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Aboriginal heritage – Susan Moylan-Coombs
Ecological significance of bushland in the catchment – Chris McIntosh, National Parks and Wildlife Service
Environmental protection / Crown Lands – John Filocamo, Dept of Lands
Narrabeen Restoration project – Angus Gordon, chairperson
Roadkill mitigation – Dr Conny Harris
Pleniary Session – Dr Judy Lambert
Participants identified the following issues in the catchment and brainstormed about possible solutions:
Urban expansion, Weeds in bushland, Flooding, Loss/extinction of native species, Feral Animals, Stormwater Scouring, Reduction in amount of bushland, Weeds in Waterways, Erosion after bushfires and from other causes, Siltation, Litter, Track Maintenance, Wildflires in Bushland, Native animals killed on roads, Pollution and contaminants, Unstable Creek Banks
Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater, spoke about ways to protect the area. We watched a slide show of photos from the 30 year history of struggles to protect Narrabeen Lagoon by the Narrabeen Lagoon Committee.
Angus Gordon spoke about progress on the Narrabeen Lagoon Restoration Project. Urban Sustainability project staff (Blayne and James) presented the Business Plan for the Sustainability Grant. They were the newly appointed project officers for the $1.9 million grant for the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Sustainability Project.
Bronwyn Bishop, Federal MP for Pittwater, spoke about the importance of the area.
Georgina Woods, Crown Lease Project Officer for National Parks Association, reviewed successful Crown Land conservation in NSW.
Angus Gordon, Chairman of the Lagoon Restoration Project, discussed plans for dredging the lagoon.
Blayne Petrowicz, Urban Sustainability Project Officer detailed new program of catchment events for 2008
Brad Hazzard, MP for Warringah, spoke about the environmental value of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
James Brisebois outlined the project works of the $1.9m grant
Pathway around Narrabeen Lagoon announced – agreed by Minister West.
Bob Ellis, writer of the movie, spoke about incidents during the filming. Cake was presented to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film. The climax of the film, recreating the horrific Maitland floods of the 50s, was shot on Narrabeen Lagoon.
Candidates for the election of Warringah Councillors each spoke to the meeting. The new council will replace Administrator Dick Persson.
Blayne Petrowicz, Urban Sustainability Project Officer, outlined progress with Sustainability education program.
Jonathon O’Dea, MP for Davidson, spoke about “What next?” in protecting the catchment.
NPA speaker Andrew Cox spoke about how to lobby for extensions to National Parks
James Brisebois outlined progress on Major Project onground works.
Wendy Harmer had the audience in fits of laughter as she described the proposed development but there was a serious side to the discussion as well. This proposal is alien to the desired future character of the Oxford Falls locality.
Jacqui Marlow, Conny Harris and Fiona van Dort discussed the plants, animals and threatened species in the catchmen.
Blayne Petrowicz spoke about the Catchment Sustainability Education Project.
Announcement of $4m from Federal Government for completion of walkway around Narrabeen Lagoon.
Brad Hazzard MP Shadow Minister for Planning
Sylvia Hale MLC Greens Planning spokesperson
Rob Stokes MP for Pittwater
David James Mayor of Pittwater
Michael Regan Mayor of Warringah
James Brisebois gave an update on the major works being undertaken in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment.
Representatives from schools, the community and businesses in the community made presentations on initiatives they have undertaken to improve the sustainability of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment.
Jim Somerville announced that the Geographical Names Board has officially reinstated the name “Narrabeen Lagoon” for the waterway.
Lynne Czinner, a local resident, explained with photographs what it was like to have your home burned down.
George Shepard, Rural Fire Service, outlined what home owners can do to prepare for bushfire season.
Chris Grudnoff, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, gave an overview of the role of fire in Australian bushland
Clinton Drive demonstrated home fire-fighting equipment
Adam Burrowes of Warringah Council gave a presentations of the Council’s fire plans
Professional film projectionists presented the world premiere of “Caring for Catchment” – the DVD about Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Angus Gordon organised a discussion about dredging of Narrabeen Lagoon.
David Yonge gave the Mountain Bikers’ point of view, Ken Higgs spoke about environmental concerns
Michael Baird, MP for Manly, spoke about permitting mountain biking in National Parks.
Mia Dalby-Ball, formerly Natural Environment Manager at Pittwater Council, discussed what we can learn about climate change from history.
Angus Gordon reviewed the latest science and show how the catchment is likely to be impacted by climate change.
Michael Paine described how Tsunamis form, what the risk for this area is and how to prepare for that eventuality.
Tina Graham from Warringah Library opened the forum with a stunning presentation, using lots of historical photos, about the history of tram transport to Narrabeen – note the forums take place in the Tramshed.
Ben Taylor, from SHOROC, outlined the current Transport strategy for the Northern Beaches.
Sandy Thomas, who has had extensive involvement with public transport planning, explained some of the factors involved and discussed issues important to Northern Beaches.
Dennis Foley gave an Aboriginal welcome and spoke about how important the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment, particularly Wheeler Creek Valley, is and was for Aboriginal heritage. Rob Stokes, MP, outlined why the area needs protection and why a State Park is an appropriate mechanism for achieving that protection at this stage. Bronwyn Connelly of Lands and Property Management Authority explained the importance of the Plan of Management in the process of establishing a State Park. Kevin Evans of National Parks Association discussed the challenges of managing for both recreation and conservation and cited the South Australian Belair National Park as an example of how this can be achieved.
Candidates from all parties for the three electorates represented in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment each spoke about the importance of protecting the biodiversity in this area and supported the establishment of Narrabeen State Park.
James Brisebois and Celia Cameron-Smith gave an overview of the work completed during the 3 years of the $1.9m grant.
Professor Dennis Foley, an Aboriginal elder from this area and author of “Repossession of our Spirit”, gave valuable insights into the Aboriginal heritage of Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Julie Janson, who is a teacher of Indigenous history and culture, shared inspiring Aboriginal stories and culture.
Rob Stokes, MP, outlined what can be done to provide environmental protection Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Mark Winser, Senior Project Officer at Kimbriki Waste Management facility explained what his organisation is doing to minimise adverse impacts in the catchment and discussed what people can do to minimise waste.
Cameron Little, of Sustainability Systems, discussed choices people can make to improve their impact on the environment – including using permaculture methods
Various recreational groups gave short presentations on what they do on the lagoon or in the catchment, why it is beneficial to people and in what way they protect the environmental values of the area.
The presentations covered:
(i) Overview of changes to Narrabeen Lagoon’s water quality over time
(ii) Fish in the tributaries that flow into Lagoon.
(iii) Frogs that live in the catchment
Professor Dennis Foley, an Aboriginal elder from this area and author of “Repossession of our Spirit”, gave valuable insights into the Aboriginal heritage of Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment.
Julie Janson, who is a teacher of Indigenous history and culture, explained how research into Aboriginal heritage is conducted.
People standing for election in Warringah or Pittwater Council areas answered questions posed by our members and supporters – in particular about the issues relevant to Narrabeen Lagoon catchment.
Brad Hazzard, MP, and Angus Gordon discussed what Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment might be like by the year 2050 and outlined what needs to be done now to bring this about. Warringah and Pittwater Council speakers explained how the community could be involved in local planning for the future.
Marita Macrae and David Palmer described the behaviour and habitat of various birds of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and Tim Thurston demonstrated their calls.
Corinne Fisher explained how proposed changes to NSW Planning laws could impact on bird habitat.
Peter Sedgwick revealed how he took his spectacular photos.
Dennis Foley told us of the rich Aboriginal Heritage in this area. Neil Evers outlined the numerous events available during this year’s Guringai Festival.
Bert Rose, remembered for his generosity with sausages for charity events when running Narrabeen Butchery presenedt his collection of photos from Narrabeen’s past. Kathy Ridge outlined the proposal from Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council for Gai-mariagal Aboriginal Owned National Park to be established across their lands.
Lenore Fraser explained how typically an Aboriginal-owned National Park works, who goes on the Board, how is the park managed,etc.
John Seidel described the process of determining biobanking proposals.
The three availalbe options for dredging the lagoon to facilitate recreation were explained – comments and questions were invited.
Julie Janson showed examples of interpretive signage that acknowledge Aboriginal archaeology, shared history and use of the natural environment and talked about the need for local signage.
Clair Jackson demonstrated recent local Aboriginal artwork.
Jenny Harris talked about the proposal for adaptive re-use of Waratah Park in relation to Gai-mariagal Aboriginal Owned National Park.
Martyn Robinson described fascinating invertebrates that are so essential to a healthy environment.
Neil Evers gave the meanings of some local Aboriginal place names and told of heritage that needs to be marked with dual signage.
Adrian Turnbull gave a presentation on the management issues for Narrabeen State Park.
Bob and Roberta Conroy reported on their experiences at the World Parks Congress.
This forum was cancelled because of insufficient numbers of attendees and candidates. However, each candidate was asked to submit their answers to questions.
A wonderful evening was had by all – lots of participation in weaving, bush tucker, dancing and learning about artifacts.
Participants marked up maps with valuable features in the catchment as well as hazards or management issues. Colin Davison spoke about land management challenges on Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council land. Dave Darcy, Northern Beaches Area Commander for Police, spoke about challenges of knowing whose land you were on in the catchment and the need to respect the owners of the bushland.
Jim Boyce of Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society told stories that showed why development occurred where it did in the Narrabeen area over time.
Brent Jacobs talked about what needs to be done in the area to prepare for the Future with its impacts from Climate Change.
Ryan Dare let everyone touch the native animals and hear about their lives. Nick Skelton gave a presentation about which animals are threatened in the catchment and why.
Participants enjoyed painting and beadwork.
Also, Michael Birk and Dennis Foley walked with people to the shores of the Lagoon and explained how people lived there in the past.
Michael Furey and Harley Mitchell outlined the probabilities that power supplies will be interrupted in the future and how to build in resilience by acting now. They discussed various issues to do with solar power and battery technoligy
Rob Stokes, MP, and Administrator Dick Persson discussed the future of Narrabeen Lagoon State Park.
A speaker from Crown Lands outlined the challenges facing management of crown lands across NSW.
Jacqui Marlow told us about methods to mitigate against road kill of animals,
Joan Reid brought live animals and told us about caring for injured animals.
Three young Aboriginal people told us about the bush regeneration and cultural sites protection work they are currently performing in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and at Waratah Park. They also told us about the Aboriginal Heritage training they are receiving.
Northern Beaches Council elections are scheduled for September 2017. Eleven of the candidates each had a few minutes to speak about their positions and then answered questions. During supper, there was time for people to speak informally with the candidates.
Jayden Walsh showed some of his stunning photos and told us interesting facts about some frogs and snakes found in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment. After the presentation, he will lead a Spotlight Walk to see some of the wildlife in their own habitat.
You might like to visit the page about Discoveries in Narrabeen Lagoon catchment where some photos Jayden has taken are displayed.
Georgia Cameron and Michael Bianchino told the story of Mikey the powerful owl and the struggle to protect the habitat needed for his survival in Byles Creek Valley.
Neil Evers abd Laurie Bimson told stories about their Aboriginal ancestors who lived in the Sydney, Hawkesbury and Pittwater areas. The stories spanned many years of local history. They told about how they prepared food and cared for the land.
Sue Jacobs, Ben Fallowfield, Jillian McIntyre and Ruby Ardren from Northern Beaches Council talked about works have been completed on creeks in the catchment since the Creek Management Study was adopted in 2004 and outlined the priorities for creek management from now on. Bush regeneration works along creeks were discussed. Charts were displayed that showed the scientific methods by which Council prioritises works along creeks.
People have needed to travel through the catchment since Aboriginal people used their walking tracks, through various forms of transport to the present day. Richard Michell outlined those changes and the impacts they have had on the environment.
There are many changes to transport options likely to occur in the near future. Malcolm Raymond discussed some of these options and the impacts they are likely to have on our way of life.
Jayden Walsh and Brad Law will give insights into the behaviour of possums and gliders – especially the endangered pygmy possum- and Brad will share information about wildlife surveys in the local area.
Aunty Fran Bodkin, Gavin Andrews and Greg Taylor conducted this forum in the nature of a series of interviews exploring Aboriginal Culture, Knowledge and Lore.
Andrew Pigott from Northern Beaches Council explained how Council is working to set priorities for the next 20 years in a program called “Towards 2040” in a Local Strategic Planning Instrument that will guide the preparation of the Local Environment Plan. Community input will be very important.
Letisha Lim and team outlined the planning that was necessary to maximise protection for flora and fauna that would be impacted by the hospital road upgrades. They talked about the ongoing measures(such as nest box installations) and monitoring systems that are being conducted under the guidance of an ecologist.
Jayden Walsh has been observing wildlife for some time in the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and taking stunning photographs. He had some fascinating stories to tell about discoveries that have been made in the 21st Century.
Dennis Foley told us about the significant Aboriginal heritage of the Wheeler Creek Valley where there are caves and carvings visible. The NSW Government has recently declared this area as An Aboriginal Place.
Peter Ziegler showed slides and talked about some of the fascinating aspects of various plants that flourish in the catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon.
Jayden Walsh introduced us to some of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the areas close to Narrabeen Lagoon and can perhaps be seen from the walkway around Narrabeen Lagoon if you are there at the correct time and season.
Eric Keidge and Bob Conroy discussed engravings present in Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and the Aboriginal Heritage those carvings represent.
Andrew Pigott and Yianni Mentis of Northern Beaches Council will explain the various environmental studies needed in the preparation of the new Local Environmental Plan for the area. They will tell us about the status of the studies and what has been found so far.
Dr Brad Law and Dr Geoff Williams told us about the behaviours and environmental requirements of fishing bats and water rats (Rakali) that forage in Narrabeen Lagoon. Yianni Mentis explained how Northern Beaches Council is working to protect the environment, especially the water quality, needed by these aquatic creatures.
Ecologist and local resident Jayden Walsh lead us on a journey through the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment, taking us to some of the most interesting and varied places in the area.
Dennis was born and grew up in the Northern Beaches. His grandmother was a karadgi woman on Car-rang-gel, North Head. He told us about the significant Aboriginal Heritage in the catchment of Narrabeen Lagoon.
Speakers from a group led by Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment spoke about the project to establish a GeoRegion encompassing a wide area of interesting geology including areas of the Northern Beaches. The longterm aim is to establish a Geopark.
Click on the link bring up the presentation from the forum – it is a link to our website. There is a lot of information in it.
GeoRegion Presentation
Andrew explained what the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lanc Council plans are and told us of the many reasons why Northern Beaches Council is concerned about this proposal. Council has sent their report to the Department of Planning.
Ian has become interested in methods for controlling insects and other small creatures that are a part of our ecosystems. Some of those small creatures that can be problem for human beings.
This forum will be via Zoom so you need to book to receive the link and participate in the fourm.
Make sure you come along – book by using the email address at the end of this page
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
is associated with National Parks Association of NSW.
