June 1 - 30, 2025: Issue 643

Clever Cockatoos learning to drink from public water fountains

They have previously been caught hot-footed prying opening wheelie bins to forage for food. Now Sydney’s crafty cockies have been spotted cooling off – by learning how to turn the handles on public drinking fountains.

New research by Max Planck Institute, University of Vienna, Western Sydney University and Australian National University published in the international journal, Biology Letters, has tracked populations of sulphur-crested cockatoos in Western Sydney and filmed their behaviour as they learned to turn the handles on water fountains and help themselves to a drink.

The research team, which included Dr John Martin who is an honorary researcher at the University’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, filmed the cockatoos in action using motion-triggered wildlife cameras.

Across a number of local reserves and sports fields in the Western Sydney area, the cockatoos were observed over a number of weeks successfully starting the fountain’s water flow and obtaining a gulp of water 41 per cent of the time.

These findings follow the team’s previous research which observed populations of sulphur-crested cockatoos learning bin-opening behaviour across greater Sydney so they could forage for food waste.

Dr Martin described the ingenious tactics the birds utilised to help themselves to the water.

“We watched the cockatoos operating the drinking fountain using coordinated actions with both feet. More often than not, the bird would place one foot – mainly the right –on the twist-handle or the valve, with the other foot used to gripping the rubber spout or bubbler. Sometimes they would also use both feet on the valve,” explained Dr Martin.

“The weight of the bird would then be lowered to turn the twist-handle clockwise and keep it from springing back. We would observe the bird then turning its head to access the flowing water.”

He said the behaviour appears to be widely adopted in the local cockatoo population, suggesting it is spread through social learning, much like the bin-opening behaviour.

Dr Martin said most of the visits to the drinking fountains were during dawn and dusk time, in line with the scientists’ expectations for when the birds would likely use the fountains as a water resource. Often there was a queue of birds perched on a nearby fence, waiting their turn.

Unlike the bin-opening habits which heavily-favoured male birds, the researchers this time found little difference between male and female cockatoos when it came to their drinking fountain behaviour.

Dr Martin said the findings show that wild cockatoos are highly successful at adapting their behaviours to the challenges and opportunities that come from living in big cities and urban areas.

“The research shows that despite challenges like loss of habitat, cockatoos are very successful urban adaptors,” said Dr Martin.

“It’s the first time we are aware of wild parrots developing this kind of innovative drinking behaviour.

“We know that cockatoos have a particularly high level of innovativeness and problem-solving, and are attracted to novelty.

“It shows that this kind of drinking innovation can be learned and then spread amongst a local bird population, forming a new urban-adapted tradition.”

Read: Emergence of a novel drinking innovation in an urban population of sulphur-crested cockatoos, Cacatua galerita

Coming in to land: A cockatoo heads to the park drinking fountain - Photo credit: Klump et al, Biology Letters

Snowy Hydro to pay $400,000 to protect endangered frog

June 2025

The EPA of NSW has announced the Snowy Hydro Limited (Snowy Hydro) will pay $400,000 to help protect the iconic Northern Corroboree Frog as part of a legally binding agreement with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The recently finalised enforceable undertaking (EU) was negotiated with Snowy Hydro in relation to a 2023 pollution incident involving elevated nitrate levels in surface water and groundwater at Lobs Hole, on the Snowy 2.0 construction site in Kosciuszko National Park.

Under the EU, the company has committed to paying $400,000 to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to establish two new frog enclosures in the wild, aimed at protecting the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog from the threat of the deadly chytrid fungus.  

The EU also requires the company to pay the EPA’s legal and investigation fees, totalling $90,000.

Director of Operations Steve Orr said the EU reflects the EPA’s strong stance on environmental breaches in sensitive areas.  

“National parks, including Kosciuszko, are State protected areas and strict environmental laws are in place to protect their delicate ecosystems,” Mr Orr said.  

“The EPA expects licence holders to comply with these laws and to take all necessary steps to prevent harm to the environment.

“This EU was considered an appropriate regulatory response to the incident because it provides tangible and long-term benefits for the surrounding environment. In this case, the $400,000 funding commitment will go directly to on-the-ground conservation to assist NPWS’ efforts to re-populate and protect this vulnerable frog.”  

Snowy Hydro was issued with a Clean-Up Notice in response to the incident in December 2023, requiring them to immediately stop adding material containing high nitrate levels to spoil areas on the construction site.

Following this, the company implemented a range of enhanced monitoring programs, established lined emplacement areas, installed new water treatment facilities and adopted a Nitrogen Management Plan to manage nitrates at the site (the first of its kind in NSW). 

The EPA states there is no evidence the pollution from this incident had any impact on the Northern Corroboree Frog or it’s close sibling, the Southern Corroboree Frog, which is only found in Kosciuszko National Park.  

Welcoming winter gardens: BirdLife Australia

Winter might seem like the off-season in the garden, but in much of Australia it’s when the show really starts, especially if you’ve got a native garden. Grevilleas, correas, banksias and more are flowering, making the garden look gorgeous and attracting in a host of different birds. With cooler air and softer soils, it’s also the perfect time to step back, make a few smart tweaks, and set your space up for an even more bird-friendly spring.

Eastern spinebill feeding on the nectar of a Grevillea flower. Photo: Joseph C Boone

Here are five winter actions I will be taking to keep my garden a welcoming space for birds:

1. Fertilise native plants lightly but purposefully.

With soil moisture up and temperatures down, this is a great time to give native plants a gentle nutrient boost. Use a low-phosp, native-specific fertiliser on shrubs and small trees to encourage flowering and growth for spring. Think of it as fuelling the next wave of nectar, fruit and insects for birds.

2. Divide and conquer the clumping plants.

Kangaroo paws, dianellas and lomandras all benefit from being lifted and divided in winter. Be prepared to prune back their foliage by half and make sure each division has a few healthy shoots. Not only does this help maintain vigorous growth and better flowering, it’s also a great way to multiply your plants for free, ideal if you’re expanding habitat or sharing with neighbours.

3. Transplant with care, depending on your climate.

If you’re in a warmer zone, now’s a good time to relocate established native plants while soil’s soft and rainfall can help them re-establish. In colder regions, I hold off until early spring to avoid frost damage.

4. Observe, and maybe plant.

Autumn is prime planting time in much of Australia, but you can often sneak in a few new natives now too, especially tubestock. Just avoid planting during frosty periods or if your region regularly drops below 2 °C.

5. Prune with purpose (but don’t overdo it).

While some natives are flowering now, others are resting, making it a good time to tidy up leggy growth or shape woody shrubs that have finished blooming. I focus on pruning just enough to maintain structure and encourage bushier regrowth come spring.

Celebrate the winter flowers and don’t forget to enjoy them! Native plants put on a great show at this time of year, and they’re drawing in a host of great birds. I still pinch myself when the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos hang out in my Coastal Banksias. Sit back, spot who’s visiting, and take note of what plants are doing the work. Don’t forget to do a Birds in Backyards seasonal survey as well or visit Birdlfe Australia's FREE Habitat Gardening for Birds online course

Discover Sydney’s blooming spectacular Muogamarra

Each year, the Muogamarra, on the Hawkesbury River near Cowan, transforms with a stunning display of colour when many of its glorious collection of over 900 species of native plants come into bloom.

Magnificent wildflowers such as waratahs, majestic angophoras, old-man banksias, pink boronias and delicate native orchids are set against a backdrop of spectacular views of the lower Hawksbury River.

During this time the Nature Reserve is open to the public for just a few weeks to protect its unique historic and Aboriginal heritage and fragile ecosystem.

The only way for visitors to experience what is arguably Sydney's best wildflower display is with a pre-booked tour.

The Muogamarra Discovery season is extremely popular and just as the blooms are fleeting so too are tickets with each year booking out quickly.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is encouraging nature-lovers to get in early and book a tour of the popular nature reserve to ensure they do not miss out on glimpsing this unique place with friends or family.

John Duncan Tipper established Muogamarra as a private sanctuary in 1934 and public access has always been limited to subscription visits and special wildflower days to protect the vulnerable ecosystem.

See;  Muogamarra Nature Reserve in Cowan celebrates 90 years: a few insights into The Vision of John Duncan Tipper, Founder 

The nature reserve is also home to 14 native animal species including the swamp wallaby, brush tail possum and echidnas, while birdwatchers may glimpse a soaring wedge-tail eagle or the endangered glossy black-cockatoo.

Walking tracks around the nature reserve offer stunning views of the Hawkesbury River and Berowra Creek, as well as expansive views of Bar, Milson and Spectacle islands.

In 1969, management of the area was transferred to the newly established NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service where the reserve became known as Muogamarra Nature Reserve.

The Muogamarra Discovery Season has been staffed by the dedicated and knowledgeable Chase Alive Volunteers since 1989.

Pre booked tours are only between 9 August and 15 September with tickets ranging from $15 to $55 for adults. Children, concession and family pricing is also available. Find out more on the NSW national parks Muogamarra open season 2025 webpage.

Greg Kirby National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager said on Friday June 6:

"Every year Muogamarra Nature Reserve is open to the public for a short time and those who have experienced this unique area will be able to tell you just how special it is.

"For 90 years, workers, volunteers and stakeholders have ensured Muogamarra is a one-of-a-kind reserve, offering experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. "I would like to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication to this beautiful reserve."


Minister for the Environment, The Hon Penny Sharpe, gets one quiet moment in the Muogamarra Nature Reserve on Sunday 1 September 2024.

House Mice are now killing adult Wandering Albatrosses on Marion Island – not just their chicks

June 11, 2025

Published in Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels news

Michelle Risi (Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal Biological Conservation on their observations of introduced House Mice attacking and killing adult Wandering Albatrosses Diomedea exulans (Vulnerable) on South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island.  The publication includes three short videos as electronic supplementary material depicting mouse attacks.

A. Frame from a motion-activated infrared camera of a House Mouse attacking an adult male Wandering Albatross, inset close-up of the scalp wound.  B. An adult male Wandering Albatross brooding its chick with a severe wound to the elbow joint of its wing.  C. An adult male brooding its chick, with a wound on its right tibiotarsal joint, bleeding onto the bird’s rump.  D. A minor wound was detected on the right elbow of an adult male Wandering Albatross (from the publication)

The paper’s abstract is:

“Invasive rodents severely impact native species, especially on oceanic islands.  House mice Mus musculus are known predators of seabird chicks, and there is growing concern about their attacks on adult birds.  On sub-Antarctic Marion Island, the single largest breeding site for wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans, invasive mice, the sole introduced mammal, pose an escalating threat to this Vulnerable species.  We report the first direct evidence of mice attacking adult wandering albatrosses, and record mouse attacks on adult wandering albatrosses beyond the localised incidents reported in 2023.  Of 2,979 wandering albatross nests counted island-wide in January 2024, 2,295 remained active in April, with 1,102 attended by adults brooding or guarding chicks.  Of these, 11 adults (1%) exhibited mouse-inflicted wounds (including a scalp injury, as well as the more common wing joint wounds), and two fresh adult carcasses were discovered.  Injured adults and carcasses were distributed across all wandering albatross breeding colonies.  Wounds predominantly affected males (10 of 11); one adult succumbed to its injuries within six weeks.  The 11 nests with injured adults had a 45% breeding success rate, below the island-wide average of 61%.  At Cape Davis, where mice were first recorded attacking adults in 2023, breeding success was just 28%.  This expansion in attack range and severity underscores the urgent need to eradicate mice from Marion Island to conserve wandering albatrosses and other threatened biota.”

Reference:

Risi, M.M., Jones, C.W., Connan, M., Gill, R., Stephen, V., Cunningham, S.J. &·Ryan, P.G. 2025.  Escalating threats: house mouse attacks on adult wandering albatrosses spread across Marion Island.  Biological Invasions 27. 149.  doi.org/10.1007/s10530-025-03610-8.

2025 World Albatross Day: 19 June

Friday June 8 2025 Article by BirdLife Australia

Confronting the silent threat of disease​

On 19 June 2025, we mark the sixth annual World Albatross Day, with the theme ‘Effects of Disease’. While albatrosses have long faced threats like fisheries bycatch and climate change, disease is an emerging and often overlooked peril.​

The hidden menace: disease in albatross populations

Albatrosses are among the most remarkable seabirds on the planet, known for their vast movements across the world’s oceans. But this globe-trotting lifestyle may expose them to a wider array of parasites and pathogens than many other birds. Albatrosses are long-lived—Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan Albatross, is the world’s oldest known wild bird—and they have dense, communal nesting habits, both factors which increase the risk of transmission of disease within breeding colonies.

Emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, avian pox and avian cholera are already affecting some albatrosses, and they can have devastating impacts, reducing breeding success and chick survival, which places further pressure on already vulnerable populations.

Australia’s unique albatross: the Shy Albatross

Australia’s only endemic albatross, the Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta), breeds on just three isolated islands off Tasmania. They are already at risk from threats like fisheries bycatch and climate change, and now disease poses an additional—and significant—challenge.

Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) in flight. Photo: Glen Fergus

On Albatross Island, breeding colonies have been affected by a virus that is transmitted by ticks. Infected chicks often show symptoms of avian pox, and over 40% of pre-fledging birds are affected in some years, though outbreaks vary in severity and distribution. Nevertheless, they often lead to substantial declines in breeding success due to infected chicks losing weight and dying. Reflecting these ongoing pressures on their survival, the Shy Albatross was listed as nationally Endangered in Australia in 2020.

Climate change and disease

Climate change can exacerbate the spread and impact of disease among populations of seabirds. Warmer temperatures and altered weather patterns can increase stress levels and the prevalence of pathogens—such as viruses and parasites—making seabirds more susceptible to illness. Researchers are working hard to understand the processes behind the effects of a changing climate and disease.

 Albatross off Barrenjoey headland - picture by A J Guesdon, 2015

Avian Influenza and albatrosses

Avian influenza or bird flu is an infectious disease caused by strains of the Influenza A virus. The H5N1 strain or H5 bird flu is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that affects birds and mammals associated with water—ducks, gulls and seabirds such as albatrosses, as well as sea lions and elephant seals. The virus causes severe neurological and respiratory symptoms and has resulted in the deaths of thousands of birds and mammals all around the world—with the exception of Australia and New Zealand.

H5N1 has been detected in Vulnerable Wandering Albatrosses (Diomedea exulans) on the subantarctic island of South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur). This outbreak, which began with Brown Skuas in October 2023, has since affected other seabirds and seals. Recent outbreaks on the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands have prompted fears for the birds of Heard and Macquarie Islands, a mere 400 kilometres away. The spread of bird flu in remote island ecosystems threatens already vulnerable species with high mortality rates, particularly those with slow reproductive rates. In addition, biosecurity measures are difficult to implement effectively in such isolated environments, and any intervention must be carefully balanced to avoid disturbance to breeding colonies. The outbreak also complicates long-term monitoring and research activities, with restricted access and increased risk to both wildlife and people working in the field.

Conservation efforts and the path forward

The H5 bird flu virus cannot be stopped, but there is still plenty we can do to support populations of our precious albatrosses and other seabirds. BirdLife Australia is working with local and international organisations, such as the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, to address the challenges faced by these species by promoting research and conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of the disease. Efforts include monitoring outbreaks, implementing biosecurity measures and supporting habitat protection.​

How you can help

Stay Informed:

Educate yourself about the threats facing albatrosses and share this knowledge with others.​ If you want to learn more about albatrosses and Avian Influenza, please join us the Birds Meet Webinar at 7pm on 19 June 2025.

Support Conservation:

Contribute to organisations dedicated to seabird conservation.​

Advocate:

Encourage policymakers to implement and enforce measures that protect albatross habitats and address the threats.​

Chemical CleanOut: June 28-29 at Mona Vale Beach

Runs: 9am to 3.30pm

You can take household quantities of the following household chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item.

  • Solvents and household cleaners
  • Floor care products
  • Ammonia-based cleaners
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Poisons
  • Pool chemicals
  • Hobby chemicals
  • Motor fuels
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Smoke detectors
  • Paint and paint-related products
  • Gas bottles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Car and household batteries
  • Motor oils and cooking oils

This is a NSW Government program

Surfrider Foundation: June 2025 Surf Swap

🌊Sun 22 June - Surfrider 3rd Annual Surf swap & Repair Market
Venue: Surfrider Gardens, 50 Oceans St, Narrabeen
Time: 11 - 3pm 
Ride the Use Wave - Sell, Swap, Repair or repurpose your preloved Surf gear.
Meet shapers and makers of sustainable surfboards, local innovators of upcycling waste into surf accessories
Upcycle your ‘end of life’ wetsuit with Ripcurl, attend minor board repair workshops
Chill to smooth beats in the winter sun and enjoy killer coffee from the local cafes
This event is held with the support of the Northern Beaches Council.
Free to attend and a waste free event!
Event Registration here - Day traders and Stallholders

Whale Census Day 2025: June 29

Water exemptions made to speed up new homes

June 12, 2025
The Minns Labor Government has announced it is fast-tracking the delivery of new homes and infrastructure with temporary groundwater license exemptions now in place to speed up construction, slashing red tape and costs for developers.

The government states the exemptions are ''estimated to support the delivery of 377,000 new homes by 2029, making it easier for eligible projects to access the water they need while maintaining essential environmental safeguards''.

''Previously, developers required a license to remove more than 3 megalitres of water during excavation and construction activities – a process known as infrastructure dewatering.

''Short-term dewatering is common, especially in coastal areas where groundwater tables can be higher, causing water to funnel into work sites, tunnels and foundations. This water must be extracted so projects can proceed safely and efficiently.''

The licence exemptions apply to:
  • coastal construction projects until June 2029
  • essential infrastructure projects including road, rail, utility and other works delivered by public authorities across NSW
  • water infrastructure projects delivered by private bodies with approved schemes under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006.
Eligible works are automatically exempt from needing a water licence; however, developers will still need to comply with the relevant water management rules and regulatory requirements throughout the course of construction.

These requirements may include gaining a water supply work approval through WaterNSW and recording and reporting water take to the Natural Resources Access Regulator.

The reforms involve changes to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 and are part of the commitments made in the Housing Approvals Reform Action Plan announced in February.

For more information, visit the Groundwater access licence exemptions web page.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson stated:

“This is about removing pointless delays and getting homes built. We're making it easier to start building the homes and infrastructure our communities need, while keeping strong environmental protections in place. Tackling the housing crisis means backing practical solutions that get homes built across NSW.

“We’re using every lever at our disposal to supercharge housing and infrastructure for New South Wales, by slashing unnecessary red tape and streamlining approvals to allow builders to get shovels in the ground sooner.

“We asked NSW Government agencies to work together to find smarter solutions to fast-track the housing and infrastructure we desperately need.

“Importantly, there are no changes to the existing approvals processes, which thoroughly assess all projects and can place appropriate caps on dewatering on a case-by-case basis.

“These exemptions are a great step forward, addressing industry concerns and getting homes and critical infrastructure built faster.”

Have your say on council's climate change policy

The Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula is particularly vulnerable to impacts associated with climate change which are likely to increase in future years according to the NSW State Disaster Mitigation Plan.

The council states it has delivered numerous initiatives to reduce the contribution to, and the impacts of, climate change and has now drafted a new Climate Change Policy that will guide how it manages climate change risks and continues to reduce emissions. The council is now seeking feedback from the community on its draft Policy.

The risks include increasingly severe and complex impacts associated with coastal hazards and flooding, and more frequent extreme weather, bush fires, high winds, heatwaves and drought. 

Mayor Sue Heins said the council is committed to doing its part to reduce emissions, but importantly also focusing on building community resilience to these impacts.

“Such impacts can go beyond these physical hazards, creating challenges and driving changes across the community, natural environment and economy,” Mayor Heins said. 

“Recent bush fire, storm and flooding events have directly impacted the local community, through property damage and increased clean-up, repair and insurance costs, as well as causing stress, fatigue and uncertainty.    

“We want to ensure that we’re not just reducing emissions, but importantly we’re adapting to projected climate change and building community resilience.

“This requires preparedness for both council and the community and we welcome feedback from our community on the draft policy” Mayor Heins said.

Palm Beach stormwater drain opposite Wilshire Park creek, July 6, 2024, filled with plastic bag encased sandbags

Snapperman Beach seawall in March 2022 with plastic filled sandbags now deep into the beach itself - was damaged in storm of March 2021 - was finally repaired in February through March 2023

The council's Climate Change draft Policy has the following 13 Principles:

1. Ensure that Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting framework incorporates suitable measures to reduce the contribution to, and the impacts of climate change across its assets, functions, services and reporting.

2. Adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to managing the impact of climate change, informed by the best available science and guidance, and adjusted regularly for changes in data, technology, and policy.

3. Maintain up to date greenhouse gas emission  reduction targets for Council and the community that are monitored, reviewed, and publicly reported against.

4. Ensure consistency with state, national, and international legislation, guidelines, benchmarks and targets, as appropriate. 

5. Prioritise the management of risk to people, property, and the environment from the impacts of climate change in accordance with Council’s obligations and its Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

6. Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from Council activities as far as possible. Council may offset the remaining emissions to meet its adopted targets.

7. Incorporate the range of climate projections aligned to emission scenarios SSP2 and SSP3 when managing Council assets and services and when developing studies, management plans and in land use planning. When making decisions, use SSP2 for short-term scenarios and SSP3 for longer-term scenarios.

8. Work with the community and key stakeholders to reduce emissions, address climate risks and enhance resilience across the Northern Beaches.

9. Ensure Council decisions consider the impacts of climate change for current and future generations.

10. Identify and manage climate change impacts and obligations through Council’s systems and frameworks. This includes project management, enterprise risk management, procurement, business and financial planning, as well as strategic and land use planning  frameworks.

11. Reduce current and future risks to the community and the environment by locating new development out of high-risk hazard areas (particularly those expected to be at greater risk from climate change), and/or incorporating appropriate measures to reduce the risk to an appropriate level in accordance with relevant guidelines and statutory controls (including utilising appropriate land zoning).

12. Consider the options of protection, accommodation, avoidance, nature-based adaptations and relocation where climate change poses a significant risk to existing development and land uses.

13. Advocate for, and where possible implement, better building and construction standards, delivery of multi-agency projects, waste minimisation and management, zero emissions transport, sustainable finance and equitable community support to reduce the causes, risks and impacts of climate change.

Policy's Scope and application

This Policy applies to officials of the Northern Beaches Council and will be implemented across Council’s assets, functions and services.

Policy's Definitions for Adaptation responses

Nature-based: Nature based solutions such as protecting and augmenting dunes, revegetating foreshore buffers or undertaking rehabilitation of natural coastal habitats such as mangrove, saltmarsh and salt-tolerant transitional vegetation.

Accommodation: Design new structure and/or altering existing structure to reduce vulnerability to impacts. Example: raising the floor height of a flood-prone building.

Avoidance: Minimising intensification of existing exposure and preventing new development in areas subject to current or future risks. Example: prohibiting new development in areas subject to bush fire risk.

Protection: Implementing temporary or permanent works that provide a barrier between a structure and a hazard. Example: hard protection such as seawalls or levees or soft protection (often referred to as ecosystem-based adaptations) such as dunes, sand nourishment or planting of bush fire resistant vegetation. 

Relocation:  Removal or relocation of existing exposed structure or asset out of an at-risk area.

Policy Document's definitions

Carbon offset A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere. A carbon offset credit is a transferrable instrument certified by governments or independent certification bodies to represent an emission  reduction of one metric tonne of CO2-e. The purchaser of an offset credit can ‘retire’ it to claim the reduction towards their own emission reduction goals.

Climate change Change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. Throughout this policy, the term refers to changes to the climate  attributable to human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions or land use changes.

Climate risk Refers to potential negative or positive impacts of natural hazards and climate under the influence of rising global  greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions Greenhouse gases released from human activities that contribute to the greenhouse effect, global warming and climate change.

Hazard A potential natural or human-induced physical event, trend or disturbance with negative consequences.

NARCliM The NSW Government provides high-quality regional climate  projections and information for public use through the NSW and Australian Regional Climate Modelling (NARCliM) project. Resilience The capacity of individuals, communities, businesses, and  systems to survive, adapt and thrive in response to chronic stresses and acute shocks.

SSPs Shared Socioeconomic Pathways are a range of scenarios for climate change that consider different levels of greenhouse gas emissions, population, economics, social factors, and other key concepts. They help assess potential climate futures and their impacts.

SSP2 and SSP3 

The SSP2 scenario assumes that global trends continue without major shifts. Some countries make good progress, while others struggle. Environmental degradation continues, but resource and energy use become more efficient.

SSP3 scenario assumes countries prioritise security and economic independence, leading to slow technological progress and high challenges for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Targets Includes Council’s targets, aspirations, commitments, benchmarks, and actions as outlined in all Council policies, strategies, and action plans.

The draft Climate Change Policy has been prepared to update and replace the current policies and guide the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation action across the council’s assets, functions and services. 

The policy is on exhibition from Friday 23 May to 22 June. For more information and to have your say visit the council's Climate Change Policy - draft; consolidating existing former council policies webpage


Collaroy on January 4th 2022. Image: Ian Bird Photography.


Collaroy on January 4th 2022. Image: Ian Bird Photography.

Council's Draft Land Dealings Policy: Have your Say

  • Submissions opened: Fri 23 May 2025
  • Submissions close: Mon 23 Jun 2025

The council has made available its Draft Land Dealings Policy.

The council states its ''draft Policy is an integral part of the council's adopted Property Management Framework (PMF), ensuring that Land Dealings are conducted transparently, accountably, and in the best interests of the community.

If adopted, the draft Policy will replace 5 policies of the 3 former Councils (available in the Attachments Booklet for the May 20 2025 Council Meeting).

Under the Policy ''Land assets will be subject to ongoing review in relation to their purpose, usability, viability, and overall community benefit, in accordance with this Policy and the Property Management Framework.''

The 'Draft Council Policy NB-P-42 Land Dealings' is a 2 1/2-page policy which also refers to a 'Land Dealings Guidelines' - however, that document, or guidelines, have not been made available, so it would b difficult to provide informed feedback based on being able to scrutinise the document/s or guideline/s named in the policy. 

The policy further states:

'Proposals for Land Dealings, where required, will be reported to the relevant Council Committees and the elected Council for consideration in accordance with Council’s adopted Property Management Framework.

Confidential reporting may be necessary under certain circumstances where there may be legal, commercial or privacy/safety issues should the information be made publicly available.'

In closing the document states:

This Council policy relates to the Community Strategic Plan Outcome of:

• Good governance - Goal 19 Our Council is transparent and trusted to make decisions that reflect the values of the community.

The feedback webpage, Draft Land Dealings Policy, provides a 1 question survey you can take or provide written feedback via the email/postal method.

Council's Proposed Amendments to Development Control Plans (DCPs) For Low and Mid-Rise Housing: Have Your Say

The council is inserting the phrase from Chapter 6 of the State Government's - 'Chapter 6, Part 2 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (the Housing SEPP); ''Where there is any inconsistency between the controls in this DCP and the Housing SEPP, the Housing SEPP prevails.''

Stage 1 started on 1 July 2024, permitting dual occupancies and semi-detached dwellings in all R2 low density residential zones.

Stage 2 started on 28 February 2025, allowing townhouses, terraces and small apartment buildings (up to 9.5 metres high) in R1 and R2 zones within 800 metres of nine identified town centres on the peninsula. It also permits apartment buildings up to 6 storeys (22-24 metres) in R3 medium density residential zones within 400 metres of these centres, and up to 4 storeys (17.5 metres) within 400-800 metres.

The 9 identified town centres on the peninsula are:

  • Balgowlah
  • Brookvale
  • Dee Why
  • Forestville
  • Forest Way
  • Frenchs Forest
  • Manly
  • Manly Vale
  • Mona Vale

See last week's report: Pittwater MP slams the Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy for turning on the tap for developers

The council states it is also making proposed changes to existing development control plans (DCPs) to protect the local character, amenity, heritage and streetscapes and safeguard the valued tree canopy.  

The proposed changes are a response to the NSW Government’s change to planning laws, known as the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms, which have recently allowed greater building heights and density surrounding town centres and train stations and the introduction of dual occupancy development in all R2 zoned land in the LGA.

Currently, separate DCPs for the former Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Councils provide detailed guidance for development including building setbacks, trees and landscaping areas, heritage protection and car parking requirements. 

The council states they do not include controls that adequately address development types now permitted under the new reforms.

The council states their proposed DCP amendments aim to promote best practice and create greater consistency, so that the same rules apply to these developments as to other similar developments in the NBC LGA area.

The council states the Northern Beaches Council is one of the first councils to consider DCP amendments in response to the State Government reforms.

Mayor Sue Heins said the council’s power had been reduced in relation to applications submitted under the new State Government rules. 

“The new one-size-fits-all approach to planning has implications for our area, increasing heights and density up to 6-storeys in and around 9 town centres, without corresponding development controls that protect the character we value,” Mayor Heins said.  

“While council has been stripped of the power to refuse applications that comply with the new rules, we can amend our Development Control Plans to ensure any new townhouse, apartment or terrace style development is at least subject to the same controls as others like them outside the new town centre zones. 

“Controls like how much space is allocated to landscaping and trees, the streetscape appearance, parking requirements, electric vehicle charging, ventilation and natural sunlight and consideration of privacy, separation and views. 

“We are also moving to protect our local heritage, especially in the Manly Conservation Area, strengthening protection and consideration of the unique historic character of the area in the development controls. 

“All the changes being proposed to the DCPs can have a real impact on the lifestyle of those living in the town centres and to the look and feel of our much-loved neighbourhoods. I encourage the community to have their say.”

The proposed changes to the DCPs will be on exhibition from Friday 23 May to Sunday 22 June. 

For more information and to provide feedback visit council's Proposed Amendments to Development Control Plans (DCPs) For Low and Mid-Rise Housing webpage

Weed of the Week: Morning Glory - please get it out of your garden

Blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica) photo by A J Guesdon

Morning glory weed is fast-growing, twining vines that can be troublesome weeds due to their ability to smother native vegetation.

First Strategy to protect NSW heritage released

Community members and heritage stakeholders are being invited to have their say on the first NSW Heritage strategy. It will seek to update the approach to heritage by recognising, protecting, enhancing and celebrating our state’s rich history.

The Minns Labor Government’s vision is for a heritage system that recognises the rich places, people and experiences that have shaped NSW. 

The draft strategy examines ways to modernise the approach to heritage and at the same time ensuring that housing can be built. 

The draft strategy has been informed by more than 1,750 submissions from heritage experts, advocacy groups, government bodies and members of the public.

Key questions within the strategy are how to:

  • recognise and protect a broader range of stories and values to represent the diverse history and communities of NSW within the heritage system
  • improve alignment between the heritage and planning systems including simplifying approval processes
  • enhance support for heritage owners and custodians
  • encourage new uses for heritage places, including government-owned heritage
  • champion activation and adaptive reuse of heritage places and spaces to create significant social and economic benefits
  • work with Aboriginal communities to better acknowledge, celebrate and protect cultural heritage
  • promote climate adaptation and sustainability upgrades to heritage places and objects
  • establish a more robust State Heritage Register and underpinning legislation.

Individuals and organisations can provide feedback on the draft NSW heritage strategy and submit ideas on the Have your say web page.

Consultation is open until 13 July 2025. 

Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said:

“Establishing the state’s first heritage strategy is a significant step to ensure we protect and celebrate the heritage items that reflect and resonate with all members of our community. 

“The strategy reflects the diverse and changing needs of our community. I encourage you to have your say about how NSW can make our heritage system world leading.”

WIRES 2025 Grants Applications Now Open 

WIRES National Grants Program

National Support for Critical Wildlife Projects

WIRES’ National Grants Program (NGP) is designed to support best practice wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, an increase in emergency preparedness for wildlife, and native species recovery projects, to improve long-term outcomes in Australia.

Program Objectives

  • The NGP was developed to provide ongoing support for wildlife, and their habitats, across Australia. WIRES’ focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive, and ideally long-term, outcomes for wildlife. Program objectives include:
  • Building capacity and capability for the Australian wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector,
  • Improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities to assist wildlife,
  • Preserving species and their habitat through projects leading to long term positive outcomes for native wildlife,
  • Raising community awareness and inspiring broader community involvement in supporting Australian wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and preservation.

Funding Categories

Up to $1 million is available across these tiers annually, and eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals for:

  • Tier 1: Individually Licensed Wildlife Rescuers and Carers (maximum $2,000)
  • Tier 2: Licensed Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Organisations (maximum $8,000)
  • Tier 3: Environmental NGOs and Community Groups (maximum $20,000)
  • Tier 4: Consortia/Multi-partner Collaborations (maximum $50,000)
Application process
Key dates for 2025 applications:

Please note that due to limited funding and a competitive assessment process, not every application that meets the eligibility criteria may receive a WIRES Grant.

Applications open - 19th May 2025

Online webinar #1 - 12.30pm AEST 21st May - Register Here

Online webinar #2 - 7.30pm AEST 3rd June - Register Here

Applications close – 20th June (5pm AEST)

Successful applicants notified - September 2025 

Grant announcements and unsuccessful applicants notified - October 2024 

Reports due - Final for 6-month progress for – March 2026

Final Report due and project completed - 12-month month projects - September 2026.

How to Apply

Please note that due to limited funding and a competitive assessment process, not every application that meets the eligibility criteria may receive a WIRES Grant.

Click on APPLY NOW link when available to access the WIRES Grant Portal.
  • Create account or log in. Please note that you will need to tick “Yes” to receiving notifications if you wish to be sent confirmation of application submission.
  • Read information on the home page
  • Click on “Start application”
  • Select your State/Territory
  • Select “WIRES National Grants Program 2025” and then the appropriate tier.
  • If you wish to leave a partially completed application, make sure you press ‘Save + close’ and log out.
  • You can log back in and continue to edit your application form until you are ready to submit.
  • To submit your application, select the ‘Submit application’ button.
  • Note, no changes can be made once this is selected.
You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully received. If you do not receive an email, please ensure you check your junk mail and add us to your safe sender list.

Visit this page on May 19 when the apply now link becomes available to commence your application.

First NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan released

The Minns Labor Government has released a draft of NSW’s Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan, which is needed to prevent Greater Sydney running out of landfill. Without intervention, waste collection and disposal services could be severely impacted by 2030, forcing councils to transport rubbish to regional areas or interstate.

Failure to tackle this would drive up the cost of kerbside bin collections and lead to costs for residents and businesses increasing by around 20%.

A slowdown in rubbish collection would also impact critical infrastructure projects, such as new housing developments. It’s estimated that it could cost the economy around $23 billion.

The first chapter of the draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan will consult councils, industry and the community on the next steps to build the infrastructure required across Greater Sydney.

Future chapters are expected to be released later this year and will focus on enhancing recycling infrastructure and addressing the unique waste challenges facing regional and remote NSW.

The release of this chapter lays out how the NSW Government will:
  • safely manage the waste we don’t recycle and avoid Greater Sydney’s imminent shortfalls in landfill capacity
  • collect and process increased volumes of organic waste, as source-separated FOGO collections are rolled out across Greater Sydney.
The Minns Labor Government recognises that a state government cannot do this alone. A new Ministerial Advisory Committee will be established to guide the plan’s implementation and advise on local barriers, identify opportunities for investment and report on progress.

This plan follows the NSW Government’s recent mandate of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling. FOGO will reduce the volume of food waste sent to landfill, by diverting up to 950,000 tonnes of each year.

To have your say by 25 June 2025, visit the Draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan web page.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:
“For too long, state governments have ignored the fact that Greater Sydney is running out of landfill.

“Waste collection is an essential service.

“This draft plan is the first of its kind and is long overdue.

“We can no longer kick this problem down the road. I look forward to working with local councils, industry and local communities to urgently address the problem.”

Solar for apartment residents: Funding

Owners corporations can apply now for funding to install shared solar systems on your apartment building. The grants will cover 50% of the cost, which will add value to homes and help residents save on their electricity bills.

You can apply for the Solar for apartment residents grant to fund 50% of the cost of a shared solar photovoltaic (PV) system on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings in NSW. This will help residents, including renters, to reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

Less than 2% of apartment buildings in NSW currently have solar systems installed. As energy costs climb and the number of people living in apartments continue to increase, innovative solutions are needed to allow apartment owners and renters to benefit from solar energy.

A total of $25 million in grant funding is available, with up to $150,000 per project.

Financial support for this grant is from the Australian Government and the NSW Government.

Applications are open now and will close 5 pm 1 December 2025 or earlier if the funds are fully allocated.

Find out more and apply now at: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/solar-apartment-residents 

The Snowy Owls of Logan Airport

Film by Anna Miller - April 2025

Norman Smith has dedicated his life to protecting and relocating the snowy owls from Boston’s busiest airport runways. Called “the Owl Man of Logan Airport,” Smith has single-handedly relocated more than 900 snowy owls, creating the blueprint for how airports across the US and Canada can manage wildlife conflict.

‘1080 pest management’

Applies until Friday August 1st 2025. 

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

  • Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours).

Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed

Details:

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach

Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!

That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones! 

How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely: 

  1. Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
  2. Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
  3. Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
  4. Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
  • Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
  • Keep toxic materials out of waterways 

Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council

If the attack happened outside local council hours, you may call your local police station. Police officers are also authorised officers under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Authorised officers have a wide range of powers to deal with owners of attacking dogs, including seizing dogs that have attacked.

You can report dog attacks, along with dogs offleash where they should not be, to the NBC anonymously and via your own name, to get a response, at: https://help.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/s/submit-request?topic=Pets_Animals

If the matter is urgent or dangerous call Council on 1300 434 434 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

If you find injured wildlife please contact:
  • Sydney Wildlife Rescue (24/7): 9413 4300 
  • WIRES: 1300 094 737

Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs

The Berry Collective at 1691 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale collects them for Oz Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, who recycle the plastic.

Berry Collective is the practice on the left side of the road as you head north, a few blocks before Mona Vale shops . They have parking. Enter the foyer and there's a small bin on a table where you drop your bread ties - very easy.

A full list of Aussie bread tags for wheelchairs is available at: HERE 


Stay Safe From Mosquitoes 

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about.

NSW Health states Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Health.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
  • Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
  • Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
  • Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
  • Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
  • Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
  • Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
  • While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Health.

Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey

This survey aims to document mountain bike related incidents on public land, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K88PSNP

Sent in by Pittwater resident Academic for future report- study. 

Report fox sightings

Fox sightings, signs of fox activity, den locations and attacks on native or domestic animals can be reported into FoxScan. FoxScan is a free resource for residents, community groups, local Councils, and other land managers to record and report fox sightings and control activities. 

Our Council's Invasive species Team receives an alert when an entry is made into FoxScan.  The information in FoxScan will assist with planning fox control activities and to notify the community when and where foxes are active.



marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast

A new wildlife group was launched on the Central Coast on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast (MWRCC) had its official launch at The Entrance Boat Shed at 10am.

The group comprises current and former members of ASTR, ORRCA, Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace, WIRES and Wildlife ARC, as well as vets, academics, and people from all walks of life.

Well known marine wildlife advocate and activist Cathy Gilmore is spearheading the organisation.

“We believe that it is time the Central Coast looked after its own marine wildlife, and not be under the control or directed by groups that aren’t based locally,” Gilmore said.

“We have the local knowledge and are set up to respond and help injured animals more quickly.

“This also means that donations and money fundraised will go directly into helping our local marine creatures, and not get tied up elsewhere in the state.”

The organisation plans to have rehabilitation facilities and rescue kits placed in strategic locations around the region.

MWRCC will also be in touch with Indigenous groups to learn the traditional importance of the local marine environment and its inhabitants.

“We want to work with these groups and share knowledge between us,” Gilmore said.

“This is an opportunity to help save and protect our local marine wildlife, so if you have passion and commitment, then you are more than welcome to join us.”

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast has a Facebook page where you may contact members. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076317431064


Watch out - shorebirds about

Summer is here so watch your step because beach-nesting and estuary-nesting birds have started setting up home on our shores.
Did you know that Careel Bay and other spots throughout our area are part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)?

This flyway, and all of the stopping points along its way, are vital to ensure the survival of these Spring and Summer visitors. This is where they rest and feed on their journeys.  For example, did you know that the bar-tailed godwit flies for 239 hours for 8,108 miles from Alaska to Australia?

Not only that, Shorebirds such as endangered oystercatchers and little terns lay their eggs in shallow scraped-out nests in the sand, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Threatened Species officer Ms Katherine Howard has said.
Even our regular residents such as seagulls are currently nesting to bear young.

What can you do to help them?
Known nest sites may be indicated by fencing or signs. The whole community can help protect shorebirds by keeping out of nesting areas marked by signs or fences and only taking your dog to designated dog offleash area. 

Just remember WE are visitors to these areas. These birds LIVE there. This is their home.

Four simple steps to help keep beach-nesting birds safe:
1. Look out for bird nesting signs or fenced-off nesting areas on the beach, stay well clear of these areas and give the parent birds plenty of space.
2. Walk your dogs in designated dog-friendly areas only and always keep them on a leash over summer.
3. Stay out of nesting areas and follow all local rules.
4. Chicks are mobile and don't necessarily stay within fenced nesting areas. When you're near a nesting area, stick to the wet sand to avoid accidentally stepping on a chick.


Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing

Possums in your roof? Please do the right thing 
On the weekend, one of our volunteers noticed a driver pull up, get out of their vehicle, open the boot, remove a trap and attempt to dump a possum on a bush track. Fortunately, our member intervened and saved the beautiful female brushtail and the baby in her pouch from certain death. 

It is illegal to relocate a trapped possum more than 150 metres from the point of capture and substantial penalties apply.  Urbanised possums are highly territorial and do not fare well in unfamiliar bushland. In fact, they may starve to death or be taken by predators.

While Sydney Wildlife Rescue does not provide a service to remove possums from your roof, we do offer this advice:

✅ Call us on (02) 9413 4300 and we will refer you to a reliable and trusted licenced contractor in the Sydney metropolitan area. For a small fee they will remove the possum, seal the entry to your roof and provide a suitable home for the possum - a box for a brushtail or drey for a ringtail.
✅ Do-it-yourself by following this advice from the Department of Planning and Environment: 

❌ Do not under any circumstances relocate a possum more than 150 metres from the capture site.
Thank you for caring and doing the right thing.



Sydney Wildlife photos

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch) needs more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please email via the link provided above. There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment.

Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when

For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367 or visit Council's bushcare webpage to find out how you can get involved.

BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course              2nd Wednesday                 3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 
Catalpa Reserve              4th Sunday of the month        8.30 – 11.30
Palmgrove Park              1st Saturday of the month        9.00 – 12 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                       9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                            8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                        9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                       8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                    8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday +3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                          2nd Saturday                  8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     2nd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes      3rd Saturday                    9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                     10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon

Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities

Bush Regeneration - Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment  
This is a wonderful way to become connected to nature and contribute to the health of the environment.  Over the weeks and months you can see positive changes as you give native species a better chance to thrive.  Wildlife appreciate the improvement in their habitat.

Belrose area - Thursday mornings 
Belrose area - Weekend mornings by arrangement
Contact: Phone or text Conny Harris on 0432 643 295

Wheeler Creek - Wednesday mornings 9-11am
Contact: Phone or text Judith Bennett on 0402 974 105
Or email: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment : email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au

Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater


Ringtail Posses 2023

As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought

Dana M Bergstrom, University of Wollongong

When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put.

The existence of emperor penguins seems all but impossible. Their lives revolve around seasons, timing and access to “fast ice” – sea ice connected to the Antarctic coast. Here, the sea ice persists long enough into summer for the penguins to rear their chicks successfully.

But climate change is upending the penguins’ carefully tuned biological cycles. The crucial sea ice they depend on is melting too early, plunging the chicks from some colonies into the sea before they are fully fledged.

In the latest bad news for these penguins, research by the British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America. They noted an average 22% fall in numbers across these colonies. That translates to a decrease of 1.6% every year.

This rate of loss is staggering. As the paper’s lead author Peter Fretwell told the ABC, the rate is about 50% worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.

emperor penguin colony chicks and adults.
Emperor penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands. But these numbers obscure an alarming trend. Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

Breeding while it’s freezing

Just like polar bears in the Arctic, emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.

Emperor penguins are a highly successful species. They’re the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today. They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. As of 2009, the emperor penguin population was estimated at just shy of 600,000 birds.

Unfortunately, they are now in real trouble, because their breeding habitat appears to be reducing.

At the beginning of every Antarctic winter, the surface of the ocean begins to freeze and sea ice forms. Over March and April, emperor penguins aggregate into raucous breeding colonies along the coast of the ice continent. They need about nine months to care for their chicks, until the young penguins can go to sea and look after themselves.

The males frequently huddle to keep each other warm and their eggs safe. Meanwhile, the females spend months at sea catching krill, squid and fish, returning in July/August to feed their hungry chicks. When summer finally comes in December, the chicks start to shed their down and grow a dense, waterproof plumage – like a feathery armour against the intensely cold seas off the icy continent.

Breeding locations are a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. When choosing a home, the penguins have to find a place that is safe but not too far from the fast ice edge where they go to start hunting.

The greater the distance they have to travel, the longer it takes to return to their offspring, and the chicks may miss out on meals. But if a colony is too close to the edge of the fast ice, the risk increases that the ice breaks up before the chicks are ready to go to sea. Although fast ice can cover vast areas of the ocean surface, its edge is exposed to the swell of the Southern Ocean.

In recent years, the fast ice in different parts of Antarctica has been breaking up early, before the chicks have moulted into their adult plumage. Without waterproof plumage, chicks perish because the cold water kills quickly. As this happens more often, the size of a colony shrinks.

How bad is it?

We don’t yet know if this rate of loss is happening right across Antarctica. The study only covers a the part of the continent that includes the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

What we do know is that Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are not immune to the consequences of still-rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2021, emperor penguins were listed as endangered by the United States, because the risk of extinction by century’s end had increased. Australia has not yet listed the emperor penguin as a threatened species.

The new research suggests the future of these iconic birds is not looking good. Until the world gets serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, sea ice will retreat – and more chicks will fall into the icy water before they are ready to launch.


Seabird ecologist Dr Barbara Wienecke contributed to this article.The Conversation


Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

‘Like an underwater bushfire’: SA’s marine algal bloom is still killing almost everything in its path

Paul Macdonald of Edithburgh Diving
Erin Barrera, University of Adelaide

South Australian beaches have been awash with foamy, discoloured water and dead marine life for months. The problem hasn’t gone away; it has spread.

Devastating scenes of death and destruction mobilised locals along the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. The state government has hosted emergency meetings, most recently with marine and environment experts from around Australia, and issued weekly updates.

Unfortunately, there are few ways to stop the bloom. Scientists had hoped strong westerly winds would break it up and push it out to sea. But so far, the wild weather has just pushed it through the Murray Mouth into the Coorong. And even if the bloom is washed away this winter, it could return in spring.

This bloom represents a stark warning to coastal communities, as well as tourism, seafood and aquaculture industries. It’s a sign of what’s to come, in Australia and around the world, as the oceans warm.

A person holds a dead leafy sea dragon up to the camera, against a backdrop of discoloured sea foam with cliffs and ocean in the distance
South Australia’s marine emblem, the leafy sea dragon, washed up on Stokes Bay in Kangaroo Island during the harmful algal bloom. RAD KI

An unprecedented algal bloom

The first sign of trouble came in March this year, when dozens of surfers and beachgoers fell ill. Many reported sore eyes, coughing or trouble breathing.

Water testing soon revealed the cause: a harmful algal bloom of Karenia mikimotoi.

Most people felt better within hours or days of leaving the beach. But marine life of all kinds was washing up dead or dying.

Fish habitat charity OzFish set up a new citizen science project to capture the data, using iNaturalist.

OzFish SA project manager Brad Martin told a public forum the bloom was like an “underwater bushfire”, adding:

It’s suffocating fish, it’s taking the oxygen out of the water and it’s producing toxins.

Photos of dead fish, seahorses, octopuses and rays were already circulating on social media. So OzFish encouraged people to start using iNaturalist, to identify the species and capture the data.

The data shows more than 200 species of marine creatures died, including 100 types of fish and sharks. This includes popular recreational fishing species such as flathead, squid, crabs and rock lobsters.

Almost half the deaths were ray-finned fish species. A quarter were sharks and ray species. Then came soft-bodied “cephalopods” such as cuttlefish and octopus, and crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and prawns.

Most of these species live on or near the sea floor with small home ranges. As in a bushfire, they have little chance of escape. Other fish that live in the open ocean, such as whiting, snapper and tuna, can swim away.

A chart showing iNaturalist records of dead marine life over time, showing a vast increase in recorded deaths since March 15, 2025
Ray-finned fish, sharks and rays dominate the death toll from the marine algal bloom, as recorded on iNaturalist. Brad Martin, OzFish

The culprit

K. mikimotoi is a type of microalgae. It uses sunlight and carbon dioxide to grow and divide, releasing oxygen.

In calm conditions, with plenty of light and warmth, the algal cells divide rapidly. Ideal conditions for algal growth are becoming more common as the climate changes and seas warm.

Algal toxins are known to cause illness and sometimes death in humans, pets and livestock.

K. mikimotoi is lethal to marine life, not humans. But the toxic effects in marine life are complicated and poorly understood.

The algae irritates fish gills, causing cell death and bleeding. It also causes hypoxia, or lack of oxygen in the blood. And when the algae die off, decomposition consumes huge amounts of oxygen – leaving marine life to suffocate.

Scientists now suspect other Karenia species may be involved too, due to the detection of brevetoxins in shellfish. This is the first detection of brevetoxins in Australia.

Grim scenes greeted divers in murky water at Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula. (Paul Macdonald of Edithburgh Diving)

What can be done?

A marine heatwave is largely to blame. Sea surface temperatures have been 2.5°C warmer than usual since September. Relatively calm conditions, with little wind and small swells, also enabled the bloom to grow. Now it’s a matter of waiting for strong westerly winds to blow it all away.

The latest update shows sea surface temperatures have stabilised. But deeper gulf and shelf waters remain 1–2°C above average for this time of the year.

Climate change is making future blooms more likely. So tackling climate change is one way to help.

Another is minimising the runoff of nutrients into waterways. Microalgae can be found anywhere with enough water, light and nutrients. So reducing pollution can help reduce the risk of algal blooms.

This includes better management of fertiliser on farms and in home gardens. Lower levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous will reduce the risk of future blooms in marine and inland waterways.

When it comes to blue-green algae, flushing with freshwater and stirring it up can disperse the colonies and prevent a bloom.

Monitoring is also important. OzFish encourages South Australians to continue providing photo reports via iNaturalist. Any new fish kills should also be reported to the state government.

The harmful algal bloom has transformed the reef at Edithburgh Jetty on the Yorke Peninsula. (Great Southern Reef)

Microalgae are not all bad

It’s worth remembering life on Earth wouldn’t exist without microalgae. These tiny organisms produced 60% of the oxygen in the atmosphere today, and play an important role in balanced ecosystems.

The algae spirulina is a common dietary supplement. Microalgae are also potentially useful for water recycling, as a renewable biofuel and for capturing and storing greenhouse gases.

Heeding the lessons

Once a harmful algal bloom begins, it will persist for as long as conditions remain suitable.

This bloom already has lasted three months, and there’s no guarantee the end is near.

Recovery will be slow, as shown in the historical record and other parts of the world. And the risk of a repeat event is high.

Further research is needed to keep these ancient organisms in check.

With thanks to OzFish SA project manager Brad Martin, who contributed to this article.The Conversation

Erin Barrera, PhD Candidate, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

As livestock numbers grow, wild animal populations plummet. Giving all creatures a better future will take a major rethink

Toa55/Shutterstock
Clive Phillips, Curtin University

As a teenager in the 1970s, I worked on a typical dairy farm in England. Fifty cows grazed on lush pastures for most of their long lives, each producing about 12 litres of milk daily. They were loved and cared for by two herdsmen.

About 50 years later, I visited a dairy farm in China. There, 30,000 cows lived indoors. Most of these selectively bred animals wore out after two or three years of producing 30–40 litres of milk every day, after which they were unceremoniously killed. The workers rarely had contact with the cows. Instead, they sat in offices, programming machines which managed them.

This speaks to a huge and very recent shift in how we treat animals. Over the last half century, the human population has soared – and so too our demand for meat, milk and many other animal products. As a result livestock populations have ballooned while living conditions for animals permanently kept inside have drastically worsened.

Even as farmed animals have multiplied, populations of wild animals have crashed. The two trends are deeply connected. Humans convert wildlife habitat into pastures and farms, expanding living space for farm animals at the expense of many other animals.

This cannot continue. Humans must reckon with how we treat the myriad other species on the planet, whether we rely on them or not. As I argue in my new open access book, the growing scarcity of animal species should make us grasp our responsibility towards the welfare of all animal species on the planet, not just those in farms.

Efforts to enshrine rights for animals is not enough. The focus has to be on our responsibilities to them, ensuring they lead good lives if in our care – or are left well alone if they are not.

Should we care?

In the last 50 years, two-thirds of all wild animal populations have been lost.

The main cause is habitat loss, as native forest is felled to grow grass for cattle or corn and soya for livestock.

By weight, the world’s farm animals and humans now dwarf the remaining wild animals. Farm animals weigh 630 million tonnes and humans 390 million tonnes, while wild land mammals now weigh just 20 million tonnes and marine mammals 40 million tonnes.

Wildlife numbers have fallen off a cliff across many kingdoms of life. Three quarters of flying insects are gone from monitored areas of Western Europe. One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction worldwide.

pinned beetles in museum.
Insect populations are plunging, endangering the many animal species who rely on them. David Pineda Svenske/Shutterstock

On animal welfare, philosophers have long argued one of two positions. The first is known as “utilitarianism”. This approach argues for minimising the bad things in the world and maximising the good things, regardless of who benefits from them, humans or other animals. This theory-heavy approach does little to restore our relationship with wild animals because of the difficulties in deciding what is good and bad for animals.

The second has more to recommend it. This is the view that animals have the right to be looked after well. This approach has also been used to give rights to rivers, nature and even the atmosphere.

But this doesn’t recognise the fact that only humans can attribute such rights to animals, who themselves do not have any concept of “rights”. It also doesn’t tackle the issue that most humans would not accord the same rights to a blue whale and an insect.

A better approach might be to recognise our responsibilities to animals, rather than attribute rights to them.

This would acknowledge the increasing rarity of animal species on Earth and the fact that – as far as we know – they’re unique in the universe. So far, no reliable signs have been found indicating life evolved on any other planets.

Earth formed just over 4.5 billion years ago. Some evidence suggests simple animal life began just 400 million years later.

The evolution of complex multicellular life on earth probably only happened once when a single celled organism – one of the ancient archaea, perhaps – engulfed a bacterium without digesting it. Instead, it found something better: putting it to work as an internal energy factory as the first mitochondrion. After that came life’s great flowering.

But now we’re currently losing between 0.01–0.1% of all species each year. If we use an average species loss rate of 0.05% and assuming human pressures remain similar, life on Earth could have only 2,000 years left.

Do we have responsibility to care for something just because it’s rare? Not always. But life is beautiful. We marvel when we are able to connect with wildlife. Other social animals also appear to derive pleasure from such relationships.

If we destroy wild animal life, we could undermine the natural systems humans depend on. Pollinators are essential for orchards, forests protect topsoil and produce clean drinking water and predators prevent herbivore populations from soaring out of control and destroying crops. As wilder areas shrink, the chance of another animal virus spillover into humans increases.

orang utan swinging in natural habitat.
The habitat available for many wild animals has shrunk rapidly in recent decades. MohdFadhli_83/Shutterstock

From small scale to industrial

For almost all of human history, livestock herds were small enough that people could build relationships with the animals they depended on.

But in only a couple of human generations, we’ve turned farm animal production into a factory process with billions of animals.

For centuries, farm animals were walked to market. That, too, has changed. In 2005, I was undertaking research on a livestock ship alongside 80,000 sheep being transported from Australia to the Middle East. Hundreds of sheep die from the stress of these journeys, while many survivors arrive exhausted and terrified.

These changes have made it possible for humans all around the globe to eat meat or dairy products at every meal. But it has come at a real cost to livestock and wild animals.

Correcting this will not be easy. We have to learn to eat fewer animals or preferably none at all, restore habitat for wildlife and curb our consumption of the world’s natural resources.

It’s not too late to restore animal habitat. Rewilding efforts are drawing back long-missing wild animals. There are hopeful signs for farm animal welfare too. The live export of Australian sheep will end in 2028. Battery cage production of eggs is dying out.

These are big issues. But to paraphrase a quote reputedly by Confucius:

The man who asks big questions is a fool for a minute. The man who does not ask, is a fool for life.The Conversation

Clive Phillips, Adjunct Professor in Animal Welfare, Curtin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

9 myths about electric vehicles have taken hold. A new study shows how many people fall for them

Christian Bretter, The University of Queensland; Matthew Hornsey, The University of Queensland, and Samuel Pearson, The University of Queensland

More people believe misinformation about electric vehicles than disagree with it and even EV owners tend to believe the myths, our new research shows.

We investigated the prevalence of misinformation about EVs in four countries – Australia, the United States, Germany and Austria. Unfortunately, we found substantial agreement with misinformation across all countries.

People who endorsed false claims about EVs were, not surprisingly, significantly less likely to consider buying one.

Electric vehicles are vital in the fight against climate change. But pervasive misinformation is a significant challenge to the technology’s uptake and has serious implications for the shift away from fossil fuels.

Widespread agreement with false EV claims

We conducted a survey of 4,200 people who did not own an electric vehicle across the four countries. We measured the extent to which they agreed with these nine misleading claims about electric vehicles:

What we found

To tally the results, we looked at participants’ responses for all nine misinformation statements – more than 36,000 responses in all. We then calculated how many of these responses indicated agreement or disagreement.

Of the 36,000 responses, 36% were in agreement with a statement and 23% were in disagreement. A further 24% were undecided and 17% did not know.

Misinformation agreement was highest in Germany and lowest in the US, but the differences between nations were small.

The most widely believed myth was that electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars. Some 43–56% of people agreed with the statement, depending on the country.

Agreement with misinformation was strongly correlated with a lack of support for electric vehicle policies and a lack of intention to buy an EV in future.

A separate part of the research involved 2,100 people in the US, about half of whom owned an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, EV owners did not significantly differ in their agreement with misinformation compared to non-owners. This underscores how embedded the problem has become.

People look at an EV in a car dealership.
Agreement with misinformation was strongly correlated with a lack of buying intention. Photo by Sebastian Ng/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

It’s not about education

We also examined the factors that make individuals more susceptible to EV misinformation.

The strongest predictor was people who scored highly on a “conspiracy mentality” – in other words, they believed conspiracies were common in society, they saw the world through a lens of corruption and secret agendas, and distrusted institutions.

People with progressive political and environmental views were less likely to endorse misinformation about EVs.

A person’s scientific knowledge or level of education was not a predictor. This finding aligns with previous research, and suggests the pervasive endorsement of misinformation stems from distrust in institutions and expertise rather than from a lack of education.

Aerial view of hundreds of electric vehicles.
People with progressive political views were less likely to endorse EV misinformation. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Grounds for optimism

We tested whether misinformation could be reduced with two interventions among a different sample of US participants. One group was asked to converse with ChatGPT about their views on EV misinformation. The second was asked to read a traditional EV fact sheet from the US Department of Energy. On a third “control” group, no intervention was tested.

Participants who engaged with either ChatGPT or the fact sheet before we surveyed them showed significantly lower endorsement of EV misinformation compared to the control group. This persisted at a follow-up session ten days after the survey.

Notably, ChatGPT did not produce any misinformation about EVs. These results build upon existing research demonstrating ChatGPT’s potential to reduce endorsement of conspiracy theories.

A worker inspects an EV being manufactured.
Misinformation about EVs poses significant challenges to uptake of the technology. Florian Wiegand/Getty Images

How to tackle EV misinformation

Our findings show misinformation about electric vehicles has a substantial foothold in Western nations. Susceptibility is not a matter of education or knowledge, but rather stems from distrust of established institutions and expertise.

We also found people who engage with facts about electric vehicles are less likely to endorse misinformation.

This suggests a dual strategy is needed to reduce misinformation about EVs. First, those who deliberately spread misinformation should be held accountable. And second, evidence-based information, including accessible AI tools, can be used to build public resilience against false claims.The Conversation

Christian Bretter, Senior Research Fellow in Environmental Psychology, The University of Queensland; Matthew Hornsey, Professor, University of Queensland Business School, The University of Queensland, and Samuel Pearson, Post-doctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Australia’s government is pledging better protection for our vulnerable seas – but will it work?

Nigel Marsh/Getty
Carissa Klein, The University of Queensland; Amelia Wenger, The University of Queensland, and James Watson, The University of Queensland

Ahead of this week’s crucial United Nations ocean conference, federal Environment Minister Murray Watt promised that by 2030, 30% of Australian waters would be “highly protected”.

This is a telling pledge. After all, 52% of Australian waters are now protected following years of rapid expansion. But many are “paper parks” – lines on a map with very little real protection.

Watt is proposing to expand the area under gold-standard protection, meaning fishing, mining and drilling would be banned inside the parks. This is welcome. But it must be done strategically, protecting ecologically representative and high biodiversity areas.

If Watt is serious, he must ensure these upgraded marine parks cover poorly protected habitats important for biodiversity. These include shallow coastal zones, submarine canyons, seamounts and rocky reefs on the continental shelf. It’s not just about protecting 30% of the seas – marine parks must protect the full range of species and habitats in Australia.

fishing trawler returning to port
Bottom trawling and other fishing practices can do great damage to underwater ecosystems. mjstudio.lt/Shutterstock

Impressive on paper

Australia’s waters cover all five of the world’s climate zones, from the coral reefs of the tropics to the icy shores of Antarctica. At least 33,000 marine species are found in the nation’s marine boundaries – the most on Earth. Australia also has the most endemic marine species.

For more than 30 years, successive federal and state governments in Australia have claimed global leadership roles in conserving ocean areas. Just last year, the Albanese government claimed the latest expansion meant Australia now protected “more ocean than any other country on earth”.

When 196 countries committed to the goal of “30% by 2030” – the effective protection and management of at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by decade’s end – Australia was already well past that in terms of the size of areas considered marine protected areas.

About 45% of marine waters were protected in 2022, up from 7% in 2002. Now that figure is 52%.

Job done? Not even close. Even as Australia’s marine protected areas have rapidly expanded, marine species populations have shrunk while entire ecosystems hover on the brink.

More than half of Australia’s marine parks allow commercial fishing and mining. The latest large protection around the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands doesn’t give strong protection to species-rich areas such as seamounts and undersea canyons.

Losses everywhere

Tasmania’s giant kelp forests once ringed the island state. At least 95% have vanished since the 1990s, wiped out by warmer waters and voracious sea urchins.

Before European settlement, oyster reefs carpeted shallow sea floors in temperate east coast waters. But 99% of these have gone.

Half the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cover died between 1995 and 2017 – a period with only two mass bleaching events. Bleaching has become more regular and more severe since then.

Many marine species are in serious trouble. The most comprehensive assessment to date found populations of 57% of species living on coral, rocky and kelp reefs had fallen between 2011 and 2021. In 2020, a Tasmanian endemic species, the smooth handfish, became the first marine fish officially listed as extinct on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

As the oceans get hotter, coral reefs are forecast to be wiped out. Poor marine water quality is drowning coastal species and ecosystems in sediments, nutrients, chemicals, and pathogens, including in The Great Barrier Reef.

That’s not to say marine park expansion and other government efforts have been worthless. Far from it.

Some whales have rebounded strongly due to the moratorium on commercial whaling. Good management of the southern bluefin tuna led to its removal from the threatened species list last year.

Efforts to phase out gill net fishing are bearing fruit, while water quality has improved a little in the Great Barrier Reef.

But these wins don’t offset an overall rapid decline.

Action needed on climate and improving marine parks

Giving Australia’s marine parks better protection won’t solve the problem of hotter, more acidic oceans due to climate change.

Australia’s current emission target is consistent with a 2°C warming pathway. That level of warming would mean the loss of 99% of the world’s coral reefs.

Australia is one of the world’s biggest producers of coal and liquefied natural gas and still has one of the world’s highest rates of land clearing, accounting for up to 12% of the country’s total emissions in some years.

Protecting life in the seas means Australia must dramatically reduce emissions, end widespread land clearing and halt the approval of new coal and gas projects.

Better protection inside marine parks will stop other major threats, such as seabed mining, gas and oil exploration and fishing.

To date, Australia’s marine parks with high levels of protection are typically in remote areas with minimal human activity threatening biodiversity.

From paper parks to real conservation leadership

For decades, Australian leaders have touted their efforts to protect the seas. It’s now abundantly clear that paper protection isn’t enough.

To arrest the steep decline in marine life, Australia must properly protect its marine areas by preventing fishing and mining in areas important for all marine species, while expanding its highly protected marine parks to save unprotected ecosystems.

Minister Watt’s pledge is welcome. But it must actually prevent damaging human activities such as fishing and oil and gas extraction which are major contributors to the extinction crisis.

Leaders must also focus on sustainable production and consumption of seafood and ramp up their ambition to tackle climate change and marine pollution.

If Australia continues to expand paper parks without doing the hard work of genuine protection, it will set a dangerous precedent.The Conversation

Carissa Klein, Associate Professor in Conservation Biology, The University of Queensland; Amelia Wenger, Research Fellow in Conservation, The University of Queensland, and James Watson, Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Cheating by car makers, tampering by owners: crucial car pollution control is being sabotaged

Peter Cade/Getty
Robin Smit, University of Technology Sydney and Alberto Ayala, West Virginia University

Emission control systems in modern cars have slashed air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

But these systems face two major challenges: carmakers cheating on pollution tests and owner tampering. Cheating means high-polluting cars can be sold when they shouldn’t be, while tampering can increase some pollutants up to 100 times.

In our new research review, we found the impacts of cheating and tampering on emissions of pollutants are substantial across the globe. For instance, researchers in Spain found almost half the diesel trucks had been tampered with, while the Volkswagen Dieselgate cheating scandal uncovered in 2015 led to an estimated A$60 billion in health costs in the European Union. In California, researchers found one in 12 trucks had a damaged or malfunctioning diesel particulate filter – and these high-emitting trucks contributed 70% of the entire fleet’s emissions of tiny particulate matter.

The solutions? Better detection of tampering, cheating and malfunctioning emission systems – and vigilance to get high polluting cars off the road.

mechanic working on catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters and other emissions control systems have slashed air pollutant emissions from modern cars. Virrage Images/Shutterstock

How did we get here?

From the 1950s onwards, smog, air pollution and health issues from car exhausts led many regulators to require carmakers to reduce dangerous air pollutants.

These days, modern combustion-engine cars are complex computer-controlled systems optimised to balance engine performance, durability and emission control. When working properly, new vehicles can reduce air pollutant emissions by 90% or more. However, they can increase carbon dioxide emissions by using slightly more fuel.

But these pollutants can soar if emissions control systems malfunction – or suffer from intentional cheating or tampering.

Cheating and tampering are not new. Cheating was first reported in the 1970s and it’s still happening. Tampering, too, dates back to the 1970s.

Both issues worsen air quality. These excess air pollutants have substantial costs to human health, as they can trigger respiratory conditions and can cause disability and premature death.

While the numbers of electric vehicles are rising, they’re only about 5% of the global fleet – about 60 million compared to about 1.5 billion cars powered by petrol, diesel and gas.

Because cars have relatively long lifespans, many fossil-fuel powered cars will still be in use in 2050, now just 25 years away. Many will be exported from rich countries to developing economies. That means effective pollutant control still matters.

Cheating by manufacturers

It’s well established combustion engine cars produce substantially more emissions and pollutants during real-world driving than they do in regulatory tests.

There are many reasons for this, including natural wear and tear. But one big reason may be cheating.

Authorities in many nations rely on testing to see if a new model is emitting at rates low enough to meet emission standards.

Manufacturers can take advantage of the known quirks of official tests and intentionally alter how their vehicles operate during testing. To do this, they may install a “defeat device”, usually deep in the car’s engine or its computer code.

These devices shift the car to a special low-emissions mode if testing is detected. They’re typically easy for the automaker to install and difficult to detect.

car with hose on exhaust, emissions test.
Car makers can cheat on emission tests by installing defeat devices or other countermeasures. Belish/Shutterstock

Defeat devices are mainly found in diesel cars and trucks, since diesel emissions control systems are more complicated and expensive than petrol or LPG. Adding an emission control system to meet Euro 6 standards costs about $600 for a petrol car. For diesel, the cost can be three to five times higher.

In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the state of California announced Volkswagen had been using a software-based defeat device to make its diesel cars appear substantially cleaner. The scandal drew worldwide attention and cost the company about $50 billion.

For those caught, large fines and mandatory recalls have followed. But this hasn’t been enough to stop the practice.

The way these tests are conducted usually has to be disclosed by law to ensure transparency and make results comparable and repeatable. Unfortunately, having detailed knowledge of the tests makes it easier to cheat.

Tampering by car owners

Tampering is largely done by owners of diesel cars and trucks. Owners can tamper with emission control systems to improve performance, rebel against laws they don’t agree with or avoid extra costs such as Adblue, a liquid needed to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions from diesel trucks.

Tampering is usually illegal. But that hasn’t stopped the production of aftermarket tampering devices, such as software which deactivates emission control systems. It’s not necessarily illegal to sell these devices, but it is illegal to install and use them.

In the road freight sector, the use of aftermarket tampering by vehicle owners also acts as an unfair economic advantage by undercutting responsible and law-abiding operators.

What should be done?

Combustion engine cars and trucks will be on the world’s roads for decades to come.

Ensuring they run as cleanly as possible over their lifetime will require independent and in-service emissions testing. Authorities will also need to focus on enforcement.

Creating an internationally agreed test protocol for the detection of defeat devices will also be necessary.

Combating tampering by owners as well as malfunctioning emissions systems will require better detection efforts, either through on-road emissions testing or during a car service.

One approach would be to add telemetry to the onboard diagnostics systems now common in modern cars. Telemetry radio transponders can report emissions problems to the owner and relevant authorities, who can then act.

Shifting to EVs offers the most robust and cost-effective way to combat fraud and cut exhaust pollutants and carbon emissions from road transport. But this will take decades. Authorities need to ensure diesel and petrol vehicles run as cleanly as possible until they can be retired.The Conversation

Robin Smit, Adjunct Professor of Transport, University of Technology Sydney and Alberto Ayala, Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A reversal in US climate policy will send renewables investors packing – and Australia can reap the benefits

Christian Downie, Australian National University

President Donald Trump is trying to unravel the signature climate policy of his predecessor Joe Biden, the Inflation Reduction Act, as part of a sweeping bid to dismantle the United States’ climate ambition.

The Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, is a A$530 billion suite of measures that aims to turbocharge clean energy investment and slash emissions in the US. Once hailed as a game-changer for the global clean energy transition, it set in train a fierce international competition for renewable energy investment.

But the policy is now hanging by a thread, after the US House of Representatives last month narrowly passed a bill to repeal many of its clean energy measures.

Should the bill pass the Senate, billions of dollars in renewables investment once destined for the US could be looking for a new home. Now is the time for the Albanese government to woo investors with a bolder program of climate action in Australia.

People walk by a projection of flames and commentary on the side of the Trump International Hotel
The Trump administration is seeking to wind back Biden’s signature climate policy. Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Climate Power 2020

What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

The Inflation Reduction Act passed US Congress in 2022. It legislated billions of dollars in tax credits for solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and geothermal plants, among other technologies.

It included around A$13 billion in rebates for Americans to electrify their homes, tax credits of almost A$11,000 to electrify their cars, and billions more to establish a “green bank” and target agricultural emissions.

The money flowed. Last year, almost A$420 billion was invested in the manufacture and deployment of clean energy – double that in 2021, the year before the legislation passed.

Even in the first quarter of this year, under a Trump presidency, A$103 billion was invested in clean energy tech – an increase on the first quarter results of 2024. Electric vehicle manufacturing projects, especially batteries, were standout performers.

a man wearing a suit smiles in front of small crowd
Then US president Joe Biden in August 2023, celebrating the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. The policy aimed to turbocharge the clean energy transition. Win McNamee/Getty Images

But then came the proposed repeal. The Trump administration wants to gut tax credits for clean energy technologies. The measures passed the House of Representatives and must now clear the US Senate, where the Republicans have a margin of three votes.

Initial modelling suggests the bill, if passed, could derail clean energy manufacturing in the US – including in Republican states where new projects were planned.

The potential economic damage has sparked concern even among Trump’s own troops. Some Republicans last week reportedly urged the scaling back of the cuts, despite voting for the bill in the House.

Opportunities for Australia

After the IRA was enacted, many countries followed the US’ lead – including Australia’s Albanese government, which legislated the A$22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package.

So how will Trump’s unravelling of the policy affect the rest of the world?

The economic impacts are still being modelled. Some studies suggest the US could cede A$123 billion in investment to other countries.

The US axing of tax credits for battery and solar technology paves the way for nations such as China and South Korea to capitalise – given, for example, they already dominate battery manufacturing.

Australia should be doing its utmost to attract investors that no longer see the US as an option. Our existing policies are a start, but they are not sufficient.

In February this year, Labor increased the investment capacity of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation – Australia’s “green bank” – by A$2 billion. But more will be needed if the government is serious about crowding-in private investment in low-emission technologies exiting the US.

The government would also be wise to remove incentives that increase fossil fuel use. This includes the diesel fuel rebate, which encourages the use of diesel-powered trucks on mine sites. Fortescue Metals this week announced a push for the subsidy to be wound back – potentially providing the political opening Labor needs.

What about nuclear?

Trump has also promised a “nuclear renaissance”, signing four executive orders designed to reinvigorate the US nuclear energy industry.

But those measures are likely to fail, just as Trump’s 2016 promise to revive the coal industry never eventuated.

In fact, his cuts to the Loan Programs Office – which helps finance new energy projects including nuclear – threaten to undermine the viability of new nuclear plants. The office has been the guarantor for every new US nuclear plant this century, bar one.

If the US is struggling to scale up its existing nuclear industry, this does not bode well for the technology’s hopes in Australia. Here, the prospect of a nuclear energy policy still appears alive in the Coalition party room, even though the technology remains politically unpopular, and the economics don’t stack up.

What’s next?

Predicting US climate and energy policy is a fool’s errand, given the potential IRA repeal, flip-flopping tariff announcements and daily social media tirades from Trump, including a social media bust-up with former ally Elon Musk over the merits of the repeal itself.

Stepping back from the politics, we cannot ignore the climate harms flowing from a walk-back on US climate action.

The US is the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. As climate change reaches new extremes, the policy vacuum created by Donald Trump must urgently be filled by the rest of the world.The Conversation

Christian Downie, Professor, Australian National University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

In most mammals, one gene determines sex. But 100 million years ago, platypuses and echidnas went their own way

Rob D / Shutterstock
Linda Shearwin, University of Adelaide and Frank Grützner, University of Adelaide

For decades, scientists have known that platypuses and echidnas – Australia’s unique egg-laying mammals – have another developmental quirk: they don’t use the same genetic toolkit as other mammals to develop male and female embryos.

What’s more, just how they do it has been a mystery. Until now.

In a recent study published in Genome Biology, our research team has found strong evidence that monotreme sex comes down to a single gene – one that’s much more like what we see in some fish and amphibians than other mammals.

The search for the secret of monotreme sex

The Australian platypus and echidna are monotremes, the most ancient living group of mammals. These unique creatures are famously the only mammals to lay eggs, and they also have other reptile-like features.

Humans and many other mammal species have two sex-determining chromosomes, X and Y. An embryo with an XX pair of chromosomes will develop as female, while an XY pair leads to a male embryo.

In many mammals, the process that makes an embryo develop as male is triggered by a gene called SRY on the male Y chromosome. However, the SRY gene in monotremes has never been found.

About 20 years ago, it was discovered that monotremes have an entirely different system that uses multiple X and Y chromosomes. Scientists assumed the Y chromosomes must still hold a gene that determined sex, but very little was known about what it might be.

In 2008 a full genome sequence of a platypus was published, which was a step in the right direction. However, the genome was from a female so it had no information about Y chromosomes.

By 2021, a new and improved platypus genome and a first echidna genome included sequences of multiple Y chromosomes. A gene emerged as the frontrunner for the role of sex determination in monotremes: the anti-Muellerian hormone (or AMH), which is involved in the sexual development in many animals.

A 100-million-year-old change

Our new research provides the first real evidence that an adapted version of AMH found on one of the monotreme Y chromosomes (dubbed AMHY) is the sex determination gene in monotremes.

We showed that changes in the AMH gene long ago, early in the evolution of monotremes, could explain how AMHY arose and took on a role in male sexual development.

This event would have set the stage for the evolution of the novel sex chromosome system in the ancestor of today’s platypus and echidna, about 100 million years ago when the AMH gene on the XY chromosomes embarked on separated paths.

We showed that although the AMHY gene has changed significantly from the original AMH gene (AMHX), it has retained its essential features. Importantly, we could show for the first time that AMHY is turned on in the right tissue and at the right time to direct development of the testes during male development, which was an important missing piece of the puzzle.

A first for mammals

Unlike the other mammal sex determination genes, which act directly on the DNA to switch on other genes that lead to male development, AMHY is a hormone. It does not interact with DNA, but instead acts at the surface of cells to turn genes on or off.

There is growing evidence that AMHY also plays a role in sex determination in a number of fish and amphibian species. However, AMHY in monotremes would be the first known example of a hormone playing a sex-determining role in mammals.

What’s next? Our ongoing research investigate in detail how AMHX and AMHY work differently in monotremes compared to other mammals.


The work discussed in this article was carried out by researchers from the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, Monash University and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.The Conversation

Linda Shearwin, Researcher, Comparative Genome Biology Laboratory, University of Adelaide and Frank Grützner, Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

‘Find your path’ – NSW Great Walks put on the map

June 8, 2025

The NSW Government is rolling out a new ‘Find Your Path on a NSW Great Walk’ campaign that highlights seven spectacular multi-day walks across the state to address the growing interest in nature-based visitor experiences.

The new campaign highlights an impressive 275km of walking tracks in regional NSW that have opened to the public within the last two years. The walks showcase some of the state’s most breath-taking and diverse landscapes, from pristine coastline to ancient rainforest and alpine peaks.

Kicking off, on the 8 June 2025, the ‘Find Your Path on a NSW Great Walk’ campaign will target both experienced hikers and aspirational entry-level multi-day walkers offering self-guided and guided options, as well as camping and accommodation choices for overnight stays.

The campaign encourages visitors to explore multi-day walks including Snowies Alpine Walk (Snowy Mountains), Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (Tweed/Byron Hinterland), Light to Light (Sapphire Coast), Murramarang South Coast Walk, Tomaree Coastal Walk (Port Stephens), Grand Cliff Top Walk (Blue Mountains) and Green Gully Track (Northern Tablelands).

In 2024, 9.9 million international and domestic visitors to NSW visited a national park or state park and spent more than $11.7 billion across the state during their trip.

Recent NPWS data shows that 23.7 million visits included a walk of up to or more than half a day. With the completion and promotion of these new Great Walks those numbers are set to climb.

For more information visit the NSW Great Walks webpage.  

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“National parks play a vital role in the NSW visitor economy especially in supporting regional businesses and jobs while also providing people with access to our state’s natural wonders.

“By promoting these fantastic NSW Great Walks, we are encouraging people to find their path and explore our regions in new and adventurous ways.”

Minister for Tourism and Jobs Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is home to the most diverse national parks on the planet and our ‘Find Your Path on a NSW Great Walk’ campaign will ensure they become bucket-list visitor experiences.

“Traversing our state’s spectacular unspoilt beaches, ancient rainforests and majestic mountain peaks, these walks have opened within the last 2 years and are truly spectacular.

“NSW national parks not only provide authentic connections with the state’s culture and stunning landscapes, they also support thousands of jobs and contribute millions of dollars in visitor expenditure to regional NSW.”

Blue Lake, Snowies Alpine Walk, Kosciuszko National Park. Image Credit: Daniel Parsons

Mussel power: how an offshore shellfish farm is boosting marine life

Emma Sheehan, University of Plymouth and Llucia Mascorda-Cabre, University of Plymouth

Over the past 50 years, global aquaculture including fish, mussel and seaweed farms has grown dramatically. Almost half of the world’s wild-caught fish is used to produce fishmeal and oils that feed farmed fish.

Mussel farming provides a more sustainable alternative protein source for human diets, because mussels filter feed on plankton and do not have to be fed wild-caught fish. Mussel farming also takes some pressure off the need for so much industrial agriculture and fish farming, and could therefore help reduce greenhouse gas emissions of food production – in line with the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.

Most mussel farms are typically located in sheltered bays but as space to grow mussels inshore is limited, there isn’t always room to grow mussels at scale.

Some coastal mussel farms can damage the environment as the mussel waste accumulates and can deplete oxygen in sediments, which in turn affects the animals that live in and on the seabed. As a result, offshore mussel farming (growing and harvesting mussels far from the coast) is becoming increasingly attractive.

In Lyme Bay on the south coast of England, the UK’s first offshore mussel farm has been in operation since 2013. This farm has a licensed area of 6 square miles (15.4km²) and is located 2-6 miles away from the coast. To grow the mussels, the farmers deploy long ropes that are anchored to the seabed and kept afloat using large buoys.


Local science, global stories. This article is part of a series, Secrets of the Sea, exploring how marine scientists are developing climate solutions. In collaboration with the BBC, Anna Turns travels around the West Country coastline to meet ocean experts making exciting discoveries beneath the waves.


Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) naturally settle on these ropes. Hands-on input is minimal – the farmers need only distribute small mussels around the farm so they have space to naturally grow to the desired size, before they are harvested after 12-to-18 months. This farm is now producing more than 2,000 tonnes of high-quality, rope-grown mussels in a fully offshore marine environment.

The Lyme Bay mussel farm, managed by family-run company Offshore Shellfish Ltd, was the first in Europe to be certified for best aquaculture practices by the Global Aquaculture Alliance. Its infrastructure creates physical habitat for marine species such as fish and crabs to feed, breed and shelter. The rope farm structure also prevents destructive fishing such as trawling and dredging in the area.

Our team of marine researchers have been monitoring marine life in and around this mussel farm since before the first ropes were deployed in 2013 – with the help of the local fishing community. We use their boats as research vessels to monitor how the farm’s biodiversity has changed in the past decade.

We use a range of non-destructive, remote underwater video cameras and more traditional sampling techniques to count animals that live on the mussel ropes, on the seabed and in the water column inside the farm, as well as at reference sites to the east and west of the farm.

Before the first ropes were deployed, the habitat had been degraded from years of destructive fishing, so our early observations didn’t detect much marine life. That has changed over the life of the farm, and we now see significantly increased productivity and greater biodiversity.

Over many years, our studies have shown how some mussels from the farm have fallen to the seabed and regenerated lost shell reefs. The farm has also boosted populations of crabs, lobsters, scallops, starfish, fish, conger eels, sharks and rays.

Our team’s Defra-funded Ropes to Reefs project builds on this annual monitoring to help us understand the potential conservation benefits of the mussel farm. We are also studying how the farm affects the nearby Lyme Bay marine protected area, and recording any “spillover effect” as commercial fish breeding within the farm move out into local fishing grounds.

We use cutting-edge technology such as acoustic telemetry and an echosounder to tag and track lobsters, thornback rays and small-spotted catsharks, and measure the total amount of fish to better understand why and when species use the farm.

This new data will enable us to calculate the full value of the Lyme Bay mussel farm to species of both conservation and commercial importance. Our findings to date show that offshore aquaculture farms like this can have positive effects on the surrounding marine ecosystem.

By creating structure and excluding the damaging effects of bottom-towed fishing, offshore mussel farms can restore degraded fishing grounds and provide a sustainable and healthy source of marine protein.

As demand for mussels increases, offshore mussel farming and other types of shellfish farming can help improve the UK’s food security and economic resilience, and enhance its seafood industry, while contributing to marine conservation and net zero goals.

Listen to episode three of Secrets of the Sea here on BBC Sounds, presented by Anna Turns for The Conversation.


Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.The Conversation


Emma Sheehan, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology, University of Plymouth and Llucia Mascorda-Cabre, Postdoctoral Researcher, Applied Marine Ecosystem Research Unit, University of Plymouth

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Jacaranda, black locust and London plane: common street trees show surprising resilience to growing heat in Australia

Kokkai Ng/Getty Images
Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Western Sydney University; Mark G Tjoelker, Western Sydney University; Matthew Brookhouse, Australian National University, and Sally Power, Western Sydney University

As Australian cities heat up and dry out, street trees are emerging as frontline defenders of urban liveability.

Street trees make city life more bearable during heatwaves. They also improve human health and wellbeing, filter pollutants and support biodiversity.

But as climate change intensifies droughts and dials up more extreme heat, can urban forests survive in a hotter, drier future?

To find out, we studied how ten of Australia’s most common non-native street trees grow and tolerate drought across seven cities. The familiar species we chose are the well-loved jacaranda and widely planted London plane tree as well as box elder, European nettle tree, honey locust, sweetgum, southern magnolia, callery pear, black locust and Chinese elm.

Unexpectedly, our new research shows several species tolerate drought better than predicted, including jacaranda and London plane. Some even put on growth spurts during droughts of unprecedented duration and heat. But others showed greater sensitivity than we had anticipated, including honey locust and black locust.

As cities plan for a hotter future, our research will help urban planners choose the toughest, most resilient street trees.

street trees in penrith
Penrith street trees faced the hottest conditions. Author provided

What did we do?

Street trees cool cities both through their shade and by giving off water through transpiration. These effects can lower local temperatures by several degrees, which helps offset the extra heat trapped by roads, rooftops and hard surfaces.

But the trees we rely on for cooling are vulnerable to mounting pressures from climate change. Drought, heatwaves and limited soil and water availability in cities can all threaten tree health, growth and survival.

To test how these species were coping, we chose more then 570 street trees in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, as well as Mildura in regional Victoria, Mandurah south of Perth and Parramatta and Penrith in Western Sydney.

We extracted small cores of wood from the trunk, in a process that leaves the tree alive and largely unaffected. The oldest tree we sampled was a 70-year-old southern magnolia in Sydney.

Growth rings in these cores let us reconstruct their growth histories and assess how they responded both to long-term climate patterns and extreme events such as the Black Summer of 2019–20 and the Millennium Drought from 1997–2009.

How resilient are these trees?

What we found was both reassuring and surprising.

Across all seven cities, the fastest average growth for all species was recorded in Mildura in northern Victoria. Overall, the slowest growth was found in the warmest location – Penrith.

Some species behaved predictably. The black locust grew faster in cooler, wetter cities such as Melbourne, as expected, while honey locust and Chinese elms grew more slowly in hotter cities.

But others defied expectations. Species such as London plane and southern magnolia showed consistent growth trends across cities despite the difference in heat, while others varied depending on local conditions.

Crucially, the growth records showed many street trees responded positively to wetter conditions during the warmest months, most likely due to the longer growing season and increased access to water.

Surprisingly, species such as box elder and Callery pear actually increased their growth during the very hot periods over the Black Summer of 2019–20 as well as during wetter La Niña periods in 2021–22. This suggests these species have adapted to warm urban environments – or that care and watering was provided.

Jacarandas on street in Sydney.
Jacarandas have become popular street trees in warmer cities. Snowscat/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

What happened during drought?

During drought, street trees generally demonstrated strong resistance. This means they maintained their growth during dry periods.

But their resilience – measured by their ability to bounce back to pre-drought growth rates – was often limited, especially in drier cities.

While many street trees can withstand short-term stress, this suggests repeated or prolonged droughts can still take a toll on their long-term health.

Interestingly, species identified as vulnerable in climate models did not always show greater sensitivity to drought or climate extremes in our real-world study.

Why? Local conditions and species-level characteristics such as leaf size, wood density and water use strategy may play a significant role in determining which individual trees will thrive as the climate changes.

We also know care provided by council staff or local residents is extremely useful. When trees are irrigated during stressful conditions, they can help get the tree through tough times.

Why no eucalypts?

During their growing season each year, many northern hemisphere trees produce growth rings. These rings make it possible to reliably reconstruct their growth histories using our methods.

But most eucalypts don’t form clear annual growth rings. This is why we didn’t include spotted gums and other common eucalypts seen on city streets.

Eucalypts tend to grow whenever conditions are favourable rather than being constrained by a strict annual cycle. Only a few native species reliably produce datable annual rings, such as snow gums and alpine ash. This is because they live in cold, high elevation areas, where winter consistently limits growth each year. These conditions aren’t found in any major Australian city.

What does this mean for city planners?

Our research shows that species selection matters a great deal.

Some street trees such as jacarandas, London plane and the European nettle tree can thrive even under extreme heat and drought, while honey locust and Chinese elms are more sensitive to local conditions.

Authorities can maximise the benefits of urban forests and reduce tree decline or loss by choosing resilient species and matching them to the specific climate of each city or neighbourhood.

As climate extremes become more common, even resilient species may face new challenges.

Planting and maintaining diverse, climate-adapted urban forests will help ensure our cities remain liveable, healthy, and green in the decades to come.The Conversation

Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Western Sydney University; Mark G Tjoelker, Professor of Ecology and Associate Director, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University; Matthew Brookhouse, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Australian National University, and Sally Power, Professor of Ecology, Western Sydney University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Extreme weather could send milk prices soaring, deepening challenges for the dairy industry

Milena Bojovic, University of Technology Sydney

Australia’s dairy industry is in the middle of a crisis, fuelled by an almost perfect storm of challenges.

Climate change and extreme weather have been battering farmlands and impacting animal productivity, creating mounting financial strains and mental health struggles for many farmers.

Meanwhile, beyond the farm gate, consumer tastes are shifting to a range of dairy substitutes. Interest and investment in alternative dairy proteins is accelerating.

Earlier this month, industry figures warned consumers to prepare for price rises amid expected shortages of milk, butter and cheese. Already mired in uncertainty, the dairy industry is now being forced to confront some tough questions about its future head on.

Dairy under pressure

Dairy is Australia’s third-largest rural industry. It produces more than A$6 billion worth of milk each year, and directly employs more than 30,000 people.

But the sector has been under sustained pressure. This year alone, repeated extreme weather events have affected key dairy-producing regions in southern and eastern parts of Australia.

In New South Wales, dairy farmers face increased pressure from floods. In May, many regions had their monthly rainfall records broken – some by huge margins.

In Victoria, drought and water shortages are worsening. Tasmania, too, continues to endure some of the driest conditions in more than a century.

Conditions have prompted many farmers to sell down their cattle numbers to conserve feed and water.

All of this heavily impacts farm productivity. Agriculture has long been predicated on our ability to predict climate conditions and grow food or rear animals according to the cycles of nature.

As climate change disrupts weather patterns, this makes both short and long-term planning for the sector a growing challenge.

High costs, low profits

Climate change isn’t the only test. The industry has also been grappling with productivity and profitability concerns.

At the farm level, dairy farmers are feeling the impacts of high operating costs. Compared to other types of farming (such as sheep or beef), dairy farms require more plant, machinery and equipment capital, mostly in the form of specialised milking machinery.

The price of milk also has many farmers concerned. The modest increase in farmgate milk prices – just announced by dairy companies for the start of the next financial year – left many farmers disappointed. Some say the increase isn’t enough to cover rising operating costs.

Zooming out, there are concerns about a lack of family succession planning for dairy farms. Many young people are wary of taking on such burdens, and the total number of Australian dairy farms has been in steady decline – from more than 6,000 in 2015 to just 4,163 in 2023.

What’s the solution?

Is there a way to make the dairy industry more productive, profitable and sustainable? Australian Dairy Farmers is the national policy and advocacy group supporting the profitability and sustainability of the sector.

In the lead up to this year’s federal election, the group called for $399 million in government investment to address what it said were key priorities. These included:

  • investment in on-farm technologies to improve efficiencies
  • funding for water security
  • upskilling programs for farmers
  • support for succession planning.
Person picks milk up off a shelf
Industry figures have warned consumers to brace for possible increases in the cost of dairy products. wisely/Shutterstock

However, as the industry struggles to grapple with a changing climate, financial strain and mental health pressures, there should also be pathways for incumbent farmers to transition, either to farming dairy differently (such as by reducing herd sizes) or exiting out of dairy farming and into something else.

Dairy without the cows

The push to make dairy production more sustainable and efficient faces its own competition. A number of techniques in development promise dairy products without the cows, through cellular agriculture – and more specifically, “precision fermentation”.

Australian company Eden Brew, in partnership with dairy giant Norco, has plans to produce and commercialise precision fermentation dairy proteins.

And last year, Australian company All G secured approval to sell precision fermentation lactoferrin (a key dairy ingredient in baby formula) in China – another animal-free milk product.

It is important to note that cost and scalability for cellular agriculture remains a challenge.

Nonetheless, Australia’s rapidly growing non-dairy milk market – soy, oat, and so on – is now worth over $600 million annually. This reflects the global shift towards plant-based options driven by health, environmental, and ethical concerns.

Is there a win-win outcome?

Is there a possible future where more funding is given to produce milk at scale through precision fermentation while we also look after incumbent dairy workers, farms and the rural sector at large to diversify or leave the sector altogether?

Some believe this future is possible. This is what researchers call “protein pluralism” – a market where traditional and alternative proteins coexist. Long-term planning from both the dairy industry and government would be needed.

Remember, while techniques like precision fermentation offer the promise of animal-free dairy products, their benefits are largely yet to materialise. How they will ultimately benefit the whole of society remains speculative.

What we can do now

For this reason, some scholars have argued we should prioritise actions that can be taken now. This includes support for practices such as agroecology, which seek to address injustice and inequity in food systems to help empower primary food producers.

A recent study found Australian dairy farmers were interested in financial and technical advice to make decisions about where they take their business in future.

Despite growing recognition of the challenges facing the dairy sector, responses from government and alternative dairy remain uneven. A more coordinated approach is needed for affected farmers, helping them adapt or diversify with guidance from government and industry experts.The Conversation

Milena Bojovic, Lecturer, Sustainability and Environment, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A 10-fold increase in rocket launches would start harming the ozone layer – new research

Han Jiajun/VCG via Getty Images
Laura Revell, University of Canterbury and Michele Bannister, University of Canterbury

The international space industry is on a growth trajectory, but new research shows a rapid increase in rocket launches would damage the ozone layer.

Several hundred rockets are launched globally each year by a mix of commercial companies and nation-state space programmes. These take place at around 20 sites, almost all in the northern hemisphere, with the most prolific launch rates currently from the United States, China, New Zealand and Russia.

Our latest research explores the tipping point when launching more rockets will begin to cause problems. Our findings show that once rates reach 2,000 launches a year – about a ten-fold increase on last year – the current healing of the ozone layer slows down.

We argue that with care, we can avoid this future. The economic benefits of industry growth can be realised, but it will take a collaborative effort.

Rocket launches thin the ozone layer

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is slowly healing from the effects of chlorofluorocarbons and other damaging chemicals emitted last century, thanks to global cooperative agreements under the Montreal Protocol.

Gases and particulates emitted by rockets as they punch through the atmosphere are known to thin the ozone layer. So far, they don’t cause appreciable ozone depletion, as relatively few launches take place each year.

However, launches are steadily increasing. In 2019, there were 102 launches. By 2024, that increased to 258 worldwide. There are expected to be even more in 2025. At multiple sites worldwide, the launch industry projects impressive levels of future growth.

For US-based launches, a three-fold increase in the number of rockets launched in 2023 is expected as soon as 2028.

One driver of this growth is the effort to build out satellite constellations to tens of thousands of units, positioned low in Earth’s orbit. These require many launches to create and are happening in several nations, run by a number of companies.

Once in place, these constellations require ongoing launches to keep them supplied with active satellites.

Potential delay in ozone recovery

To figure out how future launches could affect the ozone layer, we first built a database of ozone-depleting chemicals emitted by rockets currently in use. We then fed this database into a model of Earth’s atmosphere and climate, and simulated atmospheric composition under several scenarios of higher rates of rocket launches.

We found that with around 2,000 launches worldwide each year, the ozone layer thins by up to 3%. Due to atmospheric transport of rocket-emitted chemicals, we saw the largest ozone losses over Antarctica, even though most launches are taking place in the northern hemisphere.

Fortunately, the ozone losses are small. We wouldn’t expect to see catastrophic damage to humans or ecosystems. However, the losses are significant given global efforts underway to heal the ozone layer. The global abundance of ozone is still around 2% lower than before the onset of losses caused by chlorofluorocarbons.

Future ozone losses are not locked in

Encouragingly, we found no significant ozone loss in a scenario of more modest rates of around 900 launches per year. However, this is for the types of rockets that are in use right now around the world.

We focus on current launch vehicles because it is uncertain when the new and massive rockets currently in development will enter use. But these larger rockets often require far more fuel, which creates more emissions at each launch.

Rocket propellant choices make a big difference to the atmosphere. We found fuels emitting chlorine-containing chemicals or black carbon particulates have the largest effects on the ozone layer. Reducing use of these fuels as launch rates increase is key to supporting an ongoing recovery of the ozone layer.

Re-entering spacecraft and satellite debris can also cause damage. However, the global scientific community doesn’t yet fully understand the chemistry around re-entry. Our work provides a realistic “floor” for the lowest level of damage that will occur.

But it is important to remember that these effects are not locked in. It is entirely possible to create a launch industry where we avoid harmful effects, but that would require reducing use of chlorine-containing fuels, minimising black carbon emissions by new rockets and monitoring emissions.

It will take keen effort and enthusiasm from industry and regulators, working together with scientists. But this needs to start now, not after the damage is done.The Conversation

Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Canterbury and Michele Bannister, Senior Lecturer in Astronomy, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences Te Kura Matū, University of Canterbury

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks

A History Of The Campaign For Preservation Of The Warriewood Escarpment by David Palmer OAM and Angus Gordon OAM
A Saturday Morning Stroll around Bongin Bongin - Mona Vale's Basin, Mona Vale Beach October 2024 by Kevin Murray
A Stroll Along The Centre Track At Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: June 2024 - by Kevin Murray
A Stroll Around Manly Dam: Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
A Stroll Through Warriewood Wetlands by Joe Mills February 2023
A Walk Around The Cromer Side Of Narrabeen Lake by Joe Mills
A Walk on the Duffy's Wharf Track October 2024 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
America Bay Track Walk - photos by Joe Mills
An Aquatic June: North Narrabeen - Turimetta - Collaroy photos by Joe Mills 
Angophora Reserve  Angophora Reserve Flowers Grand Old Tree Of Angophora Reserve Falls Back To The Earth - History page
Annie Wyatt Reserve - A  Pictorial
Annie Wyatt Reserve, Palm Beach: Pittwater Fields of Dreams II - The Tree Lovers League 
Aquatic Reflections seen this week (May 2023): Narrabeen + Turimetta by Joe Mills 
Avalon Beach Reserve- Bequeathed By John Therry  
Avalon Beach This Week: A Place Of A Bursting Main, Flooding Drains + Falling Boulders Council Announces Intention To Progress One LEP For Whole LGA + Transport Oriented Development Begins
Avalon's Village Green: Avalon Park Becomes Dunbar Park - Some History + Toongari Reserve and Catalpa Reserve
Bairne Walking Track Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP by Kevin Murray
Bangalley Headland  Bangalley Mid Winter
Bangalley Headland Walk: Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Banksias of Pittwater
Barrenjoey Boathouse In Governor Phillip Park  Part Of Our Community For 75 Years: Photos From The Collection Of Russell Walton, Son Of Victor Walton
Barrenjoey Headland: Spring flowers 
Barrenjoey Headland after fire
Bayview Baths
Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary
Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History
Bayview Public Wharf Gone; Bayview Public Baths still not netted - Salt Pan Public Wharf Going
Bayview's new walkway, current state of the Bayview public Wharf & Baths + Maybanke Cove
Bayview Sea Scouts Hall: Some History
Bayview Wetlands
Beeby Park
Bilgola Beach
Bilgola Plateau Parks For The People: Gifted By A. J. Small, N. A. K. Wallis + The Green Pathways To Keep People Connected To The Trees, Birds, Bees - For Children To Play 
Botham Beach by Barbara Davies
Brown's Bay Public Wharf, on McCarrs Creek, Church Point: Some History
Bungan Beach Bush Care
Careel Bay Saltmarsh plants 
Careel Bay Birds  
Careel Bay Clean Up day
Careel Bay Marina Environs November 2024 - Spring Celebrations
Careel Bay Playing Fields History and Current
Careel Bay Steamer Wharf + Boatshed: some history 
Careel Creek 
Careel Creek - If you rebuild it they will come
Centre trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Chiltern Track- Ingleside by Marita Macrae
Clareville Beach
Clareville/Long Beach Reserve + some History
Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History 
Coastal Stability Series: Cabbage Tree Bay To Barrenjoey To Observation Point by John Illingsworth, Pittwater Pathways, and Dr. Peter Mitchell OAM
Cowan Track by Kevin Murray
Curl Curl To Freshwater Walk: October 2021 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Currawong and Palm Beach Views - Winter 2018
Currawong-Mackerel-The Basin A Stroll In Early November 2021 - photos by Selena Griffith
Currawong State Park Currawong Beach +  Currawong Creek
Deep Creek To Warriewood Walk photos by Joe Mills
Drone Gives A New View On Coastal Stability; Bungan: Bungan Headland To Newport Beach + Bilgola: North Newport Beach To Avalon + Bangalley: Avalon Headland To Palm Beach
Duck Holes: McCarrs Creek by Joe Mills
Dunbar Park - Some History + Toongari Reserve and Catalpa Reserve
Dundundra Falls Reserve: August 2020 photos by Selena Griffith - Listed in 1935
Elsie Track, Scotland Island
Elvina Track in Late Winter 2019 by Penny Gleen
Elvina Bay Walking Track: Spring 2020 photos by Joe Mills 
Elvina Bay-Lovett Bay Loop Spring 2020 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Fern Creek - Ingleside Escarpment To Warriewood Walk + Some History photos by Joe Mills
Hordern Park, Palm Beach: Some History + 2024 Photos of park from top to beach
Iluka Park, Woorak Park, Pittwater Park, Sand Point Reserve, Snapperman Beach Reserve - Palm Beach: Some History
Ingleside
Ingleside Wildflowers August 2013
Irrawong Falls Walk May 2025 by Joe Mills
Irrawong - Ingleside Escarpment Trail Walk Spring 2020 photos by Joe Mills
Irrawong - Mullet Creek Restoration
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary - Ingleside

Long Reef Sunrise Headland Walk by Joe Mills
Lucinda Park, Palm Beach: Some History + 2022 Pictures
McCarrs Creek
McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: a few pictures from the Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2025
McCarr's Creek to Church Point to Bayview Waterfront Path
McKay Reserve
Milton Family Property History - Palm Beach By William (Bill) James Goddard II with photos courtesy of the Milton Family   - Snapperman to Sandy Point, Pittwater
Mona Vale Beach - A Stroll Along, Spring 2021 by Kevin Murray
Mona Vale Headland, Basin and Beach Restoration
Mona Vale Woolworths Front Entrance Gets Garden Upgrade: A Few Notes On The Site's History 
Mother Brushtail Killed On Barrenjoey Road: Baby Cried All Night - Powerful Owl Struck At Same Time At Careel Bay During Owlet Fledgling Season: calls for mitigation measures - The List of what you can do for those who ask 'What You I Do' as requested
Mount Murray Anderson Walking Track by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
Mullet Creek
Muogamarra Nature Reserve in Cowan celebrates 90 years: a few insights into The Vision of John Duncan Tipper, Founder 
Muogamarra by Dr Peter Mitchell OAM and John Illingsworth
Narrabeen Creek
Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: Past Notes Present Photos by Margaret Woods
Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Clearing Works: September To October 2023  pictures by Joe Mills
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park Expansion
Narrabeen Rockshelf Aquatic Reserve
Nerang Track, Terrey Hills by Bea Pierce
Newport Bushlink - the Crown of the Hill Linked Reserves
Newport Community Garden - Woolcott Reserve
Newport to Bilgola Bushlink 'From The Crown To The Sea' Paths:  Founded In 1956 - A Tip and Quarry Becomes Green Space For People and Wildlife 
Out and About July 2020 - Storm swell
Out & About: July 2024 - Barrenjoey To Paradise Beach To Bayview To Narrabeen + Middle Creek - by John Illingsworth, Adriaan van der Wallen, Joe Mills, Suzanne Daly, Jacqui Marlowe and AJG
Palm Beach Headland Becomes Australia’s First Urban Night Sky Place: Barrenjoey High School Alumni Marnie Ogg's Hard Work
Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History 
Paradise Beach Baths renewal Complete - Taylor's Point Public Wharf Rebuild Underway
Realises Long-Held Dream For Everyone
Paradise Beach Wharf + Taylor's Wharf renewal projects: October 2024 pictorial update - update pics of Paradise Wharf and Pool renewal, pre-renewal Taylors Point wharf + a few others of Pittwater on a Spring Saturday afternoon
Pictures From The Past: Views Of Early Narrabeen Bridges - 1860 To 1966
Pittwater Beach Reserves Have Been Dedicated For Public Use Since 1887 - No 1.: Avalon Beach Reserve- Bequeathed By John Therry 
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Bungan Beach and Bungan Head Reserves:  A Headland Garden 
Pittwater Reserves, The Green Ways: Clareville Wharf and Taylor's Point Jetty
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways; Hordern, Wilshire Parks, McKay Reserve: From Beach to Estuary 
Pittwater Reserves - The Green Ways: Mona Vale's Village Greens a Map of the Historic Crown Lands Ethos Realised in The Village, Kitchener and Beeby Parks 
Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways Bilgola Beach - The Cabbage Tree Gardens and Camping Grounds - Includes Bilgola - The Story Of A Politician, A Pilot and An Epicure by Tony Dawson and Anne Spencer  
Pittwater spring: waterbirds return to Wetlands
Pittwater's Lone Rangers - 120 Years of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and the Men of Flowers Inspired by Eccleston Du Faur 
Pittwater's Great Outdoors: Spotted To The North, South, East + West- June 2023:  Palm Beach Boat House rebuild going well - First day of Winter Rainbow over Turimetta - what's Blooming in the bush? + more by Joe Mills, Selena Griffith and Pittwater Online
Pittwater's Parallel Estuary - The Cowan 'Creek
Pittwater Pathways To Public Lands & Reserves
Resolute Track at West Head by Kevin Murray
Resolute Track Stroll by Joe Mills
Riddle Reserve, Bayview
Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History
Salt Pan Public Wharf, Regatta Reserve, Florence Park, Salt Pan Cove Reserve, Refuge Cove Reserve Pictorial and Information
Salvation Loop Trail, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park- Spring 2020 - by Selena Griffith
Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: November 2024
Seagull Pair At Turimetta Beach: Spring Is In The Air!
Some late November Insects (2023)
Stapleton Reserve
Stapleton Park Reserve In Spring 2020: An Urban Ark Of Plants Found Nowhere Else
Stealing The Bush: Pittwater's Trees Changes - Some History 
Stokes Point To Taylor's Point: An Ideal Picnic, Camping & Bathing Place 
Stony Range Regional Botanical Garden: Some History On How A Reserve Became An Australian Plant Park
Taylor's Point Public Wharf 2013-2020 History
The Chiltern Track
The Chiltern Trail On The Verge Of Spring 2023 by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills
The 'Newport Loop': Some History 
The Resolute Beach Loop Track At West Head In Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park by Kevin Murray
Topham Track Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP,  August 2022 by Joe Mills and Kevin Murray
Towlers Bay Walking Track by Joe Mills
Trafalgar Square, Newport: A 'Commons' Park Dedicated By Private Landholders - The Green Heart Of This Community
Tranquil Turimetta Beach, April 2022 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Beach Reserve by Joe Mills, Bea Pierce and Lesley
Turimetta Beach Reserve: Old & New Images (by Kevin Murray) + Some History
Turimetta Headland
Turimetta Moods by Joe Mills: June 2023
Turimetta Moods (Week Ending June 23 2023) by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: June To July 2023 Pictures by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: July Becomes August 2023 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: August Becomes September 2023 ; North Narrabeen - Turimetta - Warriewood - Mona Vale photographs by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Mid-September To Mid-October 2023 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Late Spring Becomes Summer 2023-2024 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: Warriewood Wetlands Perimeter Walk October 2024 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: November 2024 by Joe Mills
Turimetta Moods: mid-February to Mid- March 2025 by Joe Mills
Warriewood Wetlands - Creeks Deteriorating: How To Report Construction Site Breaches, Weed Infestations + The Long Campaign To Save The Warriewood Wetlands & Ingleside Escarpment March 2023
Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve
Whale Beach Ocean Reserve: 'The Strand' - Some History On Another Great Protected Pittwater Reserve
Whale Migration Season: Grab A Seaside Pew For The Annual Whalesong But Keep Them Safe If Going Out On The Water
Wilshire Park Palm Beach: Some History + Photos From May 2022
Winji Jimmi - Water Maze

Pittwater's Birds

Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control small bird insectivores, species like the Silvereye, Spotted Pardalote, Gerygone, Fairywren and Thornbill, feed on ticks. Attracting these birds back into your garden will provide not only a residence for tick eaters but also the delightful moments watching these tiny birds provides.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count 2017: Take part from 23 - 29 October - how many birds live here?
Aussie Backyard Bird Count 2018 - Our Annual 'What Bird Is That?' Week Is Here! This week the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count runs from 22-28 October 2018. Pittwater is one of those places fortunate to have birds that thrive because of an Aquatic environment, a tall treed Bush environment and areas set aside for those that dwell closer to the ground, in a sand, scrub or earth environment. To take part all you need is 20 minutes and your favourite outdoor space. Head to the website and register as a Counter today! And if you're a teacher, check out BirdLife Australia's Bird Count curriculum-based lesson plans to get your students (or the whole school!) involved

Australian Predators of the Sky by Penny Olsen - published by National Library of Australia

Australian Raven  Australian Wood Duck Family at Newport

A Week In Pittwater Issue 128   A Week In Pittwater - June 2014 Issue 168

Baby Birds Spring 2015 - Rainbow Lorikeets in our Yard - for Children Baby Birds by Lynleigh Greig, Southern Cross Wildlife Care - what do if being chased by a nesting magpie or if you find a baby bird on the ground

Baby Kookaburras in our Backyard: Aussie Bird Count 2016 - October

Balloons Are The Number 1 Marine Debris Risk Of Mortality For Our Seabirds - Feb 2019 Study

Bangalley Mid-Winter   Barrenjoey Birds Bird Antics This Week: December 2016

Bird of the Month February 2019 by Michael Mannington

Birdland Above the Estuary - October 2012  Birds At Our Window   Birds at our Window - Winter 2014  Birdland June 2016

Birdsong Is a Lovesong at This time of The Year - Brown Falcon, Little Wattle Bird, Australian Pied cormorant, Mangrove or Striated Heron, Great Egret, Grey Butcherbird, White-faced Heron 

Bird Songs – poems about our birds by youngsters from yesterdays - for children Bird Week 2015: 19-25 October

Bird Songs For Spring 2016 For Children by Joanne Seve

Birds at Careel Creek this Week - November 2017: includes Bird Count 2017 for Local Birds - BirdLife Australia by postcode

Black Cockatoo photographed in the Narrabeen Catchment Reserves this week by Margaret G Woods - July 2019

Black-Necked Stork, Mycteria Australis, Now Endangered In NSW, Once Visited Pittwater: Breeding Pair shot in 1855

Black Swans on Narrabeen Lagoon - April 2013   Black Swans Pictorial

Brush Turkeys In Suburbia: There's An App For That - Citizen Scientists Called On To Spot Brush Turkeys In Their Backyards
Buff-banded Rail spotted at Careel Creek 22.12.2012: a breeding pair and a fluffy black chick

Cayley & Son - The life and Art of Neville Henry Cayley & Neville William Cayley by Penny Olsen - great new book on the art works on birds of these Australian gentlemen and a few insights from the author herself
Crimson Rosella - + Historical Articles on

Death By 775 Cuts: How Conservation Law Is Failing The Black-Throated Finch - new study 'How to Send a Finch Extinct' now published

Eastern Rosella - and a little more about our progression to protecting our birds instead of exporting them or decimating them.

Endangered Little Tern Fishing at Mona Vale Beach

‘Feather Map of Australia’: Citizen scientists can support the future of Australia's wetland birds: for Birdwatchers, school students and everyone who loves our estuarine and lagoon and wetland birds

First Week of Spring 2014

Fledgling Common Koel Adopted by Red Wattlebird -Summer Bird fest 2013  Flegdlings of Summer - January 2012

Flocks of Colour by Penny Olsen - beautiful new Bird Book Celebrates the 'Land of the Parrots'

Friendly Goose at Palm Beach Wharf - Pittwater's Own Mother Goose

Front Page Issue 177  Front Page Issue 185 Front Page Issue 193 - Discarded Fishing Tackle killing shorebirds Front Page Issue 203 - Juvenile Brush Turkey  Front Page Issue 208 - Lyrebird by Marita Macrae Front Page Issue 219  Superb Fairy Wren Female  Front Page Issue 234National Bird Week October 19-25  and the 2015 the Aussie Back Yard Bird Count: Australia's First Bird Counts - a 115 Year Legacy - with a small insight into our first zoos Front Page Issue 236: Bird Week 2015 Front Page Issue 244: watebirds Front Page Issue 260: White-face Heron at Careel Creek Front Page Issue 283: Pittwater + more birds for Bird Week/Aussie Bird Count  Front Page Issue 284: Pittwater + more birds for Bird Week/Aussie Bird Count Front Page Issue 285: Bird Week 2016  Front Page Issue 331: Spring Visitor Birds Return

G . E. Archer Russell (1881-1960) and His Passion For Avifauna From Narrabeen To Newport 

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Returns To Pittwater by Paul Wheeler Glossy Cockatoos - 6 spotted at Careel Bay February 2018

Grey Butcher Birds of Pittwater

Harry Wolstenholme (June 21, 1868 - October 14, 1930) Ornithologist Of Palm Beach, Bird Man Of Wahroonga 

INGLESIDE LAND RELEASE ON AGAIN BUT MANY CHALLENGES  AHEAD by David Palmer

Issue 60 May 2012 Birdland - Smiles- Beamings -Early -Winter - Blooms

Jayden Walsh’s Northern Beaches Big Year - courtesy Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

John Gould's Extinct and Endangered Mammals of Australia  by Dr. Fred Ford - Between 1850 and 1950 as many mammals disappeared from the Australian continent as had disappeared from the rest of the world between 1600 and 2000! Zoologist Fred Ford provides fascinating, and often poignant, stories of European attitudes and behaviour towards Australia's native fauna and connects these to the animal's fate today in this beautiful new book - our interview with the author

July 2012 Pittwater Environment Snippets; Birds, Sea and Flowerings

Juvenile Sea Eagle at Church Point - for children

King Parrots in Our Front Yard  

Kookaburra Turf Kookaburra Fledglings Summer 2013  Kookaburra Nesting Season by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 1.5 and 2.5 weeks old by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 3 and 4 weeks old by Ray Chappelow  Kookaburra Nest – Babies at 5 weeks old by Ray Chappelow Kookaburra and Pittwater Fledglings February 2020 to April 2020

Lion Island's Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins) Get Fireproof Homes - thanks to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Fix it Sisters Shed

Lorikeet - Summer 2015 Nectar

Lyre Bird Sings in Local National Park - Flock of Black Cockatoos spotted - June 2019

Magpie's Melodic Melodies - For Children (includes 'The Magpie's Song' by F S Williamson)

Masked Lapwing (Plover) - Reflected

May 2012 Birdland Smiles Beamings Early Winter Blooms 

Mistletoebird At Bayview

Musk Lorikeets In Pittwater: Pittwater Spotted Gum Flower Feast - May 2020

Nankeen Kestrel Feasting at Newport: May 2016

National Bird Week 2014 - Get Involved in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count: National Bird Week 2014 will take place between Monday 20 October and Sunday 26 October, 2014. BirdLife Australia and the Birds in Backyards team have come together to launch this year’s national Bird Week event the Aussie Backyard Bird Count! This is one the whole family can do together and become citizen scientists...

National Bird Week October 19-25  and the 2015 the Aussie Back Yard Bird Count: Australia's First Bird Counts - a 115 Year Legacy - with a small insight into our first zoos

Native Duck Hunting Season Opens in Tasmania and Victoria March 2018: hundreds of thousands of endangered birds being killed - 'legally'!

Nature 2015 Review Earth Air Water Stone

New Family of Barking Owls Seen in Bayview - Church Point by Pittwater Council

Noisy Visitors by Marita Macrae of PNHA 

Odes to Australia's Fairy-wrens by Douglas Brooke Wheelton Sladen and Constance Le Plastrier 1884 and 1926

Oystercatcher and Dollarbird Families - Summer visitors

Pacific Black Duck Bath

Painted Button-Quail Rescued By Locals - Elanora-Ingleside escarpment-Warriewood wetlands birds

Palm Beach Protection Group Launch, Supporters InvitedSaturday Feb.16th - Residents Are Saying 'NO' To Off-Leash Dogs In Station Beach Eco-System - reports over 50 dogs a day on Station Beach throughout December-January (a No Dogs Beach) small children being jumped on, Native birds chased, dog faeces being left, families with toddlers leaving beach to get away from uncontrolled dogs and 'Failure of Process' in council 'consultation' open to February 28th 

Pardalote, Scrub Wren and a Thornbill of Pittwater

Pecking Order by Robyn McWilliam

Pelican Lamps at Narrabeen  Pelican Dreamsong - A Legend of the Great Flood - dreamtime legend for children

Pittwater Becalmed  Pittwater Birds in Careel Creek Spring 2018   Pittwater Waterbirds Spring 2011  Pittwater Waterbirds - A Celebration for World Oceans Day 2015

Pittwater's Little Penguin Colony: The Saving of the Fairies of Lion Island Commenced 65 Years Ago this Year - 2019

Pittwater's Mother Nature for Mother's Day 2019

Pittwater's Waterhens: Some Notes - Narrabeen Creek Bird Gathering: Curious Juvenile Swamp Hen On Warriewood Boardwalk + Dusky Moorhens + Buff Banded Rails In Careel Creek

Plastic in 99 percent of seabirds by 2050 by CSIRO

Plover Appreciation Day September 16th 2015

Powerful and Precious by Lynleigh Grieg

Red Wattlebird Song - November 2012

Restoring The Diamond: every single drop. A Reason to Keep Dogs and Cats in at Night. 

Return Of Australasian Figbird Pair: A Reason To Keep The Trees - Aussie Bird Count 2023 (16–22 October) You can get involved here: aussiebirdcount.org.au

Salt Air Creatures Feb.2013

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

Sea Birds off the Pittwater Coast: Albatross, Gannet, Skau + Australian Poets 1849, 1898 and 1930, 1932

Sea Eagle Juvenile at Church Point

Seagulls at Narrabeen Lagoon

Seen but Not Heard: Lilian Medland's Birds - Christobel Mattingley - one of Australia's premier Ornithological illustrators was a Queenscliff lady - 53 of her previously unpublished works have now been made available through the auspices of the National Library of Australia in a beautiful new book

7 Little Ducklings: Just Keep Paddling - Australian Wood Duck family take over local pool by Peta Wise 

Shag on a North Avalon Rock -  Seabirds for World Oceans Day 2012

Short-tailed Shearwaters Spring Migration 2013 

South-West North-East Issue 176 Pictorial

Spring 2012 - Birds are Splashing - Bees are Buzzing

Spring Becomes Summer 2014- Royal Spoonbill Pair at Careel Creek

Spring Notes 2018 - Royal Spoonbill in Careel Creek

Station Beach Off Leash Dog Area Proposal Ignores Current Uses Of Area, Environment, Long-Term Fauna Residents, Lack Of Safe Parking and Clearly Stated Intentions Of Proponents have your say until February 28, 2019

Summer 2013 BirdFest - Brown Thornbill  Summer 2013 BirdFest- Canoodlers and getting Wet to Cool off  Summer 2013 Bird Fest - Little Black Cormorant   Summer 2013 BirdFest - Magpie Lark

The Mopoke or Tawny Frogmouth – For Children - A little bit about these birds, an Australian Mopoke Fairy Story from 91 years ago, some poems and more - photo by Adrian Boddy
Winter Bird Party by Joanne Seve

New Shorebirds WingThing  For Youngsters Available To Download

A Shorebirds WingThing educational brochure for kids (A5) helps children learn about shorebirds, their life and journey. The 2021 revised brochure version was published in February 2021 and is available now. You can download a file copy here.

If you would like a free print copy of this brochure, please send a self-addressed envelope with A$1.10 postage (or larger if you would like it unfolded) affixed to: BirdLife Australia, Shorebird WingThing Request, 2-05Shorebird WingThing/60 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053.


Shorebird Identification Booklet

The Migratory Shorebird Program has just released the third edition of its hugely popular Shorebird Identification Booklet. The team has thoroughly revised and updated this pocket-sized companion for all shorebird counters and interested birders, with lots of useful information on our most common shorebirds, key identification features, sighting distribution maps and short articles on some of BirdLife’s shorebird activities. 

The booklet can be downloaded here in PDF file format: http://www.birdlife.org.au/documents/Shorebird_ID_Booklet_V3.pdf

Paper copies can be ordered as well, see http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/counter-resources for details.

Download BirdLife Australia's children’s education kit to help them learn more about our wading birdlife

Shorebirds are a group of wading birds that can be found feeding on swamps, tidal mudflats, estuaries, beaches and open country. For many people, shorebirds are just those brown birds feeding a long way out on the mud but they are actually a remarkably diverse collection of birds including stilts, sandpipers, snipe, curlews, godwits, plovers and oystercatchers. Each species is superbly adapted to suit its preferred habitat.  The Red-necked Stint is as small as a sparrow, with relatively short legs and bill that it pecks food from the surface of the mud with, whereas the Eastern Curlew is over two feet long with a exceptionally long legs and a massively curved beak that it thrusts deep down into the mud to pull out crabs, worms and other creatures hidden below the surface.

Some shorebirds are fairly drab in plumage, especially when they are visiting Australia in their non-breeding season, but when they migrate to their Arctic nesting grounds, they develop a vibrant flush of bright colours to attract a mate. We have 37 types of shorebirds that annually migrate to Australia on some of the most lengthy and arduous journeys in the animal kingdom, but there are also 18 shorebirds that call Australia home all year round.

What all our shorebirds have in common—be they large or small, seasoned traveller or homebody, brightly coloured or in muted tones—is that each species needs adequate safe areas where they can successfully feed and breed.

The National Shorebird Monitoring Program is managed and supported by BirdLife Australia. 

This project is supported by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Hunter Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Funding from Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Port Phillip Bay Fund is acknowledged. 

The National Shorebird Monitoring Program is made possible with the help of over 1,600 volunteers working in coastal and inland habitats all over Australia. 

The National Shorebird Monitoring program (started as the Shorebirds 2020 project initiated to re-invigorate monitoring around Australia) is raising awareness of how incredible shorebirds are, and actively engaging the community to participate in gathering information needed to conserve shorebirds. 

In the short term, the destruction of tidal ecosystems will need to be stopped, and our program is designed to strengthen the case for protecting these important habitats. 

In the long term, there will be a need to mitigate against the likely effects of climate change on a species that travels across the entire range of latitudes where impacts are likely. 

The identification and protection of critical areas for shorebirds will need to continue in order to guard against the potential threats associated with habitats in close proximity to nearly half the human population. 

Here in Australia, the place where these birds grow up and spend most of their lives, continued monitoring is necessary to inform the best management practice to maintain shorebird populations. 

BirdLife Australia believe that we can help secure a brighter future for these remarkable birds by educating stakeholders, gathering information on how and why shorebird populations are changing, and working to grow the community of people who care about shorebirds.

To find out more visit: http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/shorebirds-2020-program

Surfers for Climate

A sea-roots movement dedicated to mobilising and empowering surfers for continuous and positive climate action.

Surfers for Climate are coming together in lineups around the world to be the change we want to see.

With roughly 35 million surfers across the globe, our united tribe has a powerful voice. 

Add yours to the conversation by signing up here.

Surfers for Climate will keep you informed, involved and active on both the local and global issues and solutions around the climate crisis via our allies hub. 

Help us prevent our favourite spots from becoming fading stories of waves we used to surf.

Together we can protect our oceans and keep them thriving for future generations to create lifelong memories of their own.

Visit:  http://www.surfersforclimate.org.au/

Create a Habitat Stepping Stone!

Over 50 Pittwater households have already pledged to make a difference for our local wildlife, and you can too! Create a habitat stepping stone to help our wildlife out. It’s easy - just add a few beautiful habitat elements to your backyard or balcony to create a valuable wildlife-friendly stopover.

How it works

1) Discover: Visit the website below to find dozens of beautiful plants, nest boxes and water elements you can add to your backyard or balcony to help our local wildlife.

2) Pledge: Select three or more elements to add to your place. You can even show you care by choosing to have a bird appear on our online map.

3) Share: Join the Habitat Stepping Stones Facebook community to find out what’s happening in the natural world, and share your pics, tips and stories.

What you get                                  

• Enjoy the wonders of nature, right outside your window. • Free and discounted plants for your garden. • A Habitat Stepping Stone plaque for your front fence. • Local wildlife news and tips. • Become part of the Pittwater Habitat Stepping Stones community.

Get the kids involved and excited about helping out! www.HabitatSteppingStones.org.au

No computer? No problem -Just write to the address below and we’ll mail you everything you need. Habitat Stepping Stones, Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University NSW 2109. This project is assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust

Newport Community Gardens

Anyone interested in joining our community garden group please feel free to come and visit us on Sunday at 10am at the Woolcott Reserve in Newport!


Keep in Touch with what's happening on Newport Garden's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newportcg/

Avalon Preservation Association


The Avalon Preservation Association, also known as Avalon Preservation Trust. We are a not for profit volunteer community group incorporated under the NSW Associations Act, established 50 years ago. We are committed to protecting your interests – to keeping guard over our natural and built environment throughout the Avalon area.

Membership of the association is open to all those residents and/or ratepayers of Avalon Beach and adjacent areas who support the aims and objectives of our Association.

Report illegal dumping

NSW Government

The RIDonline website lets you report the types of waste being dumped and its GPS location. Photos of the waste can also be added to the report.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), councils and Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squads will use this information to investigate and, if appropriate, issue a fine or clean-up notice. Penalties for illegal dumping can be up to $15,000 and potential jail time for anybody caught illegally dumping within five years of a prior illegal dumping conviction.

The Green Team

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This Youth-run, volunteer-based environment initiative has been attracting high praise from the founders of Living Ocean as much as other local environment groups recently. 
Creating Beach Cleans events, starting their own, sustainability days - ‘action speaks louder than words’ ethos is at the core of this group. 

Australian Native Foods website: http://www.anfil.org.au/

Wildlife Carers and Organisations in Pittwater:

Sydney Wildlife rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. From penguins, to possums and parrots, native wildlife of all descriptions passes through the caring hands of Sydney Wildlife rescuers and carers on a daily basis. We provide a genuine 24 hour, 7 day per week emergency advice, rescue and care service.

As well as caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, Sydney Wildlife is also involved in educating the community about native wildlife and its habitat. We provide educational talks to a wide range of groups and audiences including kindergartens, scouts, guides, a wide range of special interest groups and retirement villages. Talks are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of each group. 

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Found an injured native animal? We're here to help.

Keep the animal contained, warm, quiet and undisturbed. Do not offer any food or water. Call Sydney Wildlife immediately on 9413 4300, or take the animal to your nearest vet. Generally there is no charge. Find out more at: www.sydneywildlife.org.au

Southern Cross Wildlife Care was launched over 6 years ago. It is the brainchild of Dr Howard Ralph, the founder and chief veterinarian. SCWC was established solely for the purpose of treating injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. No wild creature in need that passes through our doors is ever rejected. 

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People can assist SCWC by volunteering their skills ie: veterinary; medical; experienced wildlife carers; fundraising; "IT" skills; media; admin; website etc. We are always having to address the issue of finances as we are a non commercial veterinary service for wildlife in need, who obviously don't have cheque books in their pouches. It is a constant concern and struggle of ours when we are pre-occupied with the care and treatment of the escalating amount of wildlife that we have to deal with. Just becoming a member of SCWC for $45 a year would be a great help. Regular monthly donations however small, would be a wonderful gift and we could plan ahead knowing that we had x amount of funds that we could count on. Our small team of volunteers are all unpaid even our amazing vet Howard, so all funds raised go directly towards our precious wildlife. SCWC is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Find out more at: southerncrosswildlifecare.org.au/wp/

Avalon Community Garden

Community Gardens bring people together and enrich communities. They build a sense of place and shared connection.

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Avalon Community Garden is a community led initiative to create accessible food gardens in public places throughout the Pittwater area. Our aim is to share skills and knowledge in creating fabulous local, organic food. But it's not just about great food. We also aim to foster community connection, stimulate creative ideas for community resilience and celebrate our abundance. Open to all ages and skills, our first garden is on the grounds of Barrenjoey High School (off Tasman Road)Become part of this exciting initiative to change the world locally. 

Avalon Community Garden
2 Tasman Road
North Avalon

Newport Community Garden: Working Bee Second Sunday of the month

Newport Community Gardens Inc. is a not for profit incorporated association. The garden is in Woolcott Reserve.

Objectives
Local Northern Beaches residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces
Strengthening the local community, improving health and reconnecting with nature
To establish ecologically sustainable gardens for the production of vegetables, herbs, fruit and companion plants within Pittwater area 
To enjoy and forge friendships through shared gardening.
Membership is open to all Community members willing to participate in establishing gardens and growing sustainable food.
Subscription based paid membership.
We meet at the garden between 9am – 12 noon
New members welcome

For enquiries contact newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com

Living Ocean


Living Ocean was born in Whale Beach, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, surrounded by water and set in an area of incredible beauty.
Living Ocean is a charity that promotes the awareness of human impact on the ocean, through research, education, creative activity in the community, and support of others who sustain ocean health and integrity.

And always celebrating and honouring the natural environment and the lifestyle that the ocean offers us.

Our whale research program builds on research that has been conducted off our coastline by our experts over many years and our Centre for Marine Studies enables students and others to become directly involved.

Through partnerships with individuals and organizations, we conceive, create and coordinate campaigns that educate all layers of our community – from our ‘No Plastic Please’ campaign, which is delivered in partnership with local schools, to film nights and lectures, aimed at the wider community.

Additionally, we raise funds for ocean-oriented conservation groups such as Sea Shepherd.

Donations are tax-deductable 
Permaculture Northern Beaches

Want to know where your food is coming from? 

Do you like to enrich the earth as much as benefit from it?

Find out more here:

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What Does PNHA do?

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About Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)
With urbanisation, there are continuing pressures that threaten the beautiful natural environment of the Pittwater area. Some impacts are immediate and apparent, others are more gradual and less obvious. The Pittwater Natural Heritage Association has been formed to act to protect and preserve the Pittwater areas major and most valuable asset - its natural heritage. PNHA is an incorporated association seeking broad based community membership and support to enable it to have an effective and authoritative voice speaking out for the preservation of Pittwater's natural heritage. Please contact us for further information.

Our Aims
  • To raise public awareness of the conservation value of the natural heritage of the Pittwater area: its landforms, watercourses, soils and local native vegetation and fauna.
  • To raise public awareness of the threats to the long-term sustainability of Pittwater's natural heritage.
  • To foster individual and community responsibility for caring for this natural heritage.
  • To encourage Council and the NSW Government to adopt and implement policies and works which will conserve, sustain and enhance the natural heritage of Pittwater.
Act to Preserve and Protect!
If you would like to join us, please fill out the Membership Application Form ($20.00 annually - $10 concession)

Email: pnhainfo@gmail.com Or click on Logo to visit website.

Think before you print ; A kilo of recycled paper creates around 1.8 kilograms of carbon emissions, without taking into account the emissions produced from transporting the paper. So, before you send a document to print, think about how many kilograms of carbon emissions you could save by reading it on screen.

Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities

Bush Regeneration - Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment  
This is a wonderful way to become connected to nature and contribute to the health of the environment.  Over the weeks and months you can see positive changes as you give native species a better chance to thrive.  Wildlife appreciate the improvement in their habitat.

Belrose area - Thursday mornings 
Belrose area - Weekend mornings by arrangement
Contact: Phone or text Conny Harris on 0432 643 295

Wheeler Creek - Wednesday mornings 9-11am
Contact: Phone or text Judith Bennett on 0402 974 105
Or email: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment : email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au

Pittwater's Environmental Foundation

Pittwater Environmental Foundation was established in 2006 to conserve and enhance the natural environment of the Pittwater local government area through the application of tax deductible donations, gifts and bequests. The Directors were appointed by Pittwater Council. 

 Profile

About 33% (about 1600 ha excluding National Parks) of the original pre-European bushland in Pittwater remains in a reasonably natural or undisturbed condition. Of this, only about 400ha remains in public ownership. All remaining natural bushland is subject to encroachment, illegal clearing, weed invasion, feral animals, altered drainage, bushfire hazard reduction requirements and other edge effects. Within Pittwater 38 species of plants or animals are listed as endangered or threatened under the Threatened Species Act. There are two endangered populations (Koala and Squirrel Glider) and eight endangered ecological communities or types of bushland. To visit their site please click on logo above.

Avalon Boomerang Bags


Avalon Boomerang Bags was introduced to us by Surfrider Foundation and Living Ocean, they both helped organise with the support of Pittwater Council the Recreational room at Avalon Community Centre which we worked from each Tuesday. This is the Hub of what is a Community initiative to help free Avalon of single use plastic bags and to generally spread the word of the overuse of plastic. 

Find out more and get involved.

"I bind myself today to the power of Heaven, the light of the sun, the brightness of the moon, the splendour of fire, the flashing of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, the stability of the earth, the compactness of rocks." -  from the Prayer of Saint Patrick