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Volume 29 : Issue 7, July 2015
STONEY CREEK GAZETTE
Circulation : 555
SAVE THE DATE
ANNUAL CARWOOLA TRIVIA NIGHT
7.30pm Saturday 22th August @ the Community Hall
To book your tables (maximum of 8 per table) phone Sandi Johnsson on 6238 2352.
Only $ 10 per person. Tables are limited so book early.
If you can’t raise a table of 6 - 8 people but are happy to join others, just book yourself.
This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbours, support your local community and have some fun,
with trivia, competitions, raffles and auctions.
If you are a new resident, come along and say hello.
SPONSORS
include
Rural Hire (Dave Warner),
Flowers from Chisholm (Jan Logan),
and
Hands on Equine Services (Caryn Bulmer).
Anyone else interested in donating a prize to sponsor this annual event,
please call Sandi or Ian 6238 2352 or email to [email protected]
Carwoola Website:
www.carwoola.org.au
The Stoney Creek Gazette is a publication of the Carwoola Community Association Inc. It is distributed to mail boxes
(where possible) from the Kings Highway turnoff along the Captains Flat Road and in Wanna Wanna, Green Acres,
Clydesdale, Stony Creek, Radcliffe, Molonglo River Park, Widgiewa, Carwoola, Woolcara, and Primrose Valley, with
limited distribution in Hoskinstown and Forbes Creek.
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of its editors, the Carwoola Community
Association, or of the Gazette's advertisers.
CARWOOLA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
Home
Ian Johnsson
Lucy Costas
Lynton Bond
Anthea Kerrison
Sandi Johnsson
President
Secretary
Treasurer, Landcare Liaison
Editor, Gazette
Committee Member
198 Radcliffe Circuit
Wanna Wanna Road
237 Radcliffe Circuit
Knox Close
198 Radcliffe Circuit
6238 2352
6299 1105
6238 2368
0417 488723
6238 2352
Graham Reynolds
Lybbie Hillman
Committee Member
QCC Area Sub-committee
149 Wanna Wanna Road
6238 2014
6297 1161
Work/Mobile
0428 330272
HOSKINSTOWN REGION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
Rowan Simpkin
Julienne Kamprad
President
President - Hoskinstown Area Roads Committee
6238 2890
6238 2441
EMERGENCY FIRE NUMBER (24 HOURS, 7 DAYS) REPORT ALL FIRES
000
STONEY CREEK RURAL FIRE BRIGADE (Postal Address: c/- 161 Bowen Street, Carwoola 2620)
FIRE CONTROL
QUEANBEYAN (use this number to notify of planned burn-offs)
Fire Shed
Graham Reynolds
Peter Bavington
Shirley Conn
Lewis Conn
David Hanzl
Alison Teate
Lisa Hanzl
Felix Pantaleo
Gary Anderson
Not usually manned except during training and emergencies
Captain, Captains Flat Road
Deputy Captain, Widgiewa Road
Deputy Captain, Douglas Close
Deputy Captain
Senior Deputy Captain Bowen St.
Treasurer, Captains Flat Rd
Secretary, Bowen Street
Training Officer, Bowen St
President, Bowen Street
STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Captains Flat Duty Officer - 24 hours
6238 2996
62382208
6238 2056
6128 0600
6238 2569
0428 330272
0416 060242
0414 382622
0457 537535
0423596583
0428 845 153
0411 899111
0477 324220
0418 493687
6236 6190
132 500
6238 2014
6238 2803
6238 2622
62382996
POLICE
Queanbeyan
6298 0555
PALERANG COUNCIL
10 Majara Street, Bungendore 2621 (PO Box 348)
6238 8111
QUEANBEYAN CITY
COUNCIL
Tim Overall
257 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan 2620 (PO Box 90)
Mayor
[email protected]
6285 6000
6285 6223
1300 735 025
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE (N.S.W.)
Graeme Clifton
Ann Burgess
Rick Magus
Mary Ann Middleton
Leslea Gruber
Ian McLennan
Wanna Wanna Road
Powell Drive
Hoskinstown
Molonglo River Park
Watson Place
Watson Place
STONEY CREEK COMMUNITY CENTRE Manager & Bookings
6297 4101
6297 5748
6238 2111
6238 2614
0428626839
0407 43 99 15
[email protected]
INJURED NATIVE ANIMALS WILDCARE Queanbeyan
6299 1966
To join the Carwoola Residents’ Email List: (1) Go to the Carwoola website www.carwoola.org.au; (2) scroll down
the bottom right hand side to the Contacts box; (3) Click on the link ozlabs.org/mailman/listinfo/carwoola-residents
and (4) enter your details into the online form.
Editorial
Carwoola has joined Bywong/Wamboin, Windellama, Captains Flat and Bungendore in having a Facebook
community group. Putting “Carwoola” into Facebook will find it pretty quickly. It’s like the other groups, for
discussion of things, putting up pictures, advertising things (but not spamming), it’s a community resource.
Lots of people aren’t on Facebook, so there’s the Carwoola email list, which is also a resource for all to
quickly communicate with the district. Lots of people aren’t on the internet, so for them, there’s the Gazette.
Thanks to our tireless deliverers, it goes into every mailbox and everyone’s got a mailbox.
The Landcare article this month mentions Serrated Tussock, my most hated weed. It’s everywhere. See a
grazed down paddock, with these smallish tufts of grass, green at base and fluffy white on top? That’s it.
It’s turning the land into useless wasteland, native and farm animals can’t eat this stuff, it’s basically steel
wool. And it spreads by wind. I’m constantly ripping out tufts which have come in. It’s the prettiest tufts of
tussock you can see, uneaten, and growing fast.
What kills it? Round Up! There’s more expensive herbicides but Glyphosate is very effective, and it’s
cheap, and very easy to get. Best used when the plant is actively growing, so maybe wait until the weather
warms up, but judging by the Narcissus which began flowering weeks ago (and months early), maybe the
warm weather is already happening. The plants think so.
anthea
Advertising in the Gazette
Business:
Full page (maximum size 180x255) $75.00
Half page (maximum size 180x125) $40.00
Third page (maximum size 180x85) $30.00
Quarter page (90x125 or 180x60 ) $20.00
Local part-time business:
Quarter page $15.00
Classifieds (non-business) are free
One-off ads & articles are dependent on space available.
PDFs do not import well into Word; all other formats are
fine (jpg, png, word etc). Payment must be received
before publication for one-off advertisements.
Permanent advertisers are invoiced six monthly, in March
and September. There is no discount for advance
payment or multiple advertisements.
Carwoola Community Association and Stoney Creek
Gazette are not registered for GST.
DEADLINE for the August 2015 STONEY CREEK GAZETTE
***5pm, last day of July***
Please send CONTRIBUTIONS, ADVERTISEMENTS, CLASSIFIEDS to the Gazette Editor:
email: [email protected] (phone 0417 488 723)
All emails get a response confirming they were received.
Receipt by the deadline date does not necessarily guarantee publication in that issue.
Address for payment of accounts remains 237 Radcliffe Circuit, Carwoola NSW 2620
Notes on birds June 2015
Cold is the name of the game! As well as frosty temperatures birds have adopted the usual behaviours.
While staying in a warm bed has appeal for humans, I doubt that any of you within earshot of a pine tree
have slept through the melodic notes of the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.
The number of species observed has dropped a bit further since May but as is often the case in Winter the
little birds are travelling in mixed flocks, with the various species benefitting from the material stirred up
by others. One such flock on our place included a Speckled Warbler and a Scarlet Robin in the low levels
plus a group of 8 Varied Sitella up in the canopy.
An unusual record – heard rather than seen – was a calling Fan-tailed Cuckoo on Wanna Wanna Rd. From
looking at the usual seasonal pattern for this species I suspect it is an early return rather than a late
departure.
A full report will be posted to http://carwoolabirds.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/june-2015.html (and a link
circulated on the residents email list). Please pass on interesting sightings to me by email to
[email protected].
CAPTAINS FLAT MARKETS
FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH (except January) from 10am to 2pm
Captains Flat Community Hall, Foxlow Street
Trash & Treasure - Plants - Handmade items - honey & jams - homewares
Sausage sizzle and café
No entry fee - $10 for stallholders For further details contact 6236 6094 or 0428 597 227.
QUEANBEYAN & DISTRICT DOG TRAINING CLUB
Puppies from 3 months of age are accepted, but dogs of all ages benefit from regular training.
All classes are taken by qualified instructors,
Sundays from 9-11am at the club grounds on Hoover Reserve.
For more information call Kathy on 0422 729 162 or visit www.queanbeyandogs.org.au.
STONEY CREEK COMMUNITY HALL HIRING FEES
Community Groups: $22 Fund raising functions: $120 Private hiring: $120 + $250 bond
Private hiring (hirers from outside the local area) (per day or part thereof) $275 + $250 bond
Heating (between 1 Apr and 31 Oct): $6/hr or $55/day
Cleaning fee (if hall is not cleaned): $49/hr
To hire the hall, phone 6238 2803 (a.h.) or email [email protected]
Are you new to the area and own a dog or cat?
New residents of Carwoola are often unaware of obligations under the Companion Animals Act 1998 if they have
moved here from the ACT or another state. There can be serious penalties for failure to comply with the Act. The
following information has been compiled from material in the Office of Local Government website:
www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-and-cats
If you are moving to NSW and are going to be here for three months or more, you must have your cat or dog
microchipped (if this has not already been done), entered on the NSW Companion Animals Register AND lifetime
registered with your local council. This must occur within three months of moving to NSW.
In NSW, all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before
being sold or given away, whichever happens first.
If you fail to have your cat or dog microchipped when required to do so, you may be issued with a fixed penalty
notice for $165 or a court may award a maximum penalty of up to $880.
If your cat or dog was microchipped outside NSW or before 1 July 1999 (when the Companion Animals Act 1998
came into effect), you will need to provide proof of microchipping to your NSW local council. Registration in another
state or territory cannot be transferred to NSW.
You may also have listed your cat or dog on a privately-operated national microchip database. These databases are
not linked to the NSW Companion Animals Register. The NSW Companion Animals Register is a NSW Government
database used to record registration information for cats and dogs that reside in NSW. You should contact the
operators of any databases on which your cat or dog is listed to update your contact details on your cat or dog's
microchip record.
From 1 July 2015 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the CPI:




Desexed animal:
Non-desexed animal:
Breeder concession:
Pensioner concession (desexed animal only)
$52
$192
$52
$21.
It is worth noting that the Act also requires dogs not otherwise exempt to have a collar with a name tag that shows
the name of the dog and the address or telephone number of the owner of the dog. This can be very useful (and
cost-saving) in having a straying dog returned because the Act also requires an animal to be returned to its owner as
soon as possible as the first option rather than be taken to the pound.
Any cat or dog not otherwise required to be microchipped or registered that is taken into the custody of a council
pound or animal welfare organisation must be microchipped and registered before being returned to its owner
(even if it is less than six months old).
It can become quite expensive if your straying pet is taken to the pound, for example: penalty notices issued under
the Act include









Animal not permanently identified (microchipped)
Animal not registered
Failure to notify change of address/owner
Failure to prevent dog escaping
Dog not on lead in public place
Failure to remove dog faeces
Failure to take seized animal to pound/shelter
Dog in prohibited place
Own or in charge of attacking dog
$165
$165
$165
$220
$220
$275
$550
$330
$550
Brochures explaining the obligations of dog and cat owners are available from the pound (at the corner of Ellerton
Drive and Old Sydney Road, Queanbeyan), Council offices and are included in the Carwoola Community Association
New Residents’ Information Pack.
More information is available from the NSW Office of Local Government at
www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-and-cats
Press Release
EXHIBITION OF PALERANG RURAL LANDS STUDY REPORT
The Palerang Rural Lands Study Report prepared by Garret Barry Planning Services is on
exhibition from Monday 15 June 2015 to Monday 20 July 2015.
The report provides data on the rural areas of the Palerang local government area and identifies issues
and options for the future. The report is the first stage in the development of a twenty year Rural Lands
Strategy for Palerang. The next stage will be the development of the Strategy which will be exhibited
once Council has adopted a draft for exhibition. The Rural Lands Strategy will recommend the location
and amount, if any, of land that could be rezoned for rural residential development, minimum lot sizes,
and will consider the individual rezoning requests that were deferred following the exhibition of the draft
local environmental plan as well as considering individual requests for a dwelling to be permitted on
certain land.
The Strategy will link directly to the NSW government regional strategy and will allow Palerang Council
to prepare development control guidelines, contributions plans and asset plans and to have a coordinated
approach to future local environmental plan amendments.
The Rural Lands Study includes all land zoned for rural, rural residential and environmental uses in
Palerang. It excludes the villages and towns and land managed by the NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service and the Forestry Corporation of NSW.
The Palerang Rural Lands Study Report has identified over 36 issues for consideration by the community
and Council. Some of the significant issues include:
 The price of rural land in Palerang is high compared to more traditional agricultural areas away
from population growth locations.
 The population of Palerang increased by 41% between 2001 and 2011.
 The very strong growth in rural residential and hobby farm living locations of 20 years ago has
lessened from perhaps 60 or more new dwellings per year to around 30-40 today, but is still strong.
 The balance between rural and urban residential land supply needs to be determined.
 Almost seven out of every ten people in Palerang that are in employment work in the ACT or
Queanbeyan. Many of these people undertake their shopping and commercial activities outside
Palerang.
 There is growing and diverse competition for the use of rural lands across much of Palerang
particularly in the western area. Land uses range from traditional beef and sheep farming to hobby
farming, rural living to land conservation.
The Rural Lands Study Report will be exhibited for a period of five weeks and the exhibition will include
community information sessions at nine venues. Submissions will be considered by Council’s Rural
Lands Study Committee and following this the draft Strategy will be developed for consideration by
Council and public exhibition.
The location, dates and times of local to Carwoola community meetings are shown below:
Location and venue
Bungendore Council
Chambers
Carwoola Hall
Date
Sunday 12 July
Time
11-lpm
Sunday 12 July
3-5pm
Any person may make a submission to Council on the Rural Lands Study Report Submissions should be
posted to Palerang Council, PO Box 348, Bungendore NSW 2621, or emailed to
[email protected]
A copy of the Rural Lands Study Report is available on Council’s website or a CD can be obtained from
Council’s offices in Braidwood or Bungendore.
Enquiries relating to the Rural Lands Study should be directed to Sue Robb, Strategic Planning
Co-ordinator, Telephone 1300 735 025 or 6238 8111or by e-mail, records@ palerang.nsw.gov.au
Community Notice
Telecommunications in Carwoola Community Meeting
As members of the Carwoola email list will know, Emma Mailler has been gathering support for
action from the government on mobile, landline and internet services (or lack thereof) in the
Carwoola area.
A community meeting will be scheduled soon.
If you would like to be notified about the meeting, or action being taken, please contact
Ian Johnsson, President CCA, on ph 6238 2352 or email [email protected]
LOCAL PLANTS IN FLOWER
Ros Cornish, Widgiewa Road
The following list is what could be flowering this month. Check out
www.flickr.com/photos/carwoolaplants/ to see photos and descriptions of many of these.
WHITE/CREAM FLOWERS
Acacia genistifolia, Acacia ulicifolia, Cryptandra amara var. longiflora, Hakea decurrens, Leucopogon
attenuatus, Melichrus urceolatus, Monotoca scoparia
YELLOW/ORANGE FLOWERS
Acacia dealbata, Senecio pinnatifolius
BLUE/PURPLE/MAUVE FLOWERS
Hardenbergia violacea, Hovea heterophylla
RED/PINK FLOWERS
Astroloma humifusum, Grevillea lanigera
FLAME TIPS
July 2015
www.stoneycreek-rfs.org.au
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
www.facebook.com/stoneycreekruralfirebrigade
Thankfully it was a very quiet fire season right across the Lake George Zone with hardly any call outs. Right
through autumn and into winter it remained quiet - until June. Stoney Creek Brigade has (so far) had four
call outs this month, including two in one day.
Fuel in the area was very dry until the middle of the month – dry enough for us to get called to a small
bushfire! Don’t think that just because it is winter that bushfires do not happen or that a burn off cannot
get out of hand. Fine fuels like grass dry out within days of rain. Having said that, it is fair to say that house
fires and motor vehicle accidents are a greater issue at this time of the year. Some of the things you can
do to minimise the risk of a house fire are:

checking your smoke alarms are fitted and that they work

being especially careful with solid fuel heating. This includes care when cleaning out ash to ensure
that it is cold before being disposed of

ensuring that electric and gas heaters do not accumulate dust

making sure that power points and power boards are not overloaded.
Please also be careful with many outdoor heaters. They are not meant to be operated indoors as they
produce carbon monoxide and have sadly killed some people recently in the Sydney area. Please let us not
become another news story like those.
Finally, if you are burning off, please remember that you must, by law, give the local Fire Control Centre
and all of your neighbours at least 24 hours notice of a burning activity - contact the Queanbeyan Fire
Control Centre in normal business hours (Mon-Fri) on 6128 0600.
AGM
The Stoney Creek RFB Annual General Meeting was held this year on Thursday 4 June. The AGM is where
we elect all brigade officer positions and there was quite a bit of turnover as our Senior Deputy, Peter
Bavington, was asked to help our neighbours in the Captains Flat Brigade so lookout for any changes to our
brigade contact details in the front page of the gazette.
IN AN EMERGENCY CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000)
PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE | BUSH FIRE INFORMATION LINE | 1800 679 737
GRAHAM REYNOLDS Captain, Stoney Creek Rural Fire Brigade
NEW TO THE AREA?
The Carwoola Community Association has produced an Information Pack for new residents.
It contains lots of information that will help you to adjust to rural life more readily, and tell you who to ring or
where to go if you have a problem.
If you would like a copy, please phone Christine or Lynton Bond on 6238 2368.
Greg McAllister
ACTQ SEPTIC SERVICES Pty Ltd
ACN 065 804 999
CONVENTIONAL & ENVIRO
CYCLES
SEPTIC TANK CLEANING
SERVICES
(and grease trap pump outs)
Our No1 business is
your No.2 business.
10 FOSTER STREET, QUEANBEYAN
Phone: 6299 2808
A/H: 6238 2272
Mobile: 0429 109 341
Fax: 6299 2908
R.F.G. MOWER SERVICES
Pty Ltd.
Service of all Brands of Ride-ons, Mowers, Chainsaws & Small Engines
Sales & Spares for Ride-ons, Mowers, Brushcutters, Chainsaws & more
MTD YardMan
Cub Cadet
Murray Victa
Masport Rover
RIDE-ON MOWERS from $2335
5
Specials: Oleo-Mac Brushcutters Chainsaws & Blowers with
5yr Warranty
HIRE Dingo Mini Diggers
77 Uriarra Road Queanbeyan Ph:6297 2439
OPEN: MON - FRI - 8AM - 5.30PM SAT - 9AM - 1PM
Firewood for Sale Carwoola
Red Gum, Yellow Box, Red Ironbark,
Woolybutt mixed load
$250 tonne, or All Yellow Box $275 tonne
All firewood is split & well-seasoned.
Contact Laurie 0413 392960
Sawchain™ Supply
6 Agnes Ave, Queanbeyan NSW 2620
0413 392960 6299 3328
THINGS TO DO IN THE GARDEN IN JULY

Deciduous shrubs, trees, and roses can be planted into beds prepared with well-rotted organic material.
Roses need an open sunny position and well-drained moist soil. Do not fertilise newly planted roses or
deciduous shrubs until they start to grow in spring. Keep roots of bare-rooted plants moist until planted.

If a plant is in the wrong position, it can be moved in the next month or so. Prepare the new site before
digging up the plant. Evergreen plants need a good ball of soil attached, After replanting, water in and
thin out about one third of the plant to compensate for any root loss.

Prune only deciduous plants, leaving evergreens until frost danger has passed. However, ornamental
deciduous trees and shrubs which flower in late winter/spring on the previous season’s growth (eg lilac,
viburnum, prunus, japonica) should not be pruned until flowering has finished. Those which bloom in
summer on current season’s growth (eg hibiscus, crepe myrtle) should be pruned now to induce growth
of flowering wood. Try to preserve the plant’s natural shape when pruning. Even if you only cut out
dead wood, it makes room for vigorous new growth, and by shortening stems the plant grows bushier
and produces more flowers.

Apply potash lightly and liquid fertiliser fortnightly to spring-flowering bulbs.

If plants have been damaged by frost, don’t cut them back until the danger of frosts has passed (midlate September) as the frosted ends will protect the plant from further damage.

Summer and autumn flowering bulbs such as liliums (Asiatic and the scented Orientals), nerines,
belladonna, tuberoses, hippeastrum and gladioli can be planted in winter.

Check roses for powdery mildew, spray with white oil if necessary. Cut off and destroy leaves with
black spot. Pruning is best left until August in frost-prone areas.

Topdress rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias with compost, leaf mould or pea straw.

Cut asparagus ferns and raspberry canes that fruited this season right down to ground level. Also
prune blackberries, loganberries and boysenberries and tie the new growth to a trellis.

Berry plants, currants, rhubarb and asparagus crowns can be planted.

Remove old strawberry leaves and runners, mulch with pine needles, straw or similar.

Clay soils can be improved by treating with gypsum and adding lots of manure and mulch, which will
improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.

Growth of indoor plants will be slow, so they will need less water, but make sure they don’t dehydrate
with house heating. Don’t feed until spring.
classifieds
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We are hoping to find someone who would be happy to mind our 22 Year Old Burmese, inside cat Jye. He
needs to be injected every day for diabetes. Ideally we need someone who is not away from home all day.
We plan on being away September/October. Pls contact us @ 6297 9627 or email [email protected]
For Sale: Caprice two- horse extended float. Float is in good condition, always shedded and not used very
much. It has 2 access doors, removable divider, four wheel electric brakes and is registered till June 2016.
Price $8000, call Cathie on 6238 2202
Hay for Sale.: Prime Lucerne. Heavy green bales. Reg' bales $17 Large bales 600kg+ $ 275
Best oaten. Good colour, low grain content. Regular bales $14.50 Large 330kg bales $130.
Grassy lucerne extra large regular bales. $15
Free delivery for orders $200+ Carwoola and Queanbeyan areas. 0416 073 020 www.guyscross.com.au
GARAGE SALE: Wind generator, Bobcat + accessories, collectables (includes china, cameras, stamps,
coins), general household items, tools. Saturday 25th July 9am – 1pm (not earlier).
35 Nummerak Close Carwoola. Ph 6238 2408
For Sale: Lovely Upright Piano, W.H. Paling. It is in very good condition, just needs a tuning. Comes with
stool. $250 ono. Ph 6238 2408
classifieds
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JUNE 2015 WEATHER WATCH
(RAINFALL AVERAGED OVER LAST 32 YEARS)
MONTHLY RAINFALL
64.4mm falling over 8 days
AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL
54.9mm
YEAR TO DATE RAINFALL FOR 2015
365.8mm
(TEMPERATURE IN BRACKETS APPLIES TO THE LAST 23 YEARS)
MAXIMUM DAYTIME TEMPERATURE
17.8°
(20.0°)
MINIMUM OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURE
-5.0°
(-10.0°)
AVERAGE DAYTIME TEMPERATURE
13.3°
(11.5°)
0.2°
(-0.1°)
AVERAGE OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURE
WOMEN’S GROUP MEETING
We normally meet every second Wednesday at 10.30am for morning tea in members’ homes.
For information about this friendly informal group for adults, phone Gwen Yates on 6238 2531
The Weed Patch
Diary of a dedicated non-poisoning weeder: Rose-Marie Johnson
When the weather has been threatening rain or in between showers I’ve been doing the weeding near the
house. That way I can get out of the rain quickly and barely get damp in the cold weather. If I use the rainy
time to tidy our sheds, then I can hear as soon as the rain on the tin roof stops and can go out straight
away to fit in some more weeding between showers.
When a high pressure system brings lovely still days, it’s the easiest time to lay newspapers and cardboard
to smother deep rooted perennials like St John’s Wort and the dense patches of Wild Sage. I also use
newspaper and cardboard to suppress Blackberries where they grow amongst rocks too solid to dig, first
cutting them down to the ground. Many will be vigorous enough to eventually break through, but this slows
them down and any regrowth can more easily be pulled, because the covered canes don’t grow thorns and
the root systems seem to be weakened by being covered. After a few years of repeated pulling and
covering, the plants finally fade away. This is probably more effective than repeated pruning. With few
urgent flowering or seedy weeds in Winter, I can spare the time to pick up the shreds of newspaper and
cardboard that have come away from weeds smothered in the past. It’s best to collect them before they
manage to blow through the fence, littering the roadside or neighbouring properties. When they are dry I
give them a third use, burning for heating, to help start our fires. I’m very thankful that some of my friends
bring me their surplus cardboard and my sister sometimes brings me bundles of unread newspapers from
her local newsagent. If I had a few extra-long boxes when my children were younger, I would temporarily
lay them overlapping down a steep slope and the kids and I would have some fun sliding down, sitting on
short pieces of cardboard.
A significant amount of my weeding effort in the last month has been hoeing dense patches of the little
weeds, mainly Storksbills now that I have mostly suppressed the worse ones such as Capeweed. There
are a few with flowers or seeds that need to be taken away, but mostly they are immature plants that can
be left. I do the barest spots first, then toss in the ones from the surrounding grass to help cover the bare
patches. On ABC’s Gardening Australia program recently there was a reminder not to work the soil when it
is too wet, because that destroys the soil structure. Another problem with hoeing when it’s too wet is that
enough soil can remain clumped on the roots of the hoed weeds to allow them to survive and continue
growing. I also prefer not to hoe when it is too windy, because then too much soil blows away. The
conditions lately have been excellent for hoeing, with the soil moist but not too wet. To break up the work
so I’m not continuously hoeing for too long at a time, I do a combination of hoeing steadily where there are
big, dense patches, and walking around looking for scattered ones, ensuring the better areas stay better.
Actually, it’s a good idea to start with patrolling for scattered ones until your muscles warm up and to end
with scattered ones to give your muscles a cool down. If you are hoeing continuously for more than half an
hour, it’s also a good idea to take a short break and do a few minutes of arm and back stretching exercises.
When there’s been a heavy frost it’s best to wait until the soil thaws so it’s not so hard to hoe. Using the
mattock is not much affected by frosty soil, so then it’s best to start with digging out some deep rooted
weeds like Wild Sage and the prickly perennials: Blackberries, Briars and Hawthorns. This sort of hard
labour is quite warming on cold Winter mornings!
To help reduce the spread of Briars by birds, I’ve been picking the rose hips. I’ve been drying them by
spreading them on a frypan splatter guard and putting them in the air flow from our slow combustion heater
when we have a fire, otherwise our air purifier. They can then be stored until needed for making rose hip
tea, brewing one tablespoon of hips per cup. It’s high in vitamin C so can help beat those Winter colds and
flu. I’ve read that the softened hips can be eaten after the tea is brewed, supplying even more vitamin C,
but haven’t met anyone prepared to do so. Instead I feed them to the chooks. If any seeds manage to
germinate, the chooks will probably scratch out the seedlings. If not they’ll be concentrated in a small area
near the house which will be much easier to manage than if the seeds were widely dispersed by wild birds.
Although the Weeds CRC was disbanded in 2008, its excellent publications are still available on the
internet at http://archive.dpi.nsw.gov.au. (Just as well I checked the link because the old one bizarrely
links to an online sex shop). A good description of general management strategies for weeds can be found
at http://archive.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/347986/general-guidelines-best-practicemanagement.pdf. It suggests suppressing exotic grasses during Winter by hard grazing and the use of
selective herbicides, then not grazing in Summer to allow native species to thrive.
At this time of year the slipperiness of muddy or frosty ground can be a hazard when working outside,
especially on sloping ground, so do take care!
REAL ESTATE SALES AND RENTALS
FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS
MELINDA McCALLUM is your local salesperson
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Melinda has more than 20 years experience selling rural real estate
Melinda is Rural Manager of Hodgkinson Real Estate, specialising in sales and Property Management
Obligation-free appraisals
Available 7 days a week to assist you at your convenience
Phone 0429 122 700 or 6293 1033 B/H
Park Watch
To advise any illegal activity in a Nature reserve…
 Provide information on the location (which reserve/road/trail)
 Date, time and type of activity
 Description of people involved (number/age/appearance)
 Description of vehicle (make/colour/numberplate)
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 6229 7166
TAYLOR MADE PUMPS
YOUR PUMPS NOT PUMPING?
PUMP REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF PUMPS
 New Pumps Supplied and Installed
 Home Pressure Systems
 Bore and Irrigation Pumps
 Bore, pump and power packages
 Water Bore Drilling Rig in local area - on site surveys
 Fire Fighting Pumps - Sales and Repairs
 Windmill Service, Repairs and New Sales
 Water Softener Repairs and Water Quality Analysis
 Premium Quality Water Softener Salt at Rural Prices
Don't run out of water - call a Local Bloke
for mobile Sales & Repairs
Mark Taylor ALL HOURS
0428 486 460 (Mob)
6238 2357 (Home)
6238 2351 (Fax)
Police Assistance Line 131 444
From the Queanbeyan Mayor’s Office:
Future of local government
Thanks to everyone who provided Council with their thoughts on the future of our local government area
over the last few months. During May and June Council asked the community about three possible options
for the Queanbeyan Local Government Area. These options were the creation of a Regional Services
Provider model; a merger with Palerang Council and thirdly an option that both Queanbeyan and Palerang
standalone, as is the case now.
I was very pleased with the input we received during the consultation period, with 985 reply paid surveys
submitted and 132 online surveys submitted, A further 602 residents participated in the random telephone
survey. The results showed a strong preference towards the Regional Services Provider option, which
would enable Queanbeyan City Council to continue as is, but also provide a number of 'back office'
services to Palerang and other neighbouring councils.
As a result of this community input at Council’s meeting on Wednesday 25th June, Council agreed to submit
an application to the NSW Government advocating the creation of a Regional Services Provider model for
Queanbeyan.
The context for all of this is the NSW Government's ‘Fit for the Future’ initiative, which has stemmed from
the Independent Local Government Review Panel's report into the future of local government. The Panel's
report, which was finalised in 2013, recommended a merger between Queanbeyan and Palerang councils.
All NSW councils are required to submit their Fit for the Future proposal to the NSW Government by 30
June 2015. IPART will assess all submissions and will make recommendations to the NSW Government by
October 2015. The NSW Government has previously stated that it would like any changes in place in time
for the local government elections in September 2016. Council will keep residents up to date with this
important matter through this column, social media, Council's website and the City Life newsletter.
Council adopts 2015-16 budget
Also at the meeting of Wednesday 25th June, Council adopted its Operational Plan and Schedule of Fees
and Charges for 2015-16. These documents include Council's budget, and the fees and charges we levy
for rates and Council services. Council agreed to make a number of changes to the budget based on public
and staff submissions, including:
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the establishment of a $100,000 heritage fund to assist heritage buildings in Queanbeyan undertake
repairs and improvements
 inclusion of $20,000 for the appointment of a publicist for The Q and an additional $1,000 for a prize
for a marketing plan for The Q, to be run through the University of Canberra.
 inclusion of $20,000 for the operation, maintenance and ongoing upkeep of CCTV cameras in the
Queanbeyan CBD
Council's Operational Plan includes more than $11 million worth of capital projects, including the third
instalment of $1.6 million for Stage 2 of the CBD Improvements along Collett St and in to Queen Elizabeth
Park, $2.5 million for further planning for the upgrade of the Sewage Treatment Plant and $100,000 for a
concept design for a Regional Sporting Complex.
Firewood collection
Just a reminder to everyone that removing timber from public land is illegal. Council has recently found
evidence of attempts to cut down trees in the bush. All trees in Queanbeyan are protected under our Tree
Preservation Order. Firewood harvesting is a threat to our native vegetation and animal habitats, and of
real concern is the ongoing loss of dead standing trees that provide important breeding habitat in hollow
branches for a number of threatened birds and mammals.
Sustainable housing workshops
The Googong Sustainable Housing workshops are open to anyone who would like to learn more about
sustainable home building. If you are considering building, making renovations to your existing house, or
learning more about sustainable housing and cutting energy costs, the workshops may be of interest to
you. They are being run by architect Tony Edye and energy efficiency expert Matthew Ruffin. The next
workshop is on Thursday, 23 July. It will be held at 5.30pm at the RB Smith Community Centre, 262
Crawford St, Queanbeyan, and will be about how to improve the comfort, health and environmental quality
both inside and outside your home. Please call 6285 6108 to book.
CLEAN WATER
TANK SERVICES
Tanks cleaned with minimal water loss
Crack repairs - flexible reinforced
membrane
Metal covers supplied and fitted
Water treatment - tank & house lines
Filters supplied and fitted
RING JOHN on 0428 489 291
Mobile Pet Care
Are you planning to go away?
Are you concerned about the welfare of your family pets
or farm animals while you're away? Whether you're away
for one night or many, we offer a reliable and caring
service that comes to your home to care for your animals
and do a variety of essential daily tasks.
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Animal feeding & watering
Putting chickens to bed
Watering indoor plants
Watering vegetable garden
Mail collection
Emergency visit to your local vet if required
Email updates on your pet's progress
For more information and rates, call
Carol on 0427 970 613
Before you go away, we come to your home to meet your
animals and get those last minute instructions!
CARWOOLA LANDCARE GROUP
Control Serrated Tussock
Driving around I’m seeing a lot of serrated tussock. And it’s a worry. The following has been
extracted from the Molonglo Catchment Group Weed Information Pack
Why is serrated tussock a weed?
Extremely invasive, having severe effects on the environment Outcompetes native vegetation, especially in
grasslands, and grows to dominate pasture, removing habitat for native species and decreasing carrying capacity
Serrated tussock is highly unpalatable and only eaten when there’s nothing else available Drought and frost
resistant, adapts to different soil types Produces copious amounts of seeds Seed viability in soil up to 15 years.
Description
Plant: erect perennial tussock grass, mature plants to 50cm high, base diameter 25cm, drooping leaves and seed
heads, less fertile ground usually results in smaller plants, changes colour throughout the year, appearing purple
during flowering in late spring/summer, golden brown during autumn, golden/bleached during winter and green in
spring.
Leaves: rolled, 1mm wide, bright green, feels rough when fingers run down the leaf, a 1mm white ‘ligule’ (flap) is
present at the junction of the leaf and leaf sheath and is visible when the leaf is pulled back from the stem, this is an
important identification point (see photos). When the leaf is rolled between the fingers, the blades feel perfectly
round with no flat spots or bumps
Seeds: enclosed in purplish sheath, tiny, almost round, fine thread like awn attached off-centre at one end, seed
heads droop to ground on maturity
Flowers: flowering stems to 95cm high
Control methods
For advice on what time of year to implement the following management options, see the Molonglo Catchment
Weed Control Calendar.
Prevention is the most desirable control, best achieved by coordinated management with neighbours (as the plant is
primarily spread via wind) and restricting contaminated machinery, stock and soil from entering your property.
Maintaining good groundcover is also a key management tool to prevent establishment (serrated tussock is
opportunistic and will take advantage of bare ground resulting from overgrazing and drought). If the plant is
detected, destroy before seeding.
Due to the persistent nature of this weed it is advised that you contact your local weeds officer for detailed control
advice. Chip small infestations using a mattock, before seeding, and distribute desirable grass seeds over the bare
patches created. Larger infestations require a combination of approaches and commitment to ongoing monitoring
and management. Spot, boom and aerial spraying can be used.
Cultivation combined with revegetation using competitive, desirable species can also produce good results.
Controlled grazing and the use of fertilisers can encourage the increase of desirable species and combat infestations,
however only the seedlings are vulnerable to competition. Mature plants can respond well to fertilisers so it’s best
avoided in established infestations. Seek advice on chemical application from your Council Weeds Officer or local
‘bush friendly’ nursery. Always use chemicals as directed on the label.
To keep informed about Landcare happening locally, there is a Landcare Group email list for discussion and
notification of Landcare events. To join the list, send an email to [email protected] with the
subject “subscribe” (without the quotes).
The Molonglo Catchment Group website is a great source of information for what’s happening in our catchment and
what funding is available - see www.molonglocatchment.org.au.
Don’t forget to tune in to Radio Landcare from 8-9am Sunday mornings on QBN-FM 96.7 and on 2XX Community
Radio FM 98.3 from 9-10am Tuesdays.
LYNTON BOND, Secretary
Quality,
value and
creative
designs
for every
occasion
Jan Logan
6292 2462  6291 1074 ph/fax
6238 2371 a/h
CaNTER Collective
CaNTER Collective has had a few activities going on over the last month, with a positive meeting with the
Stoney Creek Hall and Reserve Committee, during which the Palerang Shire Council representative was
supportive of the drain across Bowen Park being removed and slashing the park to make it more user
friendly for everyone. A successful Horseback Treasure Hunt was held with horses and riders enjoying a
beautiful day out meeting others with a common interest and some
light-hearted competition.
Horseback Treasure Hunt winning team of Lybbie Hillman, Emma Mailer
and Dianne Boyd
CaNTER Collective
The new horse based group Carwoola Nag Trainers, Enthusiasts and
Riders (CaNTER) Collective has had a flying start with progress on
three different activities. Namely:
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A bulk hay order is being organised for June. This will allow all involved to gain the efficiencies of scale
when ordering hay and should result in a triple-bottom-line outcome for Carwoola as a whole;
We have started making representations that the Molonglo Rail Trail will be an excellent asset for the
entire community and that it would be remiss to not consider the interests of horse riders as part of
the planned feasibility study; and
Most exciting of all, we will be holding our first social event, a Horseback Treasure Hunt, on Saturday
20 June 2015, and if there is sufficient interest there may be a walking treasure hunt too.
Please contact us via
[email protected]
if you would like to be
involved with the Horseback
(or Walking) Treasure Hunt as
a rider or a helper, or with any
other CaNTER Collective
activities.
Treasure Hunt competitors during the pre-ride briefing.
AAA WATER CARRYING
DOMESTIC WATER
Carwoola Cars
Locally Chauffeured Vehicles
7 days Prompt Delivery
ACTEWAGL APPROVED
STAINLESS STEEL WATER TANK
For all your transport requirements
- weddings
- airport transfers
- snow trips
- interstate transfers
Servicing your local area for over 28 years!
0428 626 838
Or
0428 240 224
62973648
or
[email protected]
PO Box 7236, Karabar, 2620
[email protected]
Ridge View
Personalised
Riding Tuition
Walga Park
Wendy Christiansen
EA NCAS Level 1 (General) Coach, BM (Equine Business)
84 Walga Close Carwoola NSW
Ph: (02) 6238 2334 M: 0401 067 592
[email protected]
ABN: 76832210183
http://www.facebook.com/WalgaPark
Horse Riding lessons – Dressage and Show-jumping
Private and Group lessons on your horse
Beginner and experienced riders ages 6 and up
Nervous riders and family groups welcome
Cross country lessons also available
Arena Hire and Round-yard Hire
Outdoor 20m x 60m Dressage Arena – sand surface
Outdoor 40m x 50m Show-jumping arena - grass surface
20m Round-yard – sand surface
Arenas fully fenced for rider safety
Long term rates for local riders
Bookings essential
ABN:71143725750
The Dressage, Hacking/Showing and
Side-saddle riding specialists
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Providing riding programs specifically
tailored to meet your needs
Individual lessons conducted on weekends
and evenings during daylight savings.
Get instructions from a fully qualified EA
NCAS Level 1 Instructor.
Lessons conducted in a fully fenced outdoor
dressage sand arena for your personal safety.
All ages and standards are welcome.
Ample parking is available for your float or
truck.
The only riding facility in the whole of
Australia to offer side-saddle lessons with a
UK qualified “A” level instructor and judge.
Available to conduct clinics.
Riding lessons at reasonable rates.
Free Horse manure available all year round.
Contact Ridge View PRT on
6238 2281 or 0417 068 985
and book your lesson NOW!