Contents • Editorial- it’s all in the

timing • Mt Rumney Bird Surveys • Community Interest

Survey Results • What’s happening with

weeds? • Swift parrot quandary • Recent visitors • Proposed Subdivision • Clean Up Australia Day • Clarence Plains

Catchment Management Plan

• Disposal of assets • Landcare Membership

Editorial

It’s all in the Timing Viewed carefully, the roadside long paddocks around Tasmania can be seen as woodland refuges for many of our feathered and furry friends and to display a striking range of wildflowers and orchids. Although our Mt Rumney region’s roadsides are typical of the state-wide road reserves, they differ somewhat in that long lengths of roadside reserves are vegetated with local native grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Some of the later flowering summer wildflowers under the towering blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and white peppermint (E pulchella) canopies, include the yellow leek lily (Bulbine glauca), the appealing tiger orchid (Diuris sulphurea), the yellow billybuttons and scaly buttons (Craspedia glauca and Leptorhynchus squamatus), the delightful tall bluebells (Wahlenbergia stricta), the blue daisy and white flowered hill daisy (Brachyscome spathulata and B. aculeate), the shrubby bushes adorned with daisy-like flowers, viscid daisybush (Olearia viscosa) and the yellow everlastingbush (Ozothamnus obcordatus), to name just a few. Of course there are also growing numbers of environmental weeds that have been introduced for their colourful flowers (such as agapanthus and mainland wattles) as well as few small patches of listed weeds of significance which represent the hidden weed threats on nearby landholdings; gorse, spanish heath, serrated tussock and canary broom to be seen among the natives. Additionally concealed amongst the roadside wallaby grasses (Danthonia sp.), tussock grasses (Poa sp.) and spear grasses (Stipa sp.) are a selection of threatened plant species that survive the challenges of their roadside existence to complete their annual cycle of

Mt Rumney Landcare Mt Rumney Landcare Group IncGroup Inc

Caring for the Swift Parrot

February 2013

Hyacinth orchids (Dipodium roseum)

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growth, flowering and seeding. For example a delicate little mauve daisy population of narrow leaf new holland daisy (Vittadinia muelleri) has flourished for years as have the blue pale vanilla lily and chocolate lilies Arthropodium millefolium and A. strictum.blue pale vanilla lily and chocolate lilies (Arthropodium millefolium and A. strictum). One early December Sunday morning a roadside slashing sign appeared on Cambridge Road signalling the intention that the annual slashing of Cambridge road side was imminent. Slashing is mainly aimed at reducing fire threats, limiting fretting of the road edges and producing a neat and tidy appearance. These signs also heralded that very soon slashing along the first 300 meters on the left hand side Mt Rumney Rd. would eventuate. Having daily observed the leisurely growth of 16 stick like, cryptic roadside gems there was a genuine urgency to brief the contractor. Appealingly within a month’s time it was anticipated that they would burst forth into a large spectacular cluster of tall rosy pink flower spikes. Limited time was available to save this iconic population of rosy hyacinth orchids Dipodium roseum1 before they suffered from decapitation like many others in this location over the last few years. A chat with the tractor driver found he was very keen to avoid them. He indicated that over the years, he had a vivid memory as well as a diary note about their existence indicating that he never slashed them if they were clearly

visible. From now on he undertook to closely look out for these brown, stick–like flower spikes. Given that they are commonly in full flower from late December to late February his earlier than normal slashing program would have decimated the population. For the record these hyacinth orchids are leafless saprophytes (obtains food from decaying organic matter) relying on underground fungi to post nutrients and moisture to their fleshy deeply foraging roots (rhizomes). This ensures that they survive in the dry barren roadside location under moisture-sapping sheoaks. They boldly display showy spotted pink flowers on a tall spike (up to 30 cm) with a striped labellum (lip), which with the aid of female bee pheromone scent, attracts male native bees for pollination services. Interestingly they disperse some of the smallest diameter seeds in the plant kingdom which must form a close bond with the underground fungi to ensure seedlings survive. For the numerous racing cyclists who are attracted to Mt Rumney, hopefully being greeted with this cheery colourful hyacinth orchid display, should provide momentary relief from the thought of another 4 km tortuous training cycle to the summit. Phil Watson 1 www.friendsoflanecovenationalpark.org.au/./Dipodium_roseum.ht

Tiger Orchid (Diuris sulphurea)

Pale Vanilla Lily (Arthropodium millefolium)

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Bird Surveys

As part of the Clarence Plains Catchment Management Plan, Birdslife Tasmania volunteers have kindly carried out two bird surveys in the Mt Rumney region to provide baseline data. In accord with the national standard format known as ‘2 hectare 20 minute survey’, all birds seen and heard over a 20 min straight line walk which scans 2 ha. were recorded. For those who know the birds in the region, you would recognise that a couple of birds that are regulars in these areas were not recorded. Observers were Denis Abbott, Sue Drake and Bruce Longmore Survey 1 Survey site, Old Coach Road, Mt Rumney, 42.51S, 147.25E Date and time, 19 December 2012 from 11:11am until 11:31am Birds seen/heard: Blackbird, Chestnut Teal, Eastern Rosella, Forest Raven, Green Rosella, Grey Fantail, House Sparrow, Masked Lapwing, Musk Lorikeet, New Holland Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Pacific Gull Black Duck, Pallid Cuckoo, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Superb Fairy Wren, Welcome Swallow, Yellow-throated Honeyeater Comments by Observers The Old Coach Road is a handy corridor along edge habitat formed by dry sclerophyll woodland on the hillside and hobby farms and by the day-care centre on the other side. In our observation time, a cacophonous group of Forest Ravens made it difficult to discern other bird calls. Survey 2 Survey site, 300 to 250 Mt. Rumney Rd., 42.51S, 147.26E Date and time, 8 December, 12, from 9:00am until 9:20am Birds seen/heard: Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Black-headed Honeyeater, Brown Thornbill, European Goldfinch, Fantailed Cuckoo, Forest Raven, Green Rosella, Grey Currawong, Grey Fantail, Pallid Cuckoo, Scarlet Robin, Shining bronze Cuckoo, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Superb Fairy Wren, Swamp Harrier (over-flying the area), Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Yellow-throated Honeyeater. Comments by Observers The blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) dominated woodland, on the top-side of the road is in good condition, with some old trees on it and a grass and shrub understory. The other side of the road, however, has been cleared of native vegetation and planted with introduced species, including those that are classed as environmental weeds. The top-side provides a suitable bird habitat, while the latter does not.

Spotted Pardalote

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Results of Community Interest Survey In the October 2012 newsletter the MRLC Group invited landholders to share their relevant interests and concerns as well as suggestions regarding the support role that the MRLC may be able to provide The respondents raised the following issues (Initial responses in italics) 1. Protection of threatened Eastern Barred Bandicoot from freely roaming cats, dogs. (An

informative brochure on Bandicoots will be distributed.)

2. Ongoing road kill of rare pademelons, bettongs, potaroos and bandicoots as well as our road side grazing wallabies. (Currently during our dry summer, 3-7 injured/dead animals are removed from the road in the early morning each week. Added care when driving at night helps reduce road kill; ideas to get this message to visitors to the area are invited.)

3. Large loads of rubbish are still being dumped along our roadsides. (If a unknown vehicle

with a load of rubbish is seen, write down the registration number just in case a dump happens.)

4. Cats roaming particularly at night are decimating our bird life, lizards, bandicoots, etc.

(Cat Legislation 2012 recommends a range of added responsibilities for cat owners including restriction on cat movement in bushland areas).

5. How to identify and the best control methods for Serrated Tussock and Spanish heath.

(Our Weed consultant will detail this in the draft MRLC Weed Management Plan. He can also be contacted Axel Meiss 0437 582 404 or axel_meiss@yahoo.com.au)

6. Building Protection Zones and organising planned burns (Planned burns are expensive to

safely carry out and require many skilled brigade members, vehicles and equipment – they are best organised with neighbours in accord with Meehan Range Fire Plan see TFS and Clarence City Council websites)

Mt.Rumney Regional Weed Management Plan (MRWMP) Our weed consultant, Axel Meiss, has now assessed and weed mapped most properties in the region with weed patches and has been working towards the first draft of the MRWMP and our Region’s Weed Report Card. While awaiting these documents, if you have any relevant weed issues please contact Axel. ! 0437 582 404 or " axel_meiss@yahoo.com.au)

What weed is that?

Each newsletter will include a weed found in our neighbourhood.

Readers are invited to identify the species; first person to email Helen with its correct name will receive a $20 voucher from Wildseed Nursery.

Do you have a weed in your garden you would like identified? If so, send a photo and it could be published in future articles.

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Recent Visitors Five echidnas were recent visitors to a local garden. A female spent a determined afternoon leading her little band of suitors on a march around the property.

Contributions to this new section of the newsletter are invited. What is in your garden? Send a photo and information for the next newsletter.

The Swift Parrot and its flying ‘mouse’ predator

Proposed Subdivision – 40 Canopus Drive

The proposed 31 hectare property 14 lot sub-division is subject to development and approval of a revised SD plan. Further information is available from the Clarence City Council’s planning department.

20th Anniversary Clean Up Australia Day Activity

In our last newsletter we discussed the Swift Parrot’s perilous existence in relation to increasing predation by ‘flying mice’ (sugar gliders). When our woodland’s big old local blue gums are in flower, this area provides a favoured feeding, nesting and breeding location for a considerable portion of the world’s diminishing population. To gain a better understanding of the future breeding success for swift’s we have been seeking information as to whether sugar gliders exist in our region and if so, where are they in relation to the blue gum woodlands and in what numbers. Disappointingly a dead sugar glider was found last year in the Mt Canopus area, but no others as yet have been sighted. Please get in touch with us if you have any further information.

This year is the 20th year for Clean Up Australia Day. The Mt Rumney Landcare Group Inc. has participated about 15 times. This year’s activity will be held on Sunday 3rd March at 9 am. You are very welcome to join in for an hour or 2 or whatever time you have available. Please register at the corner of Mt Rumney Rd. and Cambridge Rd. and bring along a pair of gloves.

Clarence Plains Catchment Management Plan (CPCMP)

As Mt Rumney forms the eastern watershed for the Clarence Plains Catchment many of the future management activities recommended by this plan will be of interest to landholders in the area. Stage 1 of the plan involved gathering local knowledge, interests and preferences in relation to the catchment. Currently Stage 2 of the plan involves completing the assessment of the catchment’s environmental goods and services as well as opportunities to improve the social health and wellbeing and landscape productivity. A draft plan will be made available for comment in autumn 2013 following the release of a Catchment Report Card. Helen Gourley represented the Mt Rumney Landcare Group at the November CPCMP Committee meeting.

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Committee Information

Convenor: Phil Watson pwatson@ccc.tas.gov.au phone 62485445 (H) or 62458619 (W) Treasurer: Linda Burrows linda_burrows@bigpond.com Secretary: Helen Gourley hmgourley@gmail.com……….62485405 Committee Members Greg Dare lyngreg.dare@gmail.com ………………………………….62485255 Robyn Kramer robyn.kramer@hotmail.com ……………………..62485254 Alister Nicolson canopus83@bigpond.com ………………………..62485371

Landcare Membership

Landcare Membership subscription is a once-only payment of $10 on joining the Landcare Group. Should the Committee determine additional funds are needed, requests for donation will be sought from residents. By completing of the following membership application and dropping it in with your $10 membership subscription (plus a donation if you wish) to Linda Burrows (Group Treasurer) at 120 Mt Rumney Rd, you will be a full financial member of our Landcare Group.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MT RUMNEY LANDCARE GROUP INCORPORATED

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NAME………………...………………………………………………………………………………… ADDRESS…………………………………………………………….MT RUMNEY.......…………………….7170 CONTACT DETAILS: PH 6248 …….… E-Mail………………………………..………………………………….. SUBSCRIPTION $10 PLUS VOLUNTARY DONATION $.......... TOTAL $.......... SIGNED……………………………………………………………… ….../….../…….…

Sale of Landcare Equipment

Following an agreed expression of interest process offered to all members of the MRLC, three brushcutters and a trailer have been sold. The mulcher/chipper is still for sale. This machine is in very good condition, having done very few hours work. They cost around $1000 new; offers over $500 are invited. Please contact Helen for further information. The substantial funds accrued from these sales will be allocated to support private property owners manage weed infestations in accord with the priority activities scheduled in our regional Mt. Rumney Regional Weed Management Plan.