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Contents
Click here for the PDF version (1 meg).
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Welcome
Welcome to the November 2006 edition of "The Eco", the newsletter
for Friends of the Port Phillip EcoCentre.
Our aim is to provide
an informative and entertaining snapshot of the activities, achievements
and interests of all the wonderful people who contribute towards
the goals of the EcoCentre, inspiring us to take
'local
action for a global future'.
Do you have some news for The Eco? Contributions are always welcome.
Email info@ecocentre.com
with your contribution and contact details.
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IF THIS IS SPRINGTIME…. WHERE TO FROM HERE?
By Neil Blake
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| October is generally the wettest month of the year in Melbourne, averaging around 68mm of rainfall. This is often the result of several relatively heavy falls, compared to many lighter rain events through winter.
The wet and warmer weather spring conditions is a major trigger for breeding wildlife; and are generally followed by infrequent heavy thunderstorms in summer.
Summer thunderstorms help counter the increased evaporation in summer, and keep the wetlands ticking.
Spring is also known as the season for insects. The egg and larval stages of many insects require moist conditions to prevent them from drying out. In this case, drying means dying! It’s no coincidence that the production of great numbers of insects occurs when many bird species will have hungry young bellies to fill; and insects are a major source of protein.
So what happens when Spring rainfall is only around 12% of the average, as it has been this year?
In the face of the one in one thousand year drought, combined with the effects of climate change, only time will tell what this means to |
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local wildlife populations. Highly mobile species will be more able to cope with localized conditions. For example, a tagged swan was recently observed at Albert Park Lake having flown all the way from lake Wendouree in Ballarat!
Drought conditions inevitably cause some species not to breed at all, or will cause some attempts to fail.
Many species have faced such challenges before and developed some remarkable survival strategies. In an urban context, Masked Lapwings would have to be number one. Despite the fact that they nest on the ground, and could be vulnerable to common predators such as cats, dogs, and foxes, they remain relatively common.
Day-old Masked Lapwing chick
Pic: James Brincat
Masked Lapwings breeding in Albert Park Reserve finally hatched 3 chicks on the lawn near the Parks Victoria office in Albert Park Reserve. Rangers hammered 3 star pickets around the nest to ensure the sitting birds did not get hit by the tractor / mower. This a great example of a simple action taken to address an evident threat.
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South East Water Shower Head Exchange
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In the face of climate change, we must look for simple ways to reduce our use of energy that generates carbon emissions. Replacing an inefficient showerhead with a 3 star rated head saves energy by reducing hot water use.
City of Port Phillip residents can bring their old shower head to the EcoCentre to exchange for a Triple “A” rated head. South East Water is supplying the new water-saving heads free, in return for your written consent for them to claim carbon credits for the resulting energy savings. We’re down to our last half dozen but have requested more… so phone us on 9534 0670 to check availability before taking your old showerhead off the wall!
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Christian Brothers' College (CBC) 'Future Water' Project
By Julian Donlen
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CBC joined up with the EcoCentre's Integrated Evvironment Parnership (IEP) program and embarked on an innovative project to reduce its environmental ‘footprint’ this year and received $42,000 of funding from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants.
The ‘Future Water’ project will enable the school to reduce its mains water use by almost half a million litres a year.
Following the development of educational activities with regional environmental community group, the Port Phillip EcoCentre, a partnership project was devised to harvest rainwater for flushing of toilets within the school.
Long-time friend and plumber to CBC, Brian Drew, was engaged to change the layout of downpipes to capture and channel water from the McCartney Wing and Logue Hall to 2 newly installed rainwater tanks adjacent to Alma Park.
Alma Park Wetland
David Burge of DTB International Pumping Pty Ltd installed the innovative control system which pumps rainwater to the amenities block but automatically diverts back to mains water supply in the event of any power failure or in long periods of insufficient rain.
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Any overflow from the tanks will flow underground to supply the wetland area in Alma Park adjacent to the school, which was recently restored by the City of Port Phillip as a community resource and habitat.
The tanks and restored wetland will become an education vehicle and tangible demonstration of water conservation for the school and wider community. When this system is fully operational and delivering the expected results, the school will install further water saving measures such as water efficient taps. As a result of the project, CBC expects to see a measurable reduction in water usage from water bills.
Students have begun ongoing water quality monitoring and the improved condition of the wetland is expected to result in attracting more indigenous fauna.
The Australian Government’s Community Water Grants are part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. It provides grants of up to $50,000 for community organisations to put in place practical on-the-ground solutions to either help save, reuse or improve the health of the local water sources.
Round 3 of the Community Water Grants is expected to open in early 2007. For information visit:
www.communitywatergrants.gov.au
The IEP program is sponsored by GM Holden.
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Hobsons Bay Bat Survey
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City of Hobsons Bay will present an introduction to bat surveys on Friday December 8 (see events for location & time etc). This is a rare opportunity to learn about these wonderful little creatures.
Rob Gration, local wildlife ecologist / educator, will demonstrate how bat surveys are conducted by catching bats in a harptrap and recording calls with a bat detector.
The evening will begin with a brief talk about Micro Bats and the equıpment used to catch and record information about them. Participants
will also have the opportunity to observe the setting up of a harptrap and see what information reseachers record when they process bats that are caught.
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For more information about bats go to www.ausbats.org.au
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Reptile Rambles
By Ian R Levy
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You may be surprised to know that there are seven species of snakes native to the Melbourne area. How’s that for biodiversity! They are the Tiger Snake, Eastern Brown Snake, Copperhead, Red bellied Black Snake, White Lipped Snake, Small eyed Snake and the Little Whip Snake.
You’re unlikely to encounter any of these snakes in suburbia. However , snakes are often present in outer suburbs with adjoining bushland or grassland. Also, populations of snakes penetrate the inner suburbs in corridors of bush land such as alongside the Yarra River, Maribynong River, Gardiners Creek, Plenty River, etc., and adjoining reserves large enough to support ecosystems with wild life, such as Westgate Park, Studley Park.
The Mainland Tiger Snake
Grows to about 1.5 metres, usually olive brown with yellowish or brownish markings forming bands.
Dangerously venomous and quite common along the Yarra River where there are areas of grassland and bushland and ponds and swamps. Tiger Snakes prey on frogs, and will also eat lizards, mice, and baby birds in the Spring. Tiger Snakes are thriving as close to the CBD as Westgate Park where they are often seen!
Eastern Brown Snake
May grow to two metres. various brownish colour forms from light brown to dark brown.
Fast moving and dangerously venomous. Prefers dry grassy areas, feeds on mice and lizards, and other small vertebrates.
Copperhead
Grows to 1.5 m from velvet brown to almost dull black.
Dangerously venomous. The Copperhead loves frogs and so is often found near water such as swamps and wet areas.
More common in the outer eastern and outer southern parts of Melbourne preferring a moist cool climate and may even bask in the sunshine on warm winter days.
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Red Bellied Black Snake
May grow to two metres. Glossy black and highly venomous but a fatal bite is unlikely.
Not common in the Melbourne area but may be encountered in the LerdedergGorge area. The Red Bellied Black Snake is generally associated with water courses such as creeks, rivers or swamps. Another snake which loves eating frogs.
Small Eyed Snake
Grows too only about 50 centimetres. A small blackish coloured snake.
Very venomous for its small size and should be treated with caution. Fortunately this small snake is nocturnal and is usually found under logs, rocks, or holes in the ground and so is not often seen. Found to the east of Melbourne in dry forests.
Little Whip Snake
Grows to only about 40 centimetres. An attractive, very small tan coloured snake with a blackish head.
Mildly venomous. Found to the west and northwest of Melbourne. A lovely inoffensive animal which is found under flat rocks and feeds on small skink lizards. The Little Whip Snake is nocturnal and gets its warmth from the rocks as they heat up in the sun.
White Lipped Snake
Grows to only 40 centimetres.
Mildly venomous. This attractive snake varies in colour from reddish brown to olive brown with white lip scales. Found in moist eastern and south-eastern parts of the outer Melbourne area.
All snakes would prefer to avoid humans and snake bites are rare. When snakes are seen they are usually gliding silently away into the undergrowth. If we look at them without fear we find them to be elegant graceful animals and the larger ones help us to control mice and rats.
The presence of snakes in the environment indicates a healthy ecosystem, rich enough to support these beautiful predators.
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South-Side Wilderness Action Group
By Dylan Buckee
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The South-side Wilderness Action Group (SWAG) was formed in response to the local community’s concern regarding logging in Victoria’s state forests. SWAG is focused on gathering support and raising awareness about the crucial role old-growth forests play in providing clean air, water and habitat for wildlife.
The EcoCentre has greeted the group with an incredible amount of support, providing us with resources and base for our weekly meetings. The EcoCentre being a hub for community-based action allowed us to tap into a network of people with expertise and concern which has been instrumental in having a fully functioning action group within two weeks! Since August we have over 40 members.
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The group has significantly increased on-ground activities of The Wilderness Society’s community campaign in this area. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of any campaign and are vital to helping protect Victoria’s forests. SWAG letter writing, organising meetings with candidates & MPs, info/letter writing stalls, banner drops and letter-boxing has increased pressure on our political leaders.
As the state election draws closer SWAG urges and encourages the government to take immediate action to ensure adequate forest protection for the survival of natural processes that provide us with clean air, water and homes for endangered wildlife.
SWAG looks forward to staying involved with the EcoCentre long after the state election, helping to develop and strengthen the local community and it’s support for our living planet!.
Southside Wilderness Action Group meets 6.30pm every Wednesday at the EcoCentre.
To get involved come along to the next meeting or contact Dylan Buckee on 0400 838 664 or email dylan.buckee@wilderness.org.au.
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Events
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Tuesday, 14/11/06
St Kilda Harbour Walk on the Wildside.
Free natural history walk with Neil Blake 7.30-9.30pm. Starts at West Beach, Cowderoy Creek outfall (near corner Pier Road & Beaconsfield Pde)
Ph. 0409 138 565
Friday, 8/12/06
Hobsons Bay Bat Survey
One hour introduction,
7.00pm – 8.00pm
Council Chamber, Hobsons Bay, Civic Centre, Civic Parade, Altona Mel Ref: 54 H10
Bat Trapping
8.00pm – 11.00pm
Newport Lakes Park,
Margaret Street, Newport,
Off Mason Street
Mel Ref: 55 G3
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Tell someone who’s interested!
Vicki Jaeger - News co-ordinator
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The newsletter is distributed via email to EcoCentre members and is available on our web site. This makes it a great voice for your group. Please send us news articles regarding your events, projects or issues for inclusion in the next newsletter.
Email Contributions to info@ecocentre.com
Deadline is the 15th of each month
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