Wednesday 1st June 2011

Welcome to our 3rd edition of the WSN Restoring Our Waterways Croaker Newsletter for 2011.
We have had several great events through April and May starting off with gaining three students coming to work on our waterway from WHS Community Learning Centre, their names are Jayden, Travis and Scott. Ovens Reach Field Day Wednesday 6th April at Apex Park on the Ovens River There was a great lot of interest from many of the Landcare Groups, Government Departments, Schools and a few members of the community about 80 people all told. Dr Scott Raymond did a great (how they do electro fishing) and he came ashore and showed us what he caught and gave a terrific talk on the catch. Fern Hames was there clicking her camera and also talking about the project. The Chronicle was there and there was a great write-up in the Regional Extra section titled Healthy native signs in Wednesday 13th April issue, so if you get a chance to read it please do you will not regret this informative great read.

all enjoyed very delicious home made soup, bread and a little vino. It was a great experience in great company. Volunteer Expo Friday 13th May at St Pats Hall This was put on by the Community Pride Advisory Committee and supported by The Centre Community Skillsbank, there were about 15 Community groups with information tables and the hall looked terrific. It was a great chance for group networking and from all reports the 3 workshops were very informative and to the point. It was such a shame that there were not a lot of members of the community to come along and see what was on offer in the way of volunteering. Rowan helped me set up the WSN and NERSA display and pack up. It was a great few hours with some excellent company, should be more of this sort of thing.
Emma and Vanessa from NECMA Waterwatch

Platypus Survey Monday 11th April Rowan, Claire and I had our site in Kaluna on the King River. We sat and sat but know sign of a platypus but we could hear Barking Owls calling and to our surprise one flew into a tree opposite us and then flew and sat right in the tree next to where we were, we just couldnt believe it the Owl was so close and it was checking us out (they might have been doing a human survey that night). We may not have spotted platypus or water rats but it was such a fantastic feeling to be so close to such a beautiful Barking Owl. All those who went on the survey met at Jim and Sallys place (about 20 of us) for a what we spotted catch up and chat, we

Di Farmer from WSN ROW and Kelvin Neal from RCoW

Contents

Introduction Community Learning Centre Project Upcoming Events Competitions WSN Groups and Information

1 2-3 4 4-5 6

The WSN Restoring Our Waterways CROAKER Newsletter

Page 2

WEDNESDAYS WITH CLC STUDENTS JAYDEN, SCOTT AND TRAVIS

Scott and Travis came to the Outreach Field Day and met up with Gill and I then after lunch we went looking for somewhere to do a little fishing, we tried down at Sydney Beach first but nothing was there so we went to the Templeton Street boat ramp - they gave me a lesson on how to fish but none of us had any luck. Wednesday 27th April Gill and I met the boys at WHS and went down to One Mile Creek at the school looking for Macroinvertebrates, we tried two spots but nothing was moving in the nets so we moved to under the Phillipson Street bridge and we were joined by their teacher Kim (if only someone had a movie camera on Gill and I climbing over rocks under the bridge it would have made a great Funniest Home Video entry). The only thing we found in that area was Eastern Gambusia. Wednesday 4th May Wareena Wetlands was our meeting place, we went for a walk around the wetlands but there was very little water in it so there was a lot of rubbish exposed (we were to do some fishing in there for carp). The only place to get a sample of water was under the bridge and yes the boys had Gill and I clambering over rocks to get to it. We tried the net to see what we could find and yes Eastern Gambusia (one) and nothing else moving in the water. We took a water sample to the table near the wetlands to start to test, the results were Elec Cond 118, PH 7.5, Temp 15.5 and Turb 42. The Turbidity test was fun the boys had a bit of trouble reading it (I think they all need their eyes tested). Gill had to leave but the boys went fishing in the area of the creek near the wetlands with cheese and corn on the line but no luck at all but at least they tried. Wednesday 11th May The boys and I met up with Emma from Waterwatch when she was doing her Macro readings. She showed

the boys how to use the net correctly to get a good collection. We found a few extra things and of course Eastern Gambusia. Just as we were getting into it the heavens opened and it started pouring so we had to pack up in a hurry and head for shelter. I delivered the boys back to school as our lesson ended early thanks to the rain.

Scott, Travis and Jayden have made contact with Fern Hames DSEs Native Fish Coordinator for Victoria and she will be coming up around the 15th June to meet up with them to talk about Native Fish and the Reach Project. What are Eastern Gambusia (common name Mosquito fish) They are an alien fish brought in to remove mosquito larvae but they dont, they are an aggressive species they Photo: Gunther Schmida chase and fin-nip fish much larger than themselves, they prey on the eggs of native fish and significantly reduce growth rates of small native fish. They are implicated in the decline of more the 30 fish species world wide, at least nine of which occur in Australia, and in the decline of more than 10 species of frogs in Australia. So they are not the sort of fish we want to find so many of in One Mile Creek, its a perfect breeding place and the creek flows into the heritage listed Ovens River.
These Oriental Weatherloach (Alien fish) were caught near Valdoris Ave in One Mile Creek

Anyone for fishing in One Mile Creek for alien fish?

The WSN Restoring Our Waterways CROAKER Newsletter

Page 3

Wednesday 25th May. Jayden, Scott and Travis decided to inspect the junction of One Mile and Three Mile creek. It was a nice sunny day and we started our walk near Appin St School. The large piles of reeds taken out last year can be seen as they have reeds growing thick and tall out of them. Not far along on the edge of the creek we came across a group of ducks (I think they were trying to work out will they or wont they go into the water) as they just stood at the edge of the water. A little further down stream the water was coated with a film not sure if it is a good or bad algae. We noted that there were not many birds around just the odd Magpie and Pee Whee. One Mile was not flowing very much but the Three Mile was flowing fast and it was great to see. The boys were taking lots of photos and investigating the great large root systems exposed of some of the beautiful trees a lining the Three Mile after the junction. We went as far as the Yarrawonga Road Bridge. It is great to see them enjoying their project studying our waterways.

Lunchtime Wednesday 25th May. Meeting the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainability Professor Kate Auty There were about 25 members of the community at the council chambers when Kate Auty addressed the group telling us about herself and her position as Commissioner and then asked us to tell her our concerns. All of those who spoke had very interesting and valid points from roadside wood, transport, parking, more assistance for landholders (in way of staff), to more money from the government to regional areas. I noted that she was writing down what people were saying and she made a point to tell us that our concerns were being heard. I hope that we keep in contact with her staff. Reminder ROW will have a little celebration for its 1st Birthday at Councils World Environment Day Spot light and information night at the Park Lane Bowls Club on Monday 6th June at 6pm which you are all invited to.
Diane Farmer, Coordinator, WSN Restoring Our Waterways diane.farmer@bigpond.com Email: Mobile: 0439 020 448 Postal Address: PO Box 722 Wangaratta Vic 3677

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE GIFT IDEA

There is an organisation who plant trees to offset carbon output. As part of this process there is a group who work with organisations and individuals to measure, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions. Planting trees provides many benefits which include: Reduce soil erosion Help combat salinity Provide wind breaks Improve biodiversity Provide habitat for native animals Sequester carbon dioxide

Mucky water near the junction of One Mile and Three Mile creeks

Ducklings along the edge of the creek

This information was given by Lorna who offset her carbon output going to a wedding by planting trees as a present.

The WSN Restoring Our Waterways CROAKER Newsletter

Page 4

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMPETITIONS
National Water Week 'Dress as a Water Hero' Competition Closes 19 August 2011
Entrants need to be 0-5 years and not attending primary school. Entrants need to dress up as a water hero using commonly found household objects to do with water. Send in a photo. Three winners will be chosen. Winners will receive a bag of water related goodies and a medallion. Winners will receive an invitation to receive their prizes at the awards night to be held on Friday 21 October.

asked to create A3 posters out of any material conveying any water related issues and message. Last year over 3,000 entries were received from Victorian Primary Schools. There are four categories:
1. 2. 3. 4. Prep Years 1 & 2 Years 3 & 4 Years 5 & 6

This year the school with the overall highest quality entries will be awarded a digital camera. The top three individual students from each of the four categories will receive a $50, $20 or $10 book voucher.
Entries must reach Waterwatch (PO BOX 616 Wodonga VIC 3689) at the North East Catchment Management Authority by Friday 2nd September 2011.

Further information: Diane Doyle, North East Water Education Office (02) 6022 0580 or ddoyle@nerwa.vic.gov.au

National Water Week Primary School Poster Competition

As part of NWW North East Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority hold the annual National Water Week primary school poster competition. Students are

Further information: Emma Nilsson, Waterwatch Team Leader (02) 6043 7616 or emma.nilsson@necma.vic.gov.au

The WSN Restoring Our Waterways CROAKER Newsletter

Page 5

The North East Victoria National Water Week Short Film Competition Competition closes 19 August 2011

National Water Week Photographic Competition Competition closes 19 August 2011

The 2011 short film competition is being hosted by North East Water and the North East Catchment Management Authority. It is being generously sponsored by EGL. All you have to do is to submit a film (DVD) no longer than 3 minutes on the theme of 'Water - Our Most Precious Resource'. Your film needs to be related to the north east region of Victoria and should illuminate the audience about any issue regarding water. Stories can be as varied as you want them to be. They can be personal journeys, stories of great beauty, a warning to future generations, reflective and sentimental or shocking and hard hitting. You are free to use any storytelling technique you choose e.g. drama, documentary, animation or combination. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing:
Celebrating our life with water Saving it for today so we can enjoy it tomorrow What we put down our drain effects people, plants, animals and our water quality How water quality can be improved and why A personal or a communitys affiliation and connection with a local creek or river in the north east.

Entries need to relate to the 2011 National Water Week theme of 'Healthy Catchments, Healthy Communities' relevant to the north east of Victoria. Photographs should depict the importance of water as a visual image of natural beauty, necessity, or influence on human existence. Prizes consist of vouchers from a photographic equipment and supply retailer. Primary Secondary Open First $100 Runner-Up $50 First $100 Runner-Up $50 First $100 Runner-Up $50

Winners will receive an invitation to receive their prizes at the awards night.
Further information: Diane Doyle, North East Water Education Office (02) 6022 0580 or ddoyle@nerwa.vic.gov.au

WHATS THAT IN ONE MILE CREEK

On Clean Up Australia Day Jim Dunn and I spotted a strange oily substance near the rail bridge crossing One Mile Creek and it was reported to the EPA but there was no clear indication of what it was. After rain it cleared away but then not long after it returned so a sample was taken by the EPA but this will take seven weeks before the report is returned. In the mean time the oily firm had spread all the way down to near Phillipson Street bridge. When checking the creek with Scott, Travis, and Jayden (CLC students) the oily film had reached the junction of One Mile and Three Mile creeks. So now I am patiently waiting to find out what it is, hopefully it is not harmful to our waterways. Over the weekend while walking One Mile creek a new lot of the oily substance is back at the area near the rail crossing bridge and I just cant find where it is coming from.

Categories include:
Primary school (First $300, runner-up $200) Secondary school (First $300, runner-up $200) Open (First $500, runner-up $200)

You will need to register for this competition to receive details on the terms and conditions, entry form, creative statement form and permission to publish form. The winning films will be screened at the Regional National Water Week Awards Night and at other events as possible. Winners will receive an invitation to receive their prizes at the awards night to be held on Friday 21 October. To register and request practical support, tips, VELS links and further information contact a North East Water Education Officer at education@nerwa.vic.gov.au.
Further information: Diane Doyle, North East Water Education Office (02) 6022 0580 or ddoyle@nerwa.vic.gov.au

The WSN Restoring Our Waterways CROAKER Newsletter

Page 6

WANGARATTA SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK GROUPS

The Food Sustainability action group are passionate about growing and eating your own food, as well as buying and eating local produce, understanding food production and distribution and sharing individual and collective knowledge about food sustainability.

Food Sustainability
The major project for the Home Energy action group, the Energy Meter Library, is supported by a Community Grant from the Rural City of Wangaratta. This project aims to raise awareness of energy use in the home and how households can take simple steps to reduce their energy use and build their energy selfsufficiency over time.

Home Energy
With activities such as swap meets, a recycling directory and keep ups for individuals and businesses, the WAGS are dedicated to the concept of refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle and seek to make this easier for the whole community.

Waste Action Group (WAGS)

The Publicity/Advocacy action group are busy with WSN logistics, such as our website and email communications, as well as letter writing, meetings and media releases to raise awareness of sustainability issues with politicians, the media and the community.

Publicity/Advocacy
ROW works with community groups and water agencies on programs such as Adopt a Waterway, Water Week and National Tree Planting Day. The aim is to raise awareness of water issues and offer opportunities for practical restoration of our waterways.

Water Action Group ROW Restoring Our Waterways

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME ANYTIME
Family/Household/Organisation $10 per year Single $5 per year Student $2 per year

Under the umbrella of the

Wangaratta Urban Landcare Group

For more information contact: Dr Rowan OHagan - Secretary/Treasurer 12 Deakin Court, Wangaratta VIC 3677 Ph. (03) 5721 8231

info@wangarattasn.org Email: Website: http://www.wangarattasn.org

This Newsletter designed by the Volunteers at Community Skillsbank, Wangaratta.