waste, even tennis balls - accompany this water as The research into this widespread a population.” and Sydney. it starts its journey to the ponds. 8 Burn-off the excesses of the festive season with some hill nuisance species will be conducted by The research will also look at the After flowing through the pond system in Centennial Park, sprints up and down the slopes of Mt Steel at Moore Park. John Martin, a part-time Biology success of ‘egg oil’ in controlling Michel developed a love for Centennial Masters student at the University of Parklands as soon as he came to Sydney. the water is fed through a series of drains that empty into the Dance your heart out to the beats of Good Vibrations or reproduction. This is a relatively new 9 Wollongong. John is also employed “Parklands like this just don’t exist in Botany Wetlands adjacent to Botany Bay. More information the groove of Jamiroquai. technique that involves spraying canola on this remarkable, transforming journey can be found in our part-time by Centennial Parklands as an oil on the bird’s eggs, thwarting new Barcelona,” he said, “and my childhood feature story on pages 6-7. 10 Rally some friends and hire a court at Parklands Sport Environmental Officer and has been hatchings and potentially arresting the memory of outdoor life back home was Centre for a game of tennis. conducting ibis management and speed with which ibis produce a new of dust and concrete. So I don’t take a Gross Pollutant Traps, installed at key stormwater entry monitoring in the Parklands since 2002. place like Centennial Parklands for granted. Visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au for details on sports clubs, cycle clutch of eggs. The most common form points at Musgrave and Model Yacht Ponds capture much of Maintaining this ways, horse, court and cycle hire. Don’t forget to bring water “The most exciting thing about this of control at present is nest and egg the solid pollutants before they flow into the ponds. Aquatic special funding is that it will allow us to buy destruction under a licence granted by plants assist to absorb dissolved pollutants such as oil, and slip, slop, slap. environment is radio transmitters,” he says. A total of the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. detergents from car washing and fertilisers from gardens. critical for all 30 ibis will be radio tracked and the John points out, however, that after this Regular water quality testing by staff and school groups Sydneysiders, and information will be used to investigate occurs an ibis can produce a new clutch monitors the health of our ponds. Results are recorded on National Co-ordination Group the Foundation is how far ibis travel to feeding grounds of eggs within a week! Sydney Water’s Streamwatch website. These tests measure Healthy Parks Healthy People, an the vehicle to across Sydney. By identifying the temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and clarity. Regular initiative developed at state level The research project has obtained ensure foraging range of ibis, land managers surveys of aquatic invertebrates or water bugs help indicate to promote the mental and physical benefits of spending time approvals from the relevant ethics this happens.” can have better access to alternative the overall health of a pond as these creatures are in parks, has now formed a national group. committee as well as from the NSW management strategies. Ibis presently susceptible to any changes in water conditions. The Healthy Parks Healthy People National Co-ordination National Parks and Wildlife Service Michel Zwecker He recognises are managed in a localised way, but and the Australian Bird and Bat that some great Fluctuations in the results from these tests are helpful Group comprises (members of the Sydney the research may indicate a more Banding Scheme. challenges lie ahead of him, including management tools. They can, for example, help us to Urban Parks Education and Research Group), Victoria (Parks unified regional management approach revitalising the Friends membership pre-empt conditions that encourage algal blooms, impact on Victoria), South Australia (Department for Environment and The project is also being supported by is required.” program and attracting significant funding the health of birds, fish, turtles or aquatic plants, or affect the Heritage) and Western Australia (Department of Conservation funding from Waste Services NSW and for the Foundation from other sources. use of water for irrigation. and Land Management). The project will also identify whether . The results will ibis form resident populations and if so, directly benefit Centennial Parklands, Michel says “a priority is to get people Visitors in and around Centennial Parklands can help reduce The national group will work collaboratively to promote what the make-up of these populations but will also help educate and inform involved in the Friends and Foundation on stormwater pollution by: Healthy Parks Healthy People by presenting satellite activities are - including calculating the average the wider community, including a yearly basis, both actively and financially.” and promotions. Michel is a member of the Fundraising • placing all litter, including dog waste, in the bins provided age and ratio of resident to migratory other parks and gardens involved in In NSW, Healthy Parks Healthy People will continue to present Institute of Australia and is a regular cyclist • keeping gutters clear of leaves and other rubbish its ongoing program of activities which includes Parks Week birds. John says “This is presently ibis management. completely unknown. In Centennial through the Parklands. • not pouring chemicals, paints, oils or other liquids into (October), Art in the Park (July) and a collaboration with For more information on Friends and Parklands we assume we have stormwater drains. Seniors Week (April). the Foundation visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au residential populations, but until we 10 Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 For more information visit www.healthyparkshealthypeople.com Parklands Summer 2005 - 2006 11 Centennial Parklands User’s Guide

QUICK GUIDE Dog Walking First Aid and Emergency Under NSW law, dogs must be held on a leash 24 hour Ranger service, 7 days. in all public areas, unless otherwise designated, 0412 718 611 and no more than four dogs can be walked by one person. Dogs with responsible owners are Parklands Office welcome in Centennial Parklands and can be 8.30 am-5.00 pm Monday–Friday. Located behind exercised off-leash in certain areas. To find out Centennial Parklands Café. (02) 9339 6699 more about areas in Centennial Parklands where Fax: (02) 9332 2148 email: [email protected] Moore Park Golf Course off-leash dog walking is permitted, please refer Public 18-hole golf course, available to to our dog brochure. For copies please phone How to Get Here (02) 9339 6699 or visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au BY BUS: Easily accessible by bus. Route 339 members and non-members, in the heart of from city stations and 355 from Bondi Junction the Eastern Suburbs. Includes Golf Pro Shop Jogging & Walking run regular services to Moore Park. Route 378 and one of Australia’s largest driving ranges. A 3.6 kilometre jogging track is located around from Central and 380 from run (02) 9663 3791 Grand Drive. Self-guided walking trails are services to Centennial Park. Phone 131 500 located at Lachlan Swamp and Duck Pond. for timetable details. BOOK A SPACE FOR PLAYING Guided walks held regularly each season. Guided BY CAR: Main gates to Centennial Park open OR ENTERTAINING walks bookings: (02) 9339 6699 sunrise to sunset. Car Free Days are held on the Playing Fields Horse Riding last Sunday in every season: February, May, Playing fields in Centennial, Moore and Queens Centennial Park is one of the few remaining August and November. A 30 km speed limit parks in the world offering inner-city horse riding, applies on all roads in Centennial Park. Parks are available for team sports, including cricket, soccer, hockey, rugby and touch-football. with a 3.6 kilometre circular horse track and Friends of Centennial Parklands Also available is ES Marks Athletics Field featuring some two hectares of fenced equestrian More than a group of park lovers, the Friends are an international standard 400 metre running grounds. Horse hire: an important association of like-minded people track, shot put, discus, javelin, long, high and •Moore Park Stables: •Centennial Stables: committed to preserving the Parklands’ history, triple jump facilities. Bookings: (02) 9339 6699 (02) 9360 8747 (02) 9360 5650 environment and culture. (02) 9339 6699 •Eastside Riding Academy: •Papillon Riding Stables: Centennial Square (02) 9360 7521 (02) 8356 9866 Community Consultative Committee Surrounded by trees and designed for marquees, •Budapest Riding School: Meets approximately every six weeks. Committee this site caters for 50 to 1200 people. Located 0419 231 391 members can be contacted via Centennial next to one of Centennial Park’s historic ponds. For stabling and other enquiries, please phone Parklands administration. (02) 9339 6699 Perfect for weddings, launches, events. Bookings: the Centre Manager: (02) 9332 2809 email: [email protected] web: (02) 9339 6699 www.cp.nsw.gov.au Picnics & BBQs Centennial Parklands Restaurant Park Information The Parklands offer unlimited picnic spots, with Available for weddings and function hire. views of ponds, fields and gardens. There are Information, maps and brochures are available Bookings: (02) 9282 0500 from the Parklands Office (behind the café) or also eight free BBQ locations in Centennial Park the Visitor Centre, weekends 10.00 am–3.00 pm. Events and one in Queens Park. Access to picnic areas Submissions from the public are welcome for and BBQs operates on a first-in basis. FACILITIES AND AMENITIES activities and events that support the Parklands’ Bookings required for groups of 50 or over. Centennial Parklands Restaurant cultural policy. Enquiries: (02) 9339 6699 Bookings: (02) 9339 6699 Modern Australian à la carte restaurant offering a Education and Public Programs full wine list. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Filming & Photography School excursions, holiday activities, guided tours Also available for weddings and function hire. Centennial Parklands offers a versatile range of and workshops, children’s birthday parties. Open 7 days, 8.30 am–2.30 pm. locations for commercial filming and photography Enquiries: (02) 9339 6699 (02) 9360 3355 at competitive rates. Enquiries: (02) 9339 6699 Centennial Parklands Café Moore Park Precinct Specialising in light meals and snacks, the Café THINGS TO DO The Moore Park offers open-air eating in its award-winning Cycling & Rollerblading Precinct offers a variety forecourt. Open 7 days, 8.00 am–4.00 pm A 3.8 kilometre cycling and rollerblading track of sport and leisure (Monday to Friday) and 8.00 am–4.30 pm follows the perimeter of Grand Drive. A experiences. Venues (weekends). (02) 9380 6922 Learners Cycleway for children is also available in the Precinct include Fox Studios, Hordern (cycling only). Cyclists are not permitted to ride Pavilion, Royal Hall of Industries, Sydney Cricket Centennial Parklands Kiosk in groups of more than 16. Hire available from: Ground and Aussie Stadium. For more Located next to Duck Pond, the Kiosk serves information on events and activities visit sandwiches, light meals, coffee, cold drinks and • Centennial Parklands Cycle Hire, www.mooreparkprecinct.com.au ice cream. Open weekends and public holidays, in Centennial Park (bikes only): 0409 855 592 8.00 am–sunset. • Centennial Park Cycles, Centennial Parklands Children’s Centre Randwick (bikes & blades): (02) 9398 5027 Day care centre for babies to pre-schoolers. (02) 9663 1200 •Woolys Wheels, Paddington (bikes only): (02) 9380 6356 Centennial Parklands Sports Centre •Total Skate, Tennis, basketball and netball courts available Woollahra (blades only): (02) 9380 6356 for casual or regular use. (02) 9662 7033 (for Locked Bag 15 PADDINGTON NSW 2021 tennis). All other enquiries to (02) 9339 6699 Tel: (02) 9339 6699 Fax: (02) 9332 2148 www.cp.nsw.gov.au email: [email protected]