Protecting Your Environment

Regional Park

Almost 60% of the St Marys site will be devoted to establishing a Regional Park that will be a valuable natural asset for the residents of Ropes Crossing and greater Western Sydney. This 900-hectare Regional Park will preserve all of the site’s Cumberland Plain Woodland that is listed on the register of the National Estate.

The Regional Park will benefit the community through the conservation of bushland and habitat and its potential to provide passive recreational and educational facilities.

The proposed area and boundary of the Regional Park is shown on Map 1.

A Plan of Management (POM) is currently being prepared by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, for the ongoing management of the park. This plan will establish the environmental, conservation and recreational objectives for the park. It is anticipated that the POM will be finalised in late 2005. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will ultimately manage the park.

Recreational facilities that may be incorporated into the Regional Park include:

• A heritage walk recognising the European and Aboriginal histories on the site;
• Educational trails highlighting the biodiversity values throughout the park; and
• Passive recreational facilities, such as picnic areas, interpretive signage, recreational and bicycle trails.

Protecting our Native Flora and Fauna

The Regional Park is home to many common species of non threatened native plants and introduced native animals including macrofauna such as kangaroos, emus, mammals and birds.

There is a need to actively manage the introduced fauna on the site to protect the vegetation and to maintain a sustainable population of native animals within the Regional Park.

A Macrofauna Management Working Group was established and a Macrofauna Management Plan agreed for the management of animals on site.

One of the main dangers to native animals comes from domestic dogs and cats. By following the guidelines set out in this sheet, you will be able to help protect the many creatures that live at Ropes Crossing.

Reptiles – Reptiles and amphibians feed on slugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches, moths, and other pests. While the main danger to these animals comes from domestic pets, there are steps you can take to encourage them to live in your garden:

• Reptiles are generally very timid, so their favourite habitats tend to be hiding places. Leaf litter, mulch, twigs, shrubs, logs and hollow branches all offer excellent places to hide. Because reptiles are cold blooded, they need a warm sunny place to heat up every morning. A pile of rocks that catches the morning sun is ideal. If you have a pond, rocks placed in a shady spot near it can also provide a good spot for frogs, who need to keep out of the sun when not in the water.
• Avoid using pesticides on your garden. They can poison reptiles and, because they kill insects, remove their food source.
• Ropes Crossing is home to many species of snakes. If you see a snake in or around your home do not approach it. If you are bitten seek urgent medical assistance by calling Emergency Services on 000.

Birds – There are over 100 species of native birds living in and around Ropes Crossing. The best way to encourage them into your garden is by providing them with a safe pet-free area and planting native food source.

• Remember that native birds are best suited to Australia’s natural environment, so they are happiest where there are native trees and shrubs to nest in and native plants and flowers to feed from.
• A bird bath may encourage native birds into your garden, but it is not necessary to leave food out for them, as this will attract pest birds such as Indian mynahs and starlings.
• A nest box will provide a home for galahs, kookaburras, lorikeets and other native birds. A shrouded entry hole should be used to discourage Indian mynahs from stealing the nest.

For further information on native animals, visit www.nationalparks.sw.gov.au

Hints and Tips for Protecting Your Environment

Threatened Species

A number of threatened species have been recorded within the boundaries of the proposed Regional Park at Ropes Crossing.

These include four ecological communities:

• Shale Plains Woodland
• Shale/Gravel Transition Forest
• Alluvial Woodland
• Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest

A number of threatened plant species have also been discovered on the site including species of Grevillea, Pimelea and Persoonia.

As a result of these discoveries, a number of steps have been undertaken to ensure the survival of these threatened species.

These steps include:

• Seed collection and replanting of the threatened species within the local parks and along the waterways (riparian corridors)
• Retaining existing strands of mature trees within local parks
• Continued protection of these species within the Regional Park.

Weeds in Your Garden

Most weeds in Australia were introduced as garden plants. Weeds can smother and kill native plants and compete with them for sun, water and nutrients.

You can help limit the spread of weeds and help protect the Regional Park by following these simple steps:

1. Native Plants – Planting native species such as Grevilleas, Kangaroo Paws and native grasses such as Poa and Lomandra will help prevent the spread of weeds. They are easy to care for, use less water and attract native animals to your garden. For further information refer to the ‘Designing your Garden’ manual.
    
2. Garden Waste – Dispose of weeds, prunings or grass clippings responsibly. By composting them, you will control the spread of weeds, provide nutrients for your garden and reduce evaporation. Clippings washed down the drain can clog waterways and establish new weed populations downstream.
    
3. Transporting Seeds – Seeds can be transported on vehicles, trailers, clothes, shoes, soil and fur. To minimise this transportation always stick to marked tracks when walking in the Regional Park and cover trailers when moving vegetation.
    
4. Ponds and Aquariums – Consider which plants to use in ponds and aquariums as many of the most popular choices are weeds. Never empty aquarium water down the drain as it can contain seeds or spores from these plants.
    
5. Know your Weeds – Not all weeds are easily recognised. Many were originally introduced as ornamental plants so can be very attractive.

Information on the major types of weeds in Australia can be found at www.weed.crc.au

The Weed Control Officer at Blacktown City Council ph. 9839 6000 or the Landscape Team at Ropes Crossing ph. 9673 8850 can provide further information.

Pets at Ropes Crossing

Since the arrival of the Europeans in 1788, 110 native plant and animal species have become extinct in Australia, with introduced animals, both domestic and feral, being one of the major causes.

While damage caused to the environment by animals such as rabbits and foxes is well documented, domestic pets such as dogs and cats also contribute to the problem. At Ropes crossing, where there is an abundance of native wildlife, it is our responsibility to protect our native animals by understanding the impact of our pets on the environment.

Dogs – Dogs are an important and valuable part of our life as companions, security guards and working animals. However, thousands of dogs are lost or abandoned every year in NSW.

• If your dog barks persistently, it may be that your dog is not sufficiently stimulated or is under-exercised. Ensure your dog is taken on frequent walks and that, if kept outside, it has sufficient room, enough toys and frequent interaction with people. The proposed dog off-leash area at Ropes Crossing will offer a secure environment where your dog can run freely and socialise with other dogs.
• If you find that you are not able to care for your dog, you should contact your local animal care facility of the RSPCA. Abandoning or releasing a  dog is illegal.
• Report the presence of stray dogs to your local council dog control officer. In addition to causing a general nuisance, stray dogs can attack native animals.
• To ensure your dog does not become stray, have it registered and microchipped. Also consider having your dog de-sexed to prevent unwanted litters.

Cats – Australia’s first cats are believed to have arrived before Captain Cook, from south-east Asia. During the nineteenth century, cats were released into the wild to control mice, rats and rabbits. There are now about 12 million feral cats in Australia, which are thought to kill over 40 million mammals, 20 million birds and 20 million reptiles every year. To protect both native wildlife and your cat, you should follow these steps:

• To help find your cat if it is lost, and to avoid fines, your cat should be registered and mircochipped. You should also consider de-sexing your cat to prevent unwanted litters.
• Put a minimum of three small bells on your cats collar to frighten away any animals it is likely to stalk.
• Keep your cat indoors at night. Provided it has sufficient stimulation and a clean litter tray, this will not upset the cat. A cat proof boundary fence or enclosure in your garden will allow you to let your cat out without the risk of it being lost, harmed or attacking other animals. You can build your own enclosure or purchase one from a company such as catnip (www.catnip.com.au)
• If you find that you are not able to scare for your cat, or if you see a feral cat, you should contact the Cat Protection Society on 9557 1011. Abandoning or releasing a cat is illegal.

For further information on domestic animals, visit:
• www.dlg.nsw.gov.au
• www.rspca.org.au
• www.catprotection.org.au

For further information on feral animals, visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

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Protecting Your Environment