ONKAPARINGA PARKWATCH

ONKAPARINGA PARKWATCH NEWSLETTER OF THE FRIENDS OF ONKAPARINGA PARK INC. Note opinions and commentary in this newsletter are not necessarily the general opinion of the FOOP membership. Any complaints should in the first instance be directed to the author. Website: http://www.communitywebs.org/onkaparingaparks/ December Vol 30 No 12 2016 President s Report 2016 Having taken over this role in early 2016 it has been a steep learning curve. Whilst it is not possible to fill Colin Malcolm s shoes, I am pleased to say that his mentoring and tutelage in all manner of things has been instrumental in making progress easier. I really appreciate the words of encouragement and support of you, the members; it makes the journey more pleasant. I have broken from tradition slightly in preparing these thoughts as a combined President s Page and Annual Report. Please let me know if it strays too far or doesn t include what you expected. The support of the FOOP committee during 2016 has been phenomenal, and in particular I want to acknowledge Andy for his untiring efforts on behalf of FOOP. Also many thanks must go to all the FOOP members who in their own way contribute to the ongoing success of the group. Those who organise the scrumptious suppers at our meetings, those who contribute and organise the door-prizes, those who turn up week after week to carry out weed control and re-vegetation, your efforts do not go un-noticed. Thank you all once again. In reflecting on things environmental, we witnessed a process of the State Government developing plans for improvements in both the National and Recreation Parks. Whilst this process almost seems funereal, I believe these improvements, when completed, will provide more opportunity for all people to enjoy what we know is there. FOOP was assured back when the funds were promised that it would be consulted as matters progressed. Colin Malcolm commented in 2015 - It is hoped that we will have a lot of input into this I have referenced the meaning of the term consultation; viz. the action or process of formally consulting or discussing somewhere along the line that meaning has lost its intent. My wish for 2017 and beyond is for Government to comprehend the meaning of consultation and to engage FOOP more readily through DEWNR/NRM. If we are trusted and recognised, we will be less cynical and more involved. 30 years of involvement means significant local knowledge. One exciting move already is the construction of a linked walking trail off the existing Sundews Loop trail to the proposed Punchbowl lookout. Keep your eyes and ears open for progress on construction of the lookout in 2017as well as work in the Recreation Park. Notwithstanding my earlier comments, I can t let this opportunity go by without thanking both the DEWNR and NRM local staff for their invaluable support of FOOP volunteers. The Department and the NRM are sometimes criticised [often by me] but it is my belief that without their help our work would be less effective. A big thank you to 2 in particular; Steve Johnson- DEWNR and Jodie Woof- NRM. You deserve all the plaudits you get. We should not forget the recent extraordinary efforts of the DEWNR and NRM staff who endured attacks from hordes of huge hungry mosquitoes and removed several cubic metres of prickly pear segments washed downstream during flooding of the Onkaparinga river in September and October. Thanks people we really appreciate your help. The celebration of our 30 th birthday in October was an unqualified success as was the bus tour earlier in the year. The bonus was to see the National Park looking absolutely luxuriant. I know that those who were in at the start 30 years ago can see the fruits of their labour. Whilst there are significant benefits from the rainfall this year, there are 2 downsides I see. FRIENDS OF ONKAPARINGA PARK INC PATRON: Dr B HARDY AO Incorporating The ONKAPARINGA RECREATION PARK and ONKAPARINGA NATIONAL PARK. Proudly a member of THE FRIENDS OF PARKS INC., Chairperson: Graham Thomas Deputy Chair: Michael Whitaker Secretary/Treasurer: : Andrew McKinnon 8386 2393 ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: The Secretary, Friends of Onkaparinga Park Inc C/- 27 Kym St., Port Noarlunga Sth 5167. E mail: mackins@tpg.com.au

Firstly, lots of moisture means lots of growth. As this matures and dries off we will face an increased fire risk. The annual slashing programme has begun and the breaks will hopefully mean we don t suffer any damage in the parks. Secondly, it was sad to see the demise of the suspension footbridge in Old Noarlunga. We need to keep positive and look forward to the replacement of the bridge. Currently there is no access to the National Park via Old Noarlunga. Topics raised at the 2016 Friends Forum at Hallett Cove have been thought provoking. In particular it energised me to review what FOOP does in conjunction with DEWNR/NRM in regards to re-vegetation. Are we optimising our on-ground works? More discussions are needed. One area that may need more focus is under-storey vegetation; that is more shrubs, ground-cover and grasses. The butterflies, insects and birds will love us for it. Jan and I hope that the New Year brings continued good health to you and yours, and may the festive season bring family cheer and warmth. Have a restful break and we look forward to seeing you again in 2017 as FOOP will continue its tradition. Shouldn't we also ask ourselves what the consequences are of scrambling to provide the "most" of everything to our children in a world of fast dwindling resources? John Taylor Gatto Church tower The ford This is another Noarlunga Bridge. I was a little confused as to where this bridge was but now know. It was just upstream from the FOOP bridge and the Eastern support was on the small island. The ford is just upstream. This bridge was also washed away. Obvious when you consider the topography. Bill.

From the Editor s Desk. Send all articles via: billandgilll@yahoo.com.au or by snail mail to 27 Marston Drive, Morphett Vale 5162 or hand deliver to Gill or me. Date FOOP Australia in General 1986 1996 30th October. -Inaugural meeting Old Noarlunga Institute Hall D Cordes, H & K Barney, L & J Pickard, C&J Griffin, J Hunwick, C&A Malcolm, K Malcolm, F Kijas, K & E Knudsen, L Jeavons, J Stewart, G Bergemann, D Denson, H Glass, P Davies, D Gilby, R Schuetze. Funds not a lot. (Jan 1987 Gill and I became members) FOOP now a mature 10 years old hosts FOP Inc forum. Over 250 attendees. Considered best to date. C. Malcolm: Chair. Secretary: Gail Rees, Treasurer: Lyall Pickard. Funds $10,058. > 50 members in FOOP. 1996 flood did NOT take the new swing bridge-thanks to Terry Gregory. Horse rider in the park reported. Ray and Pat to donate part of their Xmas tree sales to FOOP. Political PM: Hawke and Keating show. Economy in crisis. Keating Banana republic deficit to be 5.8% of GDP. Aust dollar falls against the greenback. Aust protectionist economy was failing. Interest rates around 13-14.5% borrowing. Environment in crisis. Fed wanted to save forests Qld wanted to cut them down for business purposes. Tas., also argued. Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Aboriginal land rights not universally accepted. Crocodile Dundee released. Political State Premier D Brown then ousted by J Olsen. Fed: PM: J Howard defeats Keating. Economy: Main reason Labor loses to Lib/Nats. Huge swing. Port Arthur massacre. NT legalises euthanasia. Fed step in. Alan Bond pleads guilty to being a naughty businessman. Aboriginal land rights not thwarted by Qld pastoral leases. Shine the movie is released. 2006 FOOP even more mature 20 years old. Chair: C Malcolm. Sec: A Mackinnon, Treasurer: C Kirkham. Funds: $25,474. No floods this year very dry. Tuesday meeting temp moved to Old Noarlunga United Church. FOP Inc forum at Echunga. Political: State Premier M Rann. Fed: PM : J Howard. Economy: Australia is in an enviable situation mainly dominated by services sector. Mining industry a big player. Australian economy better than the USA. AWB implicated in an international scandal Big bushfires in WA, SA, Vic and Tas in January. Ten canoes wins a Cannes Film festival special prize. 2016 FOOP now 30 -old enough to know better, young enough not to care. Chair: C Malcolm then G Thomas, Sec: A Mackinnon Treasurer: A Mackinnon. FOOP loses one of its biggest assets. Funds: $32,569. P & E (net) $4189. Note P & E now in Bal Sheet. Flood, not as big as1996, takes the swingbridge. $1.5 million to be spent in the Park. New major walk, camp,canoe launch and lookout. Political: State Premier J Weatherill. Fed: PM: M Turnbull. Economy: Australia better than most but still in doldrums. Huge storm turns Sth Aust lights out. New RAH project stumbling along. World economy stimulus needed. G Brit walks away from the EU., Trump wins USA Presidency. The future is now what we should concentrate on. How will the parks evolve for instance? Will they become ICON parks or Mountain bike play areas? Will FOOP Inc survive for another 30 years? Will FOP Inc survive or evolve? Will the swingbridge be replaced? Will the new trail carry on all the way to Old Noarlunga? Will we still be doing this newsletter after all its more than 15 years and it takes a full day each month to get it out and posted? Who knows what the future holds? Once again thanks to all the newsletter contributors over the last year it would not be that much without your input. Suggestions are always welcome. I may not be able to always comply but it won t be for the want of trying. Bill and Gill.

From The Secretary s Desk Working Bees Thank you to all the people who have helped on the working bees this year. We would love to see some more new faces next year. Thousands of boneseed have been removed, many olives drilled & filled, tube-stock planted & watered, thistles sprayed, with our trail maintenance team keeping many walking routes in good condition. There will be no Saturday working bees held during January 2015. The Tuesday & Thursday teams will return refreshed in the second week of the New Year. A total of 2353 hours were contributed last financial year by all our working bee teams, with an average of eight members attending each working bee. You have all done very well!! The renowned eucalyptologist Dean Nicolle has two new books available for purchase. The first is Smaller eucalypts for planting in Australia: their selection, cultivation and management. The second is Taller eucalypts for planting in Australia: their selection, cultivation and Management by Dean Nicolle. Both can now be purchased at http:// dn.com.au/eucalypts_for_planting.html These are self published and are $35 individually or $60 for both. Last year Dean won the inaugural Bjarne K Dahl medal for his contribution to eucalypt research, education & conservation. There is a story about Dean by Stephen Forbes in the November issue of the Adelaide Review. The 12 Walks & 12 More Walks in the Onkaparinga River National & Recreation Parks are fantastic books written by Michael Whitaker. Full colour maps, photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk are included, as well as some of the history of the Onkaparinga Parks. These books make a terrific Christmas gift for all the family. All profits from the sale of the books support the environmental work of the Friends of Onkaparinga Park. FOOP members can buy books at meetings or at most Working B s for $15. Further details from Michael Whitaker email michaelwalksonkaparinga@hotmail.com The Tuesday Team are holding their annual End of Year BBQ at Ray & Pat Rogers property Tanamera, 62 Hunt Road, McLaren Flat on Tuesday 13th December from 10.30am. If you wish to attend please RSVP to Andy McKinnon by 9th December. Please bring a salad & sweet to share, plates, cutlery, drinks, chairs & table. BBQ meat will be provided. All members & partners are welcome to come & enjoy this event. See promo in newsletter The Friends of Belair National Park have invited members of FOOP to the 125th birthday of Belair National Park, and 31st Birthday of the Friends of Belair NP at the Volunteer Centre, Belair National Park on Monday 19 th December at 6pm. Please bring finger food to share & BYO drinks. RSVP to 8178 0688. Membership subscriptions for 2017 are now due. Please make sure that you send your fees in as soon as possible. Our financial year runs from 1st November to the 31st October. Family $15 & single $10. See form in newsletter The Friends of Parks 31st Forum will be held in September 2018 at the Innes National Park on the Yorke Peninsula. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 2016 Forum held at Hallett Cove. Mark your diaries for this bi-annual event. The Onkaparinga River Parks Upgrades Update. The Onkaparinga projects include a major lookout over the Punchbowl area, a canoe launching facility downstream from Perry s Bend, a campground in from gate 15 Chapel Hill Road, trails and other facilities. A new trail from Sundews to the new lookout overlooking the Punchbowl is well on the way to completion. Tenders for other works will be let early in the new year. If you require any further information on any of the issues raised here you can contact me by telephone on 8386 2393 or email mackins@tpg.com.au See you somewhere out in the Park Seasons Greetings to all Andy McKinnon

Black-fronted Dotterel...Charadrius melanops...16-18cm...common seasonally...breeding? A small and generally very wary bird inhabiting the Onkaparinga Estuary for the most part, or upstream around Old Noarlunga. Preferring shallow wetlands, lakes and water courses, usually fresh water and with muddy verges where it feeds mostly on insects, worms and the like. Just as common and similar in appearance, habitat and behaviour is the Red-kneed Dotterel, distinguished by a larger black patch on the breast and head with the addition of distinct red legs or knees. Both rather eye catching birds, but often hard to get near to for photographs, always scurrying off. Possibly they breed around the Onkaparinga Park region, although I personally have seen no evidence of such, but have seen very young birds at times which may indicate nearby nesting areas. The nests are generally not much more than a simple scrape on the ground in which 3 or 4 eggs are laid, very vulnerable, often in very obvious sites like road verges or lake edges. A common place to see them as they scurry with their jerky stop/start head bobbing movements is along the smaller lakes along River Road, the lake just east of the rail bridge or around the mud flats adjacent to the Port Noarlunga oval is a good starting point. Sometimes a few can be seen together in small groups the Onkaparinga region, but much of the time they seem to be just in pairs. Both are a fairly common species widespread throughout Australia, including the more remote water courses of the inland regions as a result of extra good winter rains. I noticed quite a few in far north regions on my recent travels up north into Northern Territory in areas where water has not accumulated for decades, which makes you wonder just how they know? The rains up North have seen some of the most arid and hostile regions fill with wildflowers and with great flocks of birds following the ample food source. Now may be time to keep watch out for the odd seasonal migratory birds around the Onkaparinga regions. Long distance travellers such as Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Eastern Curlews, Whimbrels etc, some from far away regions such as Siberia etc are showing up in numbers on Adelaide's northern beaches now as part of their annual global migrations. A few stragglers are likely to show up further south as well, be nice to hear from people of any sightings of such...see you around the Park { NOTE : birders beware, lots of Snakes out and about at present as well }

NOW THE PARTY S OVER And what a party it was! Over the 30 years of FOOP s existence much has been achieved as many of us would have had the chance to see during some of our visits to the Recreation Park as well as the National Park. Each event, including the lunch catered for at the Scout Hall, was well planned and executed as we have come to expect from FOOP. Many members have been involved, of course the Executive Committee, but also many others particularly those who always supply excellent refreshments. To all those who helped in any way, I would like to say, like old Mr. Grace YOU VE ALL DONE VERY WELL. Thanks very much. BUT WHAT NOW? Much has changed during our 30 years. All the sheep were officially removed some years ago. They caused considerable damage up until then. Since their removal we have seen considerable natural restoration of native vegetation in some places. For example the permanent spring located via Gate 20 was a trampled mud bath and is now completely enclosed with reeds and rushes. But we now have a new threat that unless something is done much of the good that has been achieved will be undone. I am of course referring to the goats that have been with us for quite a few years and an increasing number of deer, which has become a damaging pest more recently. There is even a woolly sheep named Shrek who thinks it is a goat. This is apart from the large number of roos which have the ability to pull seedlings out of the ground, even when they have had guards placed around them. Until a few years ago the feral animal numbers were controlled by local gun club members, until an accident stopped these exercises, and nothing has been done to prevent these feral animal numbers increasing rapidly. We have seen much damage done to our new plantings, particularly on a new site called The Knoll (access via Gate 7a). It is so bad that some of our guards are well over 1 metre tall. I am sure that when the guards are removed there will be a race between the goats, deer, sheep and roos to see who can get to the plants first. Areas such as Hardy s Scrub and the Beehives, two of the best sites in our park, should be O.K. as they have never been cleared of native vegetation like most of the rest of the park. However I am most concerned about areas such as the States Rd. block, which is a Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey box) and Eucalyptus porosa (mallee box) open woodland. All these trees are mature but there is not one young seedling to be seen in the whole area and this can only be due to heavy predation by the ferals and/or roos. So once the mature trees reach the end of their lives there will no longer be an open woodland. Some of the speakers at the Hallett Cove forum expressed concerns about such a situation. So what can be done? The park urgently needs control measures to reduce the number of feral animals. This can only be done, I assume, by again allowing the shooters to visit the park. I cannot understand why one accident has stopped all their good work. If all activities were stopped when an accident occurred nothing would ever be achieved. We certainly wouldn t be driving cars! I don t have a problem with Gary the goat running with the roos in the Recreation Park, however I do have a problem with his cousin Larry and all his family in the National Park. If nothing is done to control the existing ferals maybe we should introduce more species and change the National Park into an open Zoo. Think how we could increase the number of 4wheel drive tours through the park and bring in additional revenue. The idea could appeal to some bureaucrats and politicians. Hope it doesn t come to that! Cheers, Ray Rogers

FAMOUS SOUTH AUSTRALIANS... FAMOUS SOUTH AUSTRALIANS...

FOOP Subscriptions Form Subscriptions are due on the 1 st November of each year. (Financial year 1 st November to 31 st October) New members who join after 1 st September are covered for the year following. Please accept my/our new/renewal subscription. Name(s):. Address:.. Telephone No Mob No. Email address.. Please indicate if you would like to receive notices by email Yes No Please indicate if you would like to receive newsletter by email Yes No Please indicate if you would still like to receive newsletter by post Yes No I am paying (please indicate the one you are paying) Family Membership $15.00 Single Membership $10.00 Donation $... (NB., Not tax deductible) Then detach this form and forward with payment to: The Secretary/Treasurer, Mr A McKinnon, 27 Kym Street, Port Noarlunga South 5167 Payment can also be made to the Treasurer at general meetings held the first Tuesday of the month. (except January) Payment also by electronic transfer, details below. EFT Details: Account Title: Friends of Onkaparinga Park Inc. BSB Number: 805-007 A/C Number: 00707387 (Credit Union SA) Reference: Last name, first name, subs. Send email to mackins@tpg.com.au to confirm payment. If you are a new member please forward contact details as above. Andy McKinnon Secretary/Treasurer Friends of Onkaparinga Park Inc.

Are there really thylacines roaming in the Adelaide Hills? There have been reports In the popular press and the WWW stating that rather than being extinct thylacines (Tasmanian Tigers) are alive and well in remote parts of Tasmania, S-E South Australia and now the Adelaide Hills. Without wanting to add any credence at all to the story I suggest that perhaps while we are in the Gorge area we should keep an eye out for this animal in the improbable possibility that the stories are true. Bill. Tree shortage? For pet s sake we need to plant more trees. (Per G Thomas) Prickly pear part 2. FOOPers recently had another morning in the Rec Park picking up prickly pear pieces washed down stream after the last big storm. The haul surprised us all. The week after we did it again with assistance from DEWNR staff and the haul was just as big. We Female Cochineal probably did not get it all but hopefully the cochineal beetle will do what we cannot. Ranger Henry turned up and showed us cochineal infested prickly pear to go onto Park prickly pear sites. Very interesting. I felt like giving them a hearty cheer. male Cochineal Bill

The Tuesday Team are hosting an End of Year BBQ Celebration For all FOOP members & partners. Where: Tanamera, 62 Hunt Road, McLaren Flat. (The property is located between Kangarilla & Sand Roads) When: Tuesday 13 th December 2016. Time: From 10.30am BBQ meat supplied. Bring: A sweet and savoury to share. Own Chair and Table. Plates & Cutlery. Good wine or whatever you drink. A pleasant disposition. Please contact Andy McKinnon by 9 th December (PH: 8386 2393) or email to mackins@tpg.com.au if you intend coming to assist in catering for the BBQ.

DECEMBER 2016 FOOP WORKING B PROGRAM. Note Working B s in the park will be cancelled when there is a Total Fire ban in the MT Lofty Region All Working B s start at 9:00 am & finish at 11.30am unless otherwise stated. Note: all new gate numbers Sunday Mon Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Meet Kyeema CP, Woodgate Hill Rd 2 3 NP Gate 13 Gosse Road Olive control 4 5 6 NP Gate 29/30 Riparian zone AGM 7.30pm Old Noarlunga Institute 7 8 Meet McLaren Vale VIC 9 10 NP Gate 19 Chapel Hill Road Hardy s Scrub Boneseed removal 11 12 13 Tanamera 10.30am 62 Hunt Rd, McLaren Flat BBQ Lunch Bring salad, sweets, drinks, plates, cutlery & chairs RSVP 14 15 Meet ORNP Gate 15 Chapel Hill Road 16 17 NP Gate 19 Chapel Hill Road Hardy s Scrub Boneseed removal 18 19 20 21 22 No evening walk 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Happy Christmas Day!! No evening walk 1 Happy New Year!! 2 3 No General Meeting 4 5 Meet Thaxsted Park Golf Course Panalatinga Road 6 7

JANUARY 2017 FOOP WORKING B PROGRAM. Note Working B s in the park will be cancelled when there is a Total Fire ban in the MT Lofty Region All Working B s start at 9:00 am & finish at 11.30am unless otherwise stated. Note: all new gate numbers Sunday Mon Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Happy New Year!! 2 Public Holiday 3 No General Meeting 4 5 Meet Thaxted Park Golf Course Panalatinga Road 6 7 8 9 10 NP Gate 29/30 Riparian zone 11 12 Meet Hallett Cove Sports Club Lonsdale Highway 13 14 15 16 17 RP Gate 14 River Road 18 19 Meet Maslin Beach Lower Car Park 20 21 22 23 24 NP Gate 7a The Knoll Piggott Range Road 25 26 Public Holiday Meet Byards Road Wetlands 27 28 29 30 31 NP Gate 10 Punchbowl Piggott Range Road 1 2 Meet Ripple & Swirl Café Esplanade Christies Beach 3 4 NP Gate 18 Whitings Road Hardy s Scrub Boneseed removal 5 6 7 NP Gate 29/30 Riparian zone General Meeting 7.30pm Old Noarlunga Institute Matthew Pearson Bushland Condition Monitoring 8 9 Meet Reynella Oval 10 11 NP Gate 19 Chapel Hill Road Hardy s Scrub Boneseed removal