Issues related to the Environment, Climate Change, Water and Energy

FoMM: Mount Majura Horehound Blitz (20 September 2009)

In this working bee the Friends of Mount Majura will tackle a horehound infested area between two major re-vegetation sites, the National Tree Day 2009 planting area and the drainage line planted with local shrubs to assist the establishment of a wildlife corridor. They hope to achieve some weed free passages between the plantings sites to reduce the spread of seeds by pedestrian traffic. The long term goal is to remove horehound from the whole area which will benefit native revegetation.

Tree replacement program set to begin

Almost 300 trees will be removed under the ACT Government’s Tree Replacement Program this year, but more than double that number will be replanted. This year’s work will involve the removal of 282 trees and 48 suckers and stumps, and the planting of 588 trees. The trees in question have been identified as being in decline, or already hazardous to the public. The works will begin in September, with planting to begin in early October, and will be carried out at 24 sites across the city. The Tree Replacement Program primarily focuses on the older suburbs of Canberra and includes …

Open Day: Sustainable House Day 2009 (13 September 2009)

On Sunday 13 September 2009, around 170 homes nationally will open their doors to the public for this year’s Sustainable House Day as millions of Australians continue to embrace renewable energy, recycling and other practices designed to lessen our impact on the environment. For the first time, homes will open for free this year thanks to the support of the Australian Government, providing a fantastic opportunity for people seeking to make their own homes or rental properties greener. Sustainable House Day gives people the chance to get a real-life look inside houses that have been designed, built or fitted out …

Ranger Guided Tour: Gang Gangs at Canberra Nature Park (19 September 2009)

The Friends of Mount Majura in conjunction with Parks, Conservation and Lands  are organising a Ranger Guided Discovery Tour to view the magnificent Gang-gang cockatoos in their natural woodland habitat at the Majura paddocks. When: Saturday, 19 September 2009, from 10.00am to 12.00 noon Where: Meet at the car park off Antill Street under the powerlines Bring: Sturdy shoes, a hat and binoculars if you have them. More information & booking (essential) phone 6207 2113 during working hours.

Inner North SEE-Change: Inner North Community Fair (20 September 2009)

Ginninderra Catchment Group and Inner North SEE-Change invite you to come celebrate Spring and the planned wetland development in Banksia St, O’Connor at the Inner North Community Fair.  There will be a display of the wetland, vibrant entertainers, music, children’s activities including art work to be used on the wetland site, local and organic food, craft stalls, eco and educational stalls and much more. Heaps of fun to be had…. but beware of the Daleks! Date: Sunday 20 September Time: 11am-3pm Where: Banksia Street, O’Connor (site of the proposed new urban wetlands) Contact: Barbara Chevalier – barbchev@gmail.com or phone 0417 …

Chronicle: Run rabbit run as program clears numbers

In the September 8th, 2009 edition of The Chronicle, journalist Katina Curtis reports on a program to reduce populations of rabbits on Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie that has been nominated for an ACT Landcare Award. The project was a partnership between the ACT Government, Friends of Mount Majura, Mount Ainslie Weeders and Watson Woodland Working Group. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope praised the work of all involved in the project.

Update on the contamination within the Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie Nature Reserves

In May this year, Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) discovered bonded asbestos (e.g. small pieces of fibro sheeting) across the lower western slopes of Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie within the Nature Reserves behind the suburbs of Hackett, Ainslie and Campbell. It appears that this contaminated building material may have been dumped in the reserve many years ago. TAMS has since employed a contractor to clean up the majority of the contaminated material. In keeping with the Environment Protection Authority and ACT Health’s recommendations for this site, TAMS has also employed a consultant to develop a draft management plan for …

ACT Government aware of negative impacts from Airport freight hub development

The ABC News is reporting that ACT Government expressed strong concerns in its submission to the Canberra Airport Draft Masterplan about the impact that a 24/7 freight hub would have in terms of impact on the community. Submission outlines ACT Govt’s airport fears The ACT Government says it is unclear how Canberra Airport’s role as a 24-hour freight hub will affect the quality of life in nearby suburbs.