Welcome to the Winter edition of Eco News!

Many of us baulk at the thought of Winter. It's the time we swap our swimmers for scarves as we brace ourselves against the chilly temperatures. But that doesn't mean we need to hibernate - in fact we should be doing the opposite!

Winter is the season for walking. Our stunning beaches are not just beautiful for the summer season - they come into their own during the cooler months. It's the perfect time to rug up, get your walking shoes on and get out to soak up the sunshine while you enjoy the picturesque place that is Warringah. Check out the 'Warringah's Winter Wonderland' article below - we've listed one of our favourite walks that you and your whole family can enjoy this Winter.

Don't worry if walking really isn't your style - we have a wonderful winter warmer for you. Check out our book review below - grab your cuppa, get comfy on the couch and get reading.

Are you itching to find out more about climate change? Our fantastic Hilltop to Headland Environmental Series wrapped up in June with a presentation by none other than Australia's Chief Commissioner for the Climate Commission, Professor Tim Flannery, along with NSW Coastal Panel member Professor Bruce Thom. This was a gem of an opportunity to hear two of Australia's most renowned scientists speak to our community on what climate change means for us. See our Hilltop to Headland article below for more information.

As always, tell your friends, neighbours and colleagues about Eco News. Subscription is free and open to everyone.

Sniffer Dogs get a Whiff for Fox

Two Springer Spaniel sniffer dogs were showing off their skills in hunting down fox dens during a trial for the Urban Feral Animal Action Group. Katie and Guss have been trained to detect fox and rabbit scents, scats, dens and warrens using their sense of smell. After plenty of treats for picking up the scent they now associate the odour with a reward.

Steve Austin, a qualified dog trainer and handler, has pioneered many training techniques during his time as a handler for the Australian Quarantine Inspection Services and Australian Federal Government. He is now busy training dogs for the detection of foxes and rabbits to assist with feral animal control.

Katie and Guss have gone to Macquarie Island to detect the last remaining ferral rabbits. Other trained sniffer dogs will be used throughout the Sydney North Region as part of the Sydney North Regional Fox Control program.

Waste to Art Workshop

Warringah, Hornsby and Ryde Councils joined forces for the Waste to Art workshop held in February. Three artists - Carolyn Cooper, Linda Baranov and Graham Chalcroft - brought materials and lead the group of 40 budding artists in creating artworks from old materials. The workshop was held in the beautiful historic Brush Farm House built by Gregory Blaxland, which provided an infinite amount of inspiration! Waste materials? No way!

Seniors Week Gets Theatrical

Warringah Seniors were invited to celebrate Seniors Week by enjoying a movie. The film, "No Impact Man", was a funny, if somewhat extreme, exploration of living sustainably in New York City. It sure was a conversation starter for people to have a chat about how to be leaders in their community.

One participant said their favourite part of the event was; "hearing the views of different people". This was one of many Seniors Week events held this year.

"Garage Sale Trail" Goes Country Wide

Warringah Council was proud to take part in the first national "Garage Sale Trail". Fifty seven garage sales were registered across Warringah on Sunday 10 April - they were part of the 1631 total registrations supported by 25 councils across the country. This was an amazing opportunity for people to stop waste going to landfill by turning their trash into treasure.

The community spirit on the day was palpable as many locals shopped or held their own garage sale or joined up with neighbours to hold a combined garage sale. Many were elated to find they could have a load of fun, make some cash (one reported a taking of $800!) and meet their neighbours.

Catchment & Coast

Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Clearance

Warringah Council is working in partnership with Pittwater Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water - DECCW) to undertake clearance works at the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon. The proposed works reduce the risk of flooding to properties in the floodplain and involve the removal of approximately 44,000m3 of sand from the area east and west of the Ocean Street Bridge. This sand will be placed on Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach. The works have been undertaken approximately every four years since 1975.

Prior to any works commencing, an environmental assessment and approvals from State Government Agencies are required. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) was finalised and a Fisheries Permit was granted by NSW Fisheries in March 2011. An Environment Protection Licence was issued by the NSW EPA in April and during May a Project Manager was selected. It is anticipated that the preferred construction contractor will be approved at Council's 23 August meeting, and works undertaken between September - December 2011.

Further information on this project is available at www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/community/EntranceManagement.aspx

Photo courtesy B. Wilson

Warringah's Winter Wonderland

Winter is the perfect time to get out and get walking. The warming winter sun provides a beautiful temperature to throw on a backpack and explore our stunning coastline. This is one of our favourite walks - why not try it this season?

Warringah Coastal Walk - Narrabeen Lakes to Manly Lagoon

This is a gorgeous walk for those who have the whole day to explore. It's about 12km and will take you through some of Warringah's most beautiful coastal areas. Leave the car at the Berry Reserve car park and head north along the lagoon foreshore, turning down Albemarle Street to the beach. The stretch of sand between Narrabeen and Collaroy is the longest on the northern beaches - take your shoes off and enjoy it! Leave Fishermans Beach at the boat ramp and do the Long Reef Headland loop - your climb may very well be rewarded with a glimpse of a whale because its the perfect time for whale watching. Continue your sand stroll south along Long Reef and Dee Why Beaches before climbing the stairs at the rockpool for the cliff-top walk to Dee Why Head and continue along beautiful Curl Curl Beach and climb the stairs at the southern rockpool to Fishermans Walk and McKillop Park. If you've still got energy you can continue to Freshwater Beach and head over the headland to North Steyne and Manly. Enjoy your picnic and jump on a bus back down Pittwater Road to your starting point!

The Sydney Coastal Councils Group, of which Warringah Council is a member, has produced a fabulous series of Walking Coastal Sydney maps which gives you all the info you need for a great walking day out. Download a map from www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au

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Wet Warringah - Floods Do Happen

The Warringah Local Government Area is fortunate to accommodate four lagoons (Narrabeen, Dee Why, Curl Curl and the northern side of Manly). These lagoons not only provide valuable habitat for our plants and animals, but also beautiful natural environments that we all like to enjoy. The catch is that the lagoon foreshores are floodplains - which means they will flood when it rains heavily.

On the weekend of 19/20 March, the northern beaches had more than 200mm of rain in 36 hours. This caused all four of Warringah's lagoons to significantly rise in water level and flood some of the foreshore. Warringah Council primarily manages the lagoon entrances to reduce the flood risk to life and property.

The lagoons are opened with machinery when the water level reaches specific heights. This allows the water to drain from the lagoon out into the ocean which prevents flooding on the lagoon edge. The result of the very heavy rain that weekend was that all four lagoons had to be mechanically opened.

As a result of these openings, Dee Why and Curl Curl foreshores did not experience any flooding. However, Narrabeen Lagoon peaked at 1.8m AHD (Australian Height Datum - this is the level relative to approximately sea level), and Manly Lagoon peaked at 1.7m AHD. This caused flooding to roadways and foreshore paths and reserves. The last time the lagoons reached this level was 13 years ago in April of 1998.

Warringah Council is currently reviewing the original Flood Studies for Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Lagoon. These new Flood Studies will investigate the impact of climate change on flooding of the lagoons and will be completed by 2013.

Coastal Erosion Emergency Action Plan for Beaches in Warringah - the Draft is Here

Coastal storms have caused damage to property in Warringah since the area was developed and with current projections of sea level rise, this situation is expected to deteriorate.

A draft Coastal Erosion Emergency Action Plan for Beaches in Warringah has been developed and residents are being urged to have their say. The plan highlights that rising sea levels and storms pose “significant risks” to property along some areas of the coast in the Warringah council area.

The Plan identifies risks associated with coastal erosion and the actions Council intends to take to prepare for, respond to and recover from a coastal erosion emergency. The Plan also identifies requirements relating to landowner emergency coastal protection works.

The plan was on public exhibition until 27 June and a community forum to discuss the Plan was held at the Long Reef Golf Club. To view the plan or listen to the podcast of the forum visit our website: www.warringah.nsw.gov.au

Sustainable Schools

A Fabulous Opportunity to get that Garden Growing - Junior Landcare Grants Available Now

Since 2008 Coles has been providing School Garden Grants of up to $1,000 to schools and youth groups to help create gardens in their grounds or community, such as bush tucker gardens, water wise gardens or veggie gardens. These programs encourage students to learn about the environment through "outdoor learning" by developing their own school gardens. The third and final round for this grant closes on Friday 5th August, 5pm (EST). For more info or to apply, visit www.juniorlandcare.com.au/grants-2

Sustainable Living

Book Reviews - by David Bell

Why we disagree about climate change: understanding controversy, inaction and opportunity, Mike Hulme, 2009 Cambridge University Press.

Mike Hulme is a leading British-based climatologist and his book on climate change provides a great overview of the science of climate change, the challenges facing us in our attempts to mitigate our impacts on the world's climate and the social, economic and political drivers that are holding back effective action. Hulme is no climate change extremist and his views are based on decades of research. Indeed he provides some useful insights into why opposition to climate change action has been so effective, so far.

What is also fascinating is Hulme's discussion on the history of climate change science. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not an issue that has only arisen in the last few years. Rather our current understanding is based on research that stretches back to at least the 1800s.

The book is a long read, at times the language can get quite technical but it is worth persevering with. It is one of the best books I've read on the subject. This book can be found in the Dee Why Library so give that library card a work out!

Live in a Unit and Want to be More Sustainable?

Now is your chance! There has been a change to legislation which is good news for units/dwellings with amendments made to The Local Government Amendment (Environmental Upgrade Agreements) Act 2010 No. 110 allow unit owners to install green infrastructure with the help of financial incentives.

The objective of this amendment is to encourage the retrofitting of existing commercial and residential strata buildings to improve their environmental sustainability and performance. It attempts to overcome the previous problems of financiers being reluctant to loan funds to property owners by allowing the loan(s) to be held in perpetuity.

For more information, check out www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants

Bushcare News

Old Pool? Or Pretty Pond?

Ku-ring-gai Council has introduced a great idea for people who own an in-ground swimming pool they no longer use. It's all very simple - you just turn off the pump, introduce native wetland plants and start enjoying your stunning new water feature. This new Pool to Pond Program has met with great success and we're impressed!

The benefits are simple, and so valuable:

• No more expensive running costs with electricity and chemicals;
• No mosquito problems - biting mozzies do not usually survive in water deeper than 30 centimetres;
• No filter noise - check the tranquillity!
• Creation of a low-maintenance environment for a plethora of local wildlife;
• A great educational resource for the kids in your own backyard;
• Completely reversible if required;

So far more than 60 pools have been converted, so why not consider if for yourself? Find out more by visiting www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/www/html/466-wildthings.asp

Focus On Weeds

Blue Paspalum, Tussock Paspalum (Paspalum quadrifarium)

The Manly Vale Public School has a beautiful and largely pristine patch of bush on the school grounds. This area is highly valued by the school as it is a terrific educational resource as well as a lovely place to enjoy.

Overall there are very few weeds here, however one area has been invaded by Tussock paspalum, a rather tough weedy grass. One feature of this weed that makes it a serious threat to our bushland is that, unlike most other weeds, it can grow in low nutrient soils. This means Tussock Paspalum can invade good quality bushland which would otherwise be fairly self sustaining. Another common weed that has this special colonising ability is Pampas grass, which has a feathered seed capable of drifting in the wind into remote bushland areas.

Removal techniques:

We tackled this infestation with small mattocks, which were used to lever up the clumping roots of the paspalum. Start on an edge, pushing the leaves away so you can aim a good swing that will bury the head of the mattock about 15cm into the ground. Once you have got this point of leverage, pulling back on the handle should lift the roots up in a clump. Beware of not digging deeply enough as roots left behind may reshoot.

If this sounds like hard work you are right, but the effect is very satisfying. We avoided potential injury by working well apart with the mattocks and taking a slow and methodical approach.

In between the heavy digging we varied the activity by cutting off all the leaves so only the roots had to be carried out. An excellent job done by everybody!

The Brush Turkey (Alectura lathami)

It's that time of year again when the 'sometimes pesky' male brush turkeys are on the lookout for an area to build their mound. Brush turkeys used to be common in New South Wales but suffered due to loss of habitat. They were also hunted for food during the depression but now they're making a come back.

The male bird builds a large incubation mound from plant matter - resembling a natural compost heap - and females lay up to 24 eggs in it over several months. As the vegetation in the mound decomposes it releases heat, keeping the eggs warm. The male maintains the correct temperature of the mound by removing and adding layers to the mound. Chicks dig their way through the layers of the mound when they hatch and fend for themselves straight away. Chances of a chick surviving to adulthood are as low as one in 200, with predators such as snakes, foxes, dogs and cats reducing the chances of survival.

Once a male brush turkey has started to build its mound, it is extremely difficult to prevent it from continuing its efforts. No single method of deterrent has proved effective in all situations, but if you find a construction going on in your backyard you could try:

• Spreading a heavy tarpaulin over the mound and weighing it down, to prevent the bird from working
• Diverting the birds attention to a less attractive or valuable area of your garden by building a household compost mount for them to focus attention on.

Or you could simply wait it out and watch the spectacle!

Ficus coronata is a small tree that grows in very sheltered rainforest or along shaded creek lines. It is widespread and common from the coast to the valleys of the Blue Mountains.

Coronata comes from the Latin for "crowned", referring to a circlet of pointed segments around the small entrance to the interior of the fruit.

You will instantly identify the sandpaper fig with one touch of the leaves as they really do feel like fine sandpaper. Like many rainforest trees the fruit is produced close to the trunk and the ground. This makes the fruit easily accessible to animals and may act as a mechanism for the distribution of seeds. Pollination is only carried out by a tiny wasp which enters the fruit through the "crown" to access the flowers which are concealed inside. Mature fruits are tasty bush tucker and rich in vitamin C.

The Aboriginal people had many uses for sandpaper figs including using the leaves for polishing wooden tools and spears. Branches were used for making fire and it is one of the few trees in the bush that is suitable for this purpose.

Sandpaper figs have been successfully planted by the Friends of the Bush along the banks of Manly Lagoon, as it is a good coloniser and food source for a host of native animals.

If you'd like to do some tree planting and join Friends of the Bush, visit our website www.warringah.nsw.gov.au

The Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata)

This photo captures one of our salty friends on the day it was released back to the ocean. The cute little creature is a Wobbegong Shark that was bred in captivity at Sydney Aquarium as part of "Project Wobbegong". It was released in March in front of a big audience at our very own Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. The shark has been tagged and will be monitored for interaction with non-captive bred sharks as part of the project. For more details check out www.sacf.org.au/projects/wobbegong-release. Good luck little shark!