Join all the Groups in the Leura Cascades Catchment for a morning at Kingsford-Smith Park, removing a range of weeds. The Park is at the urban end of the Catchment for a different perspective! There will also be updates about our work in the Catchment. Includes morning tea. Please RSVP for catering purposes to the Bushcare office.
Receive updates on progress with work in the Catchment, participate in making plans for future events and find out what is going on with other Groups in the Catchment. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jenny Hill.
Removing willows will help to improve creek health at the headwaters of Leura Cascades
Council is matching $17,250 in grant funding from the SCA over three years with investment from Council’s Environment Levy, including the provision of technical advice, on-the-ground support, plants and tools. A $20,000 grant from the GSLLS for 2015 will add further resources to the effort.
Willow control is part of Council’s Noxious Weeds Program, which targets noxious (highly invasive, destructive) weeds across the City. This program provides assistance for private landholders who proactively control willow on their property.
Pussy willow (Salix cinerea), was introduced in the early days of European settlement, and rapidly spread across the Blue Mountains, particularly between Mount Victoria and Hazelbrook.
Willows thrive in streams, swamps and moist forests, often becoming very dense, and their impact on waterways can be devastating – destroying habitats for fish and other animals; causing erosion and localised flooding; and depleting creek waters of oxygen, making it difficult for aquatic life. They can also spread very quickly, so early detection and control is critical.
Pussy willow seed can drift up to 100 kilometres by wind or water before taking hold at a new site — much like a bushfire can spot ahead of the main front.
The good news is that Council and the community are gradually winning the willow battle. Pussy willows are now under advanced control between Mt Victoria and Katoomba. With a systematic, comprehensive approach, it will be possible to win the willow war in the Blue Mountains.
Council is encouraging residents to report pussy willow sightings to Council’s Noxious Weeds team, on 4780 5000.
Other weeds currently being targeted by Council’s Noxious Weeds control program include Gorse, Broom, Boneseed, African Olive, Lantana and Cabomba.
Find out more about weeds in your local area or Council’s Weed Management Strategy at:
www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/weedmanagement
The Australian Buddhist Vihara Landcare Group works to protect the Blue Mountains Swamp on its doorstep. This is a special day to show neighbours and other interested people what a precious natural asset 
this land is and how we are looking after it and the adjacent Blue Mountains National Park at our regular Landcare sessions.
Enjoy a fabulous Sri Lankan smorgas board lunch and then join us in a short walk around the property, a talk about its important location in the landscape and what is needed to look after it. Do some hands-on bushcare and learn about local native plants as well as the weeds that are invading the national park and Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. We’ll be guided by a NPWS bush regenerator and supported by Sydney Metro Local Land Services.
Please wear work clothes: strong, covered-in shoes, long trousers and long sleeves, and a hat. NPWS will provides gloves, tools and expert guidance. Australian Buddhist Vihara will provide lunch and other refreshments.
Since February 2012 a working group made up of bushcare volunteers has met to develop a whole of local catchment strategy for the Leura Falls Creek sub catchment. The group is working closely with the Blue Mountains City Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service and a draft plan has been developed. Continue reading