our opinions are invited on proportion of which would have two important matters which will involved clearing the bushland in this Waterfalls determine whether a lot of our important Middle Nepean catchment. precious bushland is to b protected or It is vital to secure this land for its and Wonder destroyed …. natural, Aboriginal and cultural heritage Images of waterfalls with streaming These are the zoning of the very values. It is important that members water are lit up on the new display in the significant St Columba’s site north of support this proposal. Without your foyer of the Conservation Hut. A story Springwood and the proposed new rules support we fear that this precious land accompanies a lovely image of each of to govern bushfire protection measures could become part of the urban sprawl. the 12 waterfalls in the Valley of the over the whole of the mountains for the Waters. A newly named waterfall Bulldozed Bushland for Asset commemorates the conservation work of future. The proposals are part of the Protection Zones Draft Local Environment Plan 2002 Isobel Bowden. This waterfall is in the Bulldozing huge swathes of bushland rainforest glen at the start of Nature display at Council offices and libraries to bare earth around new developments and on Council’s website www.bmcc. Trail, where there is a plaque to honour is sadly a common occurrence. The her. This is just part of a much bigger nsw.gov.au until 10 December 2003. excuse for this is to create an “Asset There are another 15 localities of story about water. Protection Zone” and the reason, that it Summer, the first of the Seasonal conservation significance where the is cheap to use the bulldozer whilst it’s rezoning is still to be decided. Change panels to be installed, suggests a there to dig the footings. cool shady walk into the Valley of the St Columba’s Site, Springwood Bulldozing for bushfire protection is Waters during the summer fire season. The St Columba’s site is an destructive and unnecessary. Neither the A map of the Kedumba region and the important cultural, Aboriginal State Government or RFS recommend World Heritage area is on the restored archaeological and natural heritage site. earthworks to provide bushfire noticeboard. It is located at the head of the important protection. The NSW guideline called The inspiration to tell the story of the Blue Gum Swamp which flows into the ‘Planning for Bushfire Protection’ Valley of the Waters has come from its World Heritage National Park. The recommends that Local Environment natural beauty and human connections. provisions that Blue Mountains City Plans include clauses that specify that It is an intact and healthy ecosystem and Council has proposed in DLEP2002 for site disturbance should be minimised. It the water flows into the Sydney drinking this site, if formally approved, will result also suggests specifying that work water catchment. Of course, the Hut is in one of the greatest victories for the should “be carried out by hand with trees dear to our hearts too. environment and conservation being felled rather than pushed over”. movement in the Blue Mountains. This interpretive display about the (refer to Appendix 1 clause 2.1.4) Valley of the Waters catchment has been Councillors have recommended an DLEP 2002 offers an opportunity to produced by many hours of volunteer extension of the Environmental Protec- stop this practice of bulldozing to bare effort. tion zone to cover all uncleared earth. The draft proposals are good but Our members have walked the valley bushland. This will protect most of the don’t go far enough. A clear statement taking notes, photographs and checking existing bushland which is essential to is needed to specify which methods of walking tracks throughout the year. the conservation of two important sub- hazard reduction are not permissible. Gathering details of the story and catchments: the eastern side of the site This is necessary to allow Council to involvement in its telling has brought drains to Blue Gum Swamp Creek and stop this practice of bulldozing. some of us into a much closer the western side flows into the Grose Other issues relationship with this lovely valley. River. This western side has already Delight came as the colourful fungi of been identified by the NSW Government The protection of watercourses, slopes or sensitive vegetation is involved autumn appeared and the sweet scented as a ‘conservation sub-catchment’ for white Woollsia pungens of winter special protection as part of its policy to in the other 15 locations we are investigating. See our BMCS website followed. Awe silenced us as the silvery improve the health of the Hawkesbury- waters gushed over Sylvia Falls. The Nepean River. for a discussion of the sites of concern or phone Lyndal for a copy. profusion of pink Boronia welcomed The St Columba’s property contains spring. We have shared wonderment of 55 recorded Aboriginal archeological Your submission could make a nature and friendships. difference sites with potential for many more. The Other members have contributed area of uncleared bushland being recom- The Society is compiling a sub- their knowledge of plants and wildlife in mended for EP zoning contains two mission but this only carries the weight the area. A song has been written about archeological Aboriginal open of a submission from one resident. We this beautiful valley and was sung at the campsites. need all our members to write. You are celebration. Others have spent hours in The proposal on display will allow urged to make your own written research, writing and editing sessions, for some increase in development in the submissions. If you need further and computer design. Others entertained existing cleared area. This allows for information to write your letter contact us to make the celebration special. private recreation and associated land uses Lyndal Sullivan 4782 1635 or email [email protected]. National Parks and Wildlife Service and facilities for the community. It will have donated time and expertise through also allow for self supporting accessible There is not much time. The closing th their commitment to working with the housing for the aged and those with a date for comments is 10 December. local community. The new foyer display disability. Further educational facilities Letters should be entitled “DLEP 2002 - has been made possible by the funding of or a conference centre may be possible. Exhibition of Deferred Matters” and $8000 from Sydney Catchment This is by far a preferable option than mailed to the General Manager, Blue Authority. any other being proposed. The Mountains City Council, Locked Bag, Sincere thanks to all involved in this alternative was to allow for 12 hectares Katoomba 2780 or emailed to community project. Meredith Brownhill. of residential development, a significant [email protected] Hut News, No. 197, December 2003 — Page 1. “Hut News”, the newsletter of making process. The only scientific 75% of residential lots covered by Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. evidence was presented by Dr Peter DLEP2002 will be zoned either Living- P.O. Box 29, Wentworth Falls, 2782 Smith on behalf of BMCC, this came Conservation or Living-Bushland Phone47571872 Fax47571753 from a report commissioned by BMCS Conservation. Some landowners will Email: [email protected] and others, and was referred to find the new zoning less ‘restrictive’ and Web page: www.bluemountains.org.au throughout the case. This report many will find there are no changes. If President: Kevin Bell indicated that a 60m buffer was required you had wanted to build a granny flat, 4787.6436 (ph/fx), [email protected] for the ongoing passive protection and you can do that now. If your land is a Senior Vice President: Heather Hull conservation of these valuable vegetation normal sized lot which is less than 1400 4739.1493, [email protected] communities and must not include the sq metres you couldn’t subdivide under Second Vice President: Tony Towers APZ. It was pointed out to the court that LEP 4 and you still can’t. Under these 4757.1321(ph/fx) if the 60m buffer included an APZ the two new zones land must be at least 2400 [email protected] area would be used as the ‘backyard’ and sq meters to be subdivided. Owners of Treasurer: Bart Beech cleared in accordance with Rural Fire land which had been zoned Res 2(a2) 4739.9947, [email protected] Service requirements thus reducing the may find the lifting of the blanket Administration Officer: Joy McDonald effective buffer. prohibition on subdivision less 4757 2725, [email protected] A passive method to protect and restrictive. Membership: Elizabeth van Reyswoud conserve significant vegetation was About 23% of residential land will be 4757.2694, 0418206899 (mobile) discussed versus fences to exclude zoned Living-General. This is broadly [email protected] humans and domestic animals and the similar to the old Res 2(a1) with similar Meetings Secretary: Rosemary Lathouris active participation of future residents in minimum lot sizes. Dual occupancies, 4757.2511, [email protected] implementing a Plan of Management. granny flats and some non residential Meetings Convenor: Jim Wallace Dr Smith and BMCC recommended the uses previously not permitted will now 4784.3305, [email protected] passive approach rather than the need for be permissible. Residential zones where Education Officer: Richard Phillipps monitoring and regulation. flats were permitted were called 2 (b 1) 4739.2568, [email protected] The judgment is expected to take (b2), (c1), (c2) or (d). Now multi-unit Plant Nursery Manager: David Coleby about two weeks and will either give dwellings will only be permitted in 4784.1395 (ph/fax) [email protected] legal weight to ‘guideline’ of the 60m Village Housing zones or Accessible Land Use Officer: Lyndal Sullivan buffer width (as already adopted by Housing Areas. 4782.1635, [email protected] BMCC and any variation from this will This may be more or less restrictive Bushcare Officer: Clive Heywood-Barker need justification), or will establish 25m depending on which side of the fence 4782.3345, [email protected] as an adequate buffer. you are sitting! Publicity Officer:: Samantha Stevens This case is significant for a number The facts are that most suitable 0425316953, [email protected] of reasons; it shows that community residential blocks in the Blue Mountains Walks Convenor: Bob van Reyswoud groups can influence actions of consent already have houses on them; most are 4757.2694 (ph/fax) authorities. It highlights the importance less than the old ¼ acre block (approx [email protected] of the work done to strengthen LEP 91 1000sq m). Very little is going to Bushfire Officer: Hugh Paterson by the introduction of Amendment 25 change for these blocks. 4751.2303, [email protected] and the ongoing work being done by Where there are changes will be on National Parks Officer: Jenny Rich Council to protect significant Blue the more marginal land, on steep slopes, 4787.6243, [email protected] Mountains vegetation communities by with creeks, swamps or other endangered Web Site Manager: Margaret Sleath mapping them with their buffers in the plant communities. LEP2002 seeks to 4759.3350, [email protected] DLEP 2002. It also highlighted the contain the adverse impacts we, as Threatened Species Officer: Ian Baird problem of having no buffer width humans, inflict on these particularly 4782.6775, [email protected] specified in the LEP or development vulnerable areas of native bush and the Project Officer: Ann Fox control plan (DCP). Had the 60m width animals that live there. It will still allow 4758.6096, [email protected] been identified clearly as a guideline, it building but hopefully confine it to Project Officer: Les Coyne is unlikely that the developer would have where it will cause the least damage. 4757.3327, 4757.2820(fax) brought this case to court. A We urge you to check the facts of this [email protected] development control plan could identify Project Officer: John Haydon out for yourself – ask to see the Draft 0421.479.146 the criteria on which any variation to this LEP and the background studies. [email protected] guideline could be varied. The advertisement also refers to the Newsletter Editor: Christine Davies The case also highlighted the value in Vegetation Management Order which, 4787.7246, [email protected] independent research to identify such incidentally, no longer exists. The guidelines or benchmarks that can be original draft document changed so used in planning instruments and by the dramatically it was renamed the Subdivision in Court Land and Environment Court. Sue Bushland Preservation Order. The issue of buffers around Beevers. significant Blue Mountains native The BPO applies only to land with vegetation has come up again. Response to Alarmist uncleared bushland in one zone under this DLEP 2002 - the Living Bushland A proposed subdivision in Orama Advertising Conservation zone. It does not cover the Road, Hazelbrook was taken to the Land Were you alarmed by the large area immediately around the house, only and Environment Court in mid advertisement in the 12 November issue the land more than 35metres in any November 2003, after Council rejected of Blue Mountains Gazette entitled “the direction from the house (this is far the application. A key point of LEP 2002 is Here”. bigger than the 35 paces quoted in the contention was the width of buffers ad!). It does not apply to normal sized needed between the cleared area around Don’t panic - instead check the facts! To speak about 75% of residential blocks in the town, nor does it apply to the houses and areas of swamp and established gardens on larger blocks. heathland. All the experts agreed that blocks being “rezoned more buffers around these significant restrictively” lacks accuracy. What The ad also states that “Your rates vegetation communities were necessary exactly is “more restrictive”? will rise”. This is probably true… rates to conserve them - the question is how There are changes to all residential always rise … but this will have nothing wide should the buffers be, and can they blocks in the areas in the Blue Mountains to do with DLEP2002 or the BPO. include an asset protection zone (APZ), covered by DLEP 2002. It is an entirely If you wish to discuss the details for bushfire protection? new approach with a new set of zones, further contact the Land Use The issues brought up in this case much more appropriate to this area, and Subcommittee through 4782 1635. indicate the complexity of decision much less complex. Hut News, No. 197, December 2003 — Page 2. If you are able to spare any time to confronting elements of human Vale Besse Irvine Bramsen help with this important job, please interaction with the valley through a We have received the sad news that contact John at the Springwood Library, profile of the Duncan family. The Besse Bramsen has passed away at the email [email protected] sensitivity of the human-horse age of 94. relationship is especially understood by Besse was a committed environ- New Books Tom Williams. My own contribution mentalist and an active member of the Reviewed by Don Morison centres on a BMCS overnight bushwalk. Lower Blue Mountains Conservation Delightfully illustrated with a foreword Society until we amalgamated in 1995. Wild Blue by Ian Brown is mainly a by Jim Smith and a poem by Mary Shaw. Since then she has remained an active setting for trekker Ian’s photographs of All three books are available from member of Society, wrote letters to the Greater Blue Mountains World selected retailers. Heritage Area—there is a satisfying support our campaigns and, despite her From Windy Cliff Press (4787 1420 age, would regularly come from balance between remote and accessible areas in the subjects. or www.windycliff.com.au): Wild Blue Springwood to our general meetings. (RRP Hardcover $75, Softcover $50) Ian has a lens for the soft and the Besse had a strong social conscience From Megalong Tea Rooms (4787 and over many years was actively subtle—what a welcome contrast from the Steve Parish glossies of Blackheath 9181): The Duncans of ‘Ballymore’ involved in Springwood community (Softcover RRP $20); Tomorrow we go groups and with the Anglican Church, labelled ‘Springwood’ selling at local post offices! If you’ve ever been afraid to Megalong Valley (Softcover spiral- and wrote frequent letters to the Gazette bound $20). on social issues. The Fairy Dell of having a love affair with rocks, clouds Restoration was started in 1989 with and mists, Ian’s pictures will banish all Mountain Journeys your inhibitions. Besse a member of the foundation A touring map to the Greater Blue bushcare group, and more recently she The text provides a good general Mountains World Heritage Area was active in the representation and work backdrop to the graphics and reflects the on the Deanei Reserve at Springwood to assistance of experts such as Margaret (extract of an article by Alex Colley in have it recognised and protected as an Baker, Tony Garbellini, Wyn Jones, the Colong Bulletin, September 2003) endangered community. Andy Macqueen and Eugene Stockton. The NPWS and Jenolan Caves Bessie was born at Mount Irvine Few tracts of text are obscure but an Reserve Trust, with funding provided by where her father was a timber cutter. In introductory textbook on geology or the Natural Heritage Trust, have a letter printed in December 1998 Hut physical geography could help the reader published a beautiful colour touring map News, Besse recalled those early days with Ian’s words about old rocks. The of the Greater Blue Mountains World “when Lyre Birds were plentiful along bibliography is extensive—it needs to Heritage Area. The map called most creek lines, and in all rainforest.” distinguish between Jim Smith, historian, “Mountain Journeys” is a metre long and “Barefoot, with my siblings, we would and Judy Smith, botanist—both very two thirds of a metre across and covers creep quietly down to near a creek bank informative writers on the Mountains. an area extending from Bathurst to — never to crack a stick — where the If you don’t buy this book yourself, Sydney. male bird was singing and dancing on his you must find a friend who’ll let you The reasons for World Heritage mound. On one occasion we watched browse the piccies! listing and seventeen landmarks on the him for two hours. Then, turning to 150 year journey to listing are described. leave the site, we discovered that we The Duncans of ‘Ballimore’ by For example: Landmark 9 describes the were quite close to the female, perched Keith Duncan assisted by Jim Smith and Sydney Bush Walkers and Mountain in a low shrub, from where she also was Marlene Jones. Trails Club purchase of the Blue Gum watching the show.” This book employs enchanting black Forest; Landmark 13 covers the Colong Besse didn’t believe in waste and and white photographs and a no- and Boyd campaigns; Landmark 14 recycled everything. Her native garden nonsense text, effectively offering the describes the Wollemi National Park was extensive. Besse was an inspiration southern Megalong Valley as a case campaign and the events which marked to us all. study of rural New South Wales during its conclusion; Landmarks 15, 16 and 17 Keith Duncan’s life (80 years so far). cover the creation of Yengo, Gardens of Calling all Blackheath-ers Older readers will find this an evocative Stone and Nattai National Parks. volume (especially if they have some The reverse side of the map In Blackheath, the beautiful Braeside experience of rural living). Younger representing the mountain scenery and Creek has its catchment next to the golf readers will discover some surprises also. its landmarks, describes the geological course. Our bushcare group meets there th The use of line drawings in this (and the history of the Mountains, the evolution on the 4 Saturday of the month to following book) adds to the mood. of the eucalypts and four mountain remove gorse, holly and other nasty journeys. invaders. Tomorrow we go to Megalong Valley features 10 short story writers— Four tourists routes are depicted, We are making good progress, but describing the main features and would love to have a few more hands to winners of a contest with judges from Varuna Writers Centre. distances, time required and side trips help us restore this lovely creek. and stopovers. Norma Carlon tells of life at Green If you could spare one morning per Congratulations to the anonymous month to help, please contact Martin on Gully—its transformation from a pioneer farm to a modern National Park author, to photographers Ian Brown, 4782.1626. (NPWS provides cake for Wyn Jones and J Little and to the NPWS morning tea!) neighbour epitomises Blue Mountains history—and also of the tragic storms of and the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust. Society’s Archives 1967. Leila Bryant’s family had an The map can be purchased for $6 from occasionally sad but very rewarding all good map outlets throughout NSW. Springwood Library’s Local Studies history as Megalong visitors. Diana Collection holds a substantial collection Levy found the site of the Glen Shale DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (several large boxes) of archive material Mine village in prose and haiku. David belonging to the Blue Mountains Mansfield and Heather McNair offer Management Meeting: Saturday 20 Conservation Society, much of it being different fantasies about how December at Blackheath. (There will be records of the former Lower Blue hypothetical events could impact on a no general meeting in December) Mountains Conservation Society. remote part of the Mountains. Bushcare: Saturday 13 December. Local Studies Librarian John Low Susan Crick paints a portrait of Valley of the Waters Bushcare Group needs volunteers who can assist to bushman Russell Gracey. Sabine Erica meets at 9am on the 2nd Saturday of organise, list/index and package this recalls characters and events from a every month. Tools are provided. Bring valuable archive, in order to make it bygone Megalong. Bob Yates explores morning tea, gloves and drinking water. accessible. Contact Karen 4757.1929. Hut News, No. 197, December 2003 — Page 3. Sydney's Water: What is BLUE MOUNTAINS CONSERVATION SOCIETY BUSHWALKING GROUP Wrong with the Water System? Our Bushwalking Group provides a range of activities. Membership of the bush- In October 2003 Hut News I walking group is available to members of the Society. For further information explained about Sydney’s (and Blue contact the Activity Leader/Coordinator (listed) or Bushwalks Conveyor Bob van Mountains’) water—where it comes Reyswoud 4757.2694 (phone/fax), email [email protected]. Membership from, how it is treated, how it is trans- details are on page 4. Cost of insurance and affiliation fees for bushwalkers is ported. It is a massive system, designed $12.50 per member. to produce drinking quality water to over Pre-School Walks, for parent/grandparent/carer with children under 6 years. four million people. Overall it works Short, easy walks, approx 1 hour, 1st Wednesday of every month, starting at and the water quality is usually good. 10.30am. Bring a snack and a drink. Contact Megan 4759.2734 or Kathy But there is a lot of wastage both in the 4759.3669 for more information or if the weather is doubtful. system and in our water use. Changes Dec 03 Cateract Falls, Lawson. This is a nice little swimming hole so bring need to be made to make our water bathers if it is hot. Meet at car park/picnic area about 1 km down Honour Ave. supply and use sustainable. Quoll Club: A monthly newsletter and activities for 12 and under. For more Age is the enemy of a lot of the water information  David King 4758.8932 (email [email protected]). supply system. Many water mains are approaching their 100 year expected Monday Leisure Walks: Usually ‘Short Day’ walks of 3-5 hours suitable for lifespan, and they are not being replaced walkers of average fitness. Graded Medium, i.e. can include some short rock anywhere near fast enough. The system scrambles or some short sections off-track. Bring morning tea and lunch, plus carry is designed to produce acceptable water at least 1 litre of WATER, 2 litres on warmer days. quality, using technology that is not the Dec 01 Florabella Pass. Woodlands and rainforest. Meet Warrimoo Station car park.  Ron 4757 1526. best available. Dec 08 Bedford Creek, Murphy’s Glen. Walk through open forest and swim in Sand filtration cannot remove Giardia Bedford Creek. Meet 9am Woodford Station carpark (south side) 9am.  Jock or Cryptosporidium, and we still rely on 4758.6346. water quality testing and boiled water Dec 15 Christmas Bus Trip. Climb Evans Crown and Christmas lunch at alerts to protect us if these parasites are Tarana. Departs 8.30 am, BMCC Depot, South Street, Katoomba. Phone Laurel found in the water supply. Sand 4784.1554 to book. filtration also cannot remove bacteria or Dec 22 River Lett, Hartley. Leisurely walk near river, BBQ lunch. Meet viruses. The system relies on Chlorine 9.15 am at Mt Victoria Station.  Kees 4759.1958. and Ammonia to kill these nasties before Jan 05 Waterworks, Lithgow. Walk to old dam for swim. Meet 9.15 amat Mt they get to your tap. Victoria Station.  Jock 4758.6346 Disinfecting organic material with Jan 12 Mystery Walk. (It’s a mystery!) Meet 9am Leura Station carpark. Chlorine is problematic, as the process  Ron 4757.1526. produces by-products that have been Thursday Pleasure Walks: These easy to medium grade walks are conducted to suit linked to cancer. Membrane filtration the walkers on the day. Times given are approximate. Slower walkers are catered could be used to remove almost all for and on longer walks there is an option of a slower group to complete a section of problem organisms, reduce Chlorination, the walk. Phone the contact for any enquiries about the program, starting times and and result in cleaner water to the tap with transport issues. less chemicals and by-products, but at Dec 11 Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens Christmas Lunch. Bring a plate of increased cost. Christmas goodies to share after walk in the gardens. Meet Mt Victoria Station Sydney Water Corporation tend to 10am. Entry charge to gardens $4.40 pp, $3.30 seniors, $2.20 pensioners. favour, through their least-cost planning Contact Joan 4782.2218. mechanisms, large-scale centralised Weekend Bushwalks: Always discuss with the contact if the walk you would like to systems over distributed and do is medium/hard or hard, before attending. If this is your first walk, or you are in decentralised systems (for example the any doubt, discuss with the contact or Bushwalks Convener Bob van Reyswoud proposed de-commissioning of Greaves 4757.2694. Creek WTP). This leaves us open to Dec 13 (Sat) Mount Tomah. Christmas party. Bring a plate. Meet Mt Victoria mass system failures that affect large Station 9.50 am.  Bob 4757.2694. (Entry gardens $4.40/$3.30/$2.20). percentages of the population, and holds back innovations like rainwater tanks and NOTE: All bushwalkers need to carry water, 1 litre minimum, a snack for local-scale recycling. Least cost morning tea and lunch for all day walks. planning also tends to favour systems that use lots of energy and chemicals, Pre-School Walks Mountain Retreat rather than advanced technologies. The New Co-ordinators Needed system also is not designed to allow for The children of the current co- I talked to a currawong recycling of treated sewage effluent, ordinators of the Pre-School Walks are this morning almost all of which is dumped in rivers graduating to the Quoll Club, so we need his golden eye or the ocean. new co-ordinators for the walks to on mine Worst of all, Sydney Water continue. The job involves organising a In the crisp quiet Corporation pay a substantial dividend to program of monthly walks suitable for we exchanged the State Government each year, money little children. Lots of support offered soft sounds that should be spent on the water supply, from ex-co-ordinators. Please contact sewage treatment and stormwater Kathy on 4759 3669 or Megan on Mist lifting 4759 2734. on ancient systems. lichen covered trees Sydney Water Corporation needs to damp footsteps be spending a lot more on infrastructure, Welcome to New Members silenced alternative systems, recycling, demand Caroline Oliver, Penrith on leaf mould management, and reduction of chemical Chris Perkins, Penrith and energy use before it can claim to be a Stephen Procter, Wahroonga The only sound sustainable organisation. Ross Coster. Drago Heler, Medlow Bath the endless chatter and song Membership Enquiries Ron Bell, Mt Victoria Contact Elizabeth van Reyswoud Marie Esposito, Newtown of birds. Phone 4757.2694 A Davenport, Katoomba Rosemary Lewis, 27/5/85 Email: [email protected] Ben Tinsley, Blaxland “Home Grown” Post: PO Box 29,Wentworth Falls 2782 Mrs K M Kenneth-Tribe, Lapstone. This issue of Hut News has been printed on 100% Recycled Paper Hut News, No. 197, December 2003 — Page 4.