Urban Growth Boundary The recent Community Cabinet meeting in Gawler and Smithfield saw concerns about the State Government process on possible new urban areas affecting Gawler, Barossa and Playford to the fore, but little new information from Ministers to answer the many concerns of local communities.
Heritage protection Some good news associated with the Cabinet meeting included the $25,000 heritage grant to assist conservation of the Roman Catholic Church in Gawler and the launch of new heritage tour brochures by Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith and Gawler Council.
Native grassland walk Recently a significant area of native grassland has been located near Gawler. Historical records suggest that major areas north and south of Gawler adjoining the foothills were grasslands at the time of European colonisation. Because of the ease of ploughing and grazing these areas, very little remains in good condition (that is with the wide range of smaller daisies and other herbs as well as grasses). Ann Prescott, well known author and native vegetation advisor will be leading a walk between 9.30 and 11.30 am this Friday November 9. If interested in participating contact Adrian or Sue on 8522 4363.
Dead Man’s Pass field day South Para Biodiversity Program in conjunction with GEHA is organising a field day at Dead Man’s Pass on Saturday 17 November. The morning is an eco walk looking at the various ecosystems in the park, identifying the native plants in the area and explaining the habitats for birds, reptiles, fish and other animals in the park. Afternoon focuses on methods of woody weed controls, especially olives. Free but need to book in. Ring 8568 1714 or 8522 4363 for details.
Green Corps project. Green Corps provides great projects for communities looking to improve the environment and also excellent training for young people in the 17-21 age group. The next round of projects will be starting late January and recruiting participants in December/early January. Projects looking to start in the following round towards mid 2008 need to be finalised soon. Contact Park Fogerty at Greening Australia 8372 0100 for details.
Gawler Para Alliance An end of year catch up for environment groups in the Adelaide Plains, foothills and Barossa areas is set for 7.30 pm Thursday 6 December at the Gawler Elderly Centre. Contact Andrew Philpott on 0417 817 566 or Rose Barritt 8523 4218 for more information.
Rail corridor action Rabbit eradication work using the traditional method of ferreting occurred recently on the Gawler Belt/Roseworthy rail corridor. The ferrets confirmed that recent rabbit control on the corridor has reduced numbers but quite a lot of rabbits were observed scooting away towards burrows on neighbouring properties which is a concern because of the opportunity for these rabbits to destroy important native vegetation in the corridor. (The only captured bunny made some excellent rabbit stew.)
GEHA native plants book – sponsorship is confirmed for NRM, Playford, Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Barossa, Light, Mallala and Gawler councils (100% of target area) Nature Conservation Society, Trees For Life, Australian Plant Society SA and Para Districts group, Urban Forest Biodiversity Group, Vadoulis Garden Centre and Donovans Earthcare. A few more to finalise. We are putting together information on historic landscapes of the target area from old paintings, articles, diaries, photos etc – any help on this appreciated. Attached is a set of historical notes which form the basis for changing current pre-european vegetation maps of the area. Hopefully this will occur over coming months so that our (very accurate!) book maps will line up with those displayed by DEH, Planning SA etc. The discovery of a good area of native grassland in the Roseworthy Freeling area (note above) is more good evidence. It is interesting that there has been a consensus from farmers (we did a lot of hard work clearing scrub) and some environmentalists (big devastation by farmers’ tree clearing) about these areas of Adelaide Plains south of Gawler and plains towards Freeling when history shows that mostly what happened was clearance by ploughing up grassland.
Gawler River film – a dinner is organised for 6.30 pm Thurs Nov 8 at the Harvest of India restuarant on Calton Road to celebrate the Gawler Rivers film. Come along for an enjoyable evening and perhaps get a copy of the DVD autographed by the makers. Copies of DVD for $15 and other details of meal from Geoff New 8522 3603.
Urban Growth Boundary Community Forum – next meeting is at 7.30 15 Nov at 30 Phillips Ave Gawler East. Contact Paul Koch 8523 2859 for details.
Remnant native plants in the foothills – Next Sunday Nov 11 about 1.30 pm a few of us are going to the Playford council bushcare reserve at the top of Alexander Ave to look at this remnant grassy woodland area and then looking at native plants on a couple of nearby blocks.
Questions or feedback for this column – contact Adrian Shackley or Sue Coldbeck on 8522 4363 or email finniss@bigpond.net.au
