PNHA is committed to raising awareness of, and providing information on environmental issues. We are currently involved in managing several educational and on-ground projects, and offer support for others.
We are involved in advocacy for environmental protection of key strategic sites, as well as the overall maintenance of the natural values that make Pittwater special. PNHA provides comment and advice on matters before Council that affect the environment through submissions where community consulation is invited.
Down with Weeds! PNHA gets a Grant
We ‘ve been successful in getting nearly $30 000 for
- Asparagus Fern control on land near Pittwater YHA, at Rocky and Woody Points on the Western Shores and at Palm Beach Dunes
- Revegetation of more of Careel Creek in Avalon
Careel Creek's eastern bank will be planted with native vegetation to create a wildlife corridor between Avalon Dunes and Careel Bay
- Saltmarsh restoration and weed control around Careel Bay.
The grant is part of the program Engaging NSW Coastal Communities in Coastline Conservation, administered by Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority.
The project includes an expected in-kind contribution of over $117 147, mostly from volunteer labour (valued at $30/hr). A cash contribution of nearly $18700 from Pittwater Council and Pittwater YHA guests will further boost the project.
Planting field days, bush regeneration contract work, educational events and signage are some features of the project.
The program aims to get as many people as possible in the community engaged in caring for the coast. We expect that children from several local schools will include the topic in their curricula to some extent and take part in planting days.
Pittwater Council will manage the grant funds on PNHA’s behalf. The grant will run from January 2011 to May 2012.
Advocacy
- Rabbit Control. A pest species should not be available as a pet unless desexed. We are seeking to have legislation changed to rationalise this situation. Pet shops will be asked not to sell undesexed rabbits.
- Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis). We are distributing the brochure we developed with Pittwater Council to properties in parts of Mona Vale where seedling palms are obvious and talking to residents about palm control.
- Sacred Kingfisher nestboxes. Over the last 12 months termite mounds on Swamp Mahoganies in Warriewood Wetland have collapsed for reasons unknown. These had provided nest hollows for Sacred Kingfishers. We have bought five Kingfisher nestboxes to offer alternative nesting sites and will monitor their use. Pittwater Council installed them in August 2010.
- Careel Bay Marina Upgrade and Expansion
- Proposed Development of Currawong
Environmental Information
On-ground Bush Regeneration
- Several Asparagus Fern Out Days – see Activities 2011
Volunteer Opportunities
- Mona Vale Dunes bush regeneration: tasks: weeding, delivery of flyers to letterboxes. Find out more …
- Newsletter – 3/4 issues a year. tasks: folding, posting and hand delivery to libraries and waiting rooms.
If interested in any of these opportunities, please email pnhainfo@gmail.com
