Our plan for Thursday, 14th December, is to return to one of our old stamping grounds in Blacks Walk – “The Triangle” – but not the Bermuda thereof – nearly as dangerous though due to the bull-ants in nearby beds.

This bed was swapped away from us at the start of the year and nominated to be a “contractor” bed to be looked after by Themeda Ecology. Unfortunately, there was not sufficient capacity in Council’s contract with the contractor to deal with that bed – so it has been left rather unloved. Council has asked us to do a special hand-weed there because it is at one of the park entrances and its unkept state is now attracting rubbish etc. Assuming we have time, we’ll also weed the abutting beds along the path. However, there is a bull-ant nest next to the northern leg of the seat in BW-18 and also nests in BW-20 – so we will need to be very careful working anywhere near them!

Last Week

We didn’t quite finish work in KP-17 at the western end and KP-24 along the carpark boundary.  Despite our number of attendees being back up again, many people had to work shorter days for a variety of reasons. We’ll get back there in the New Year…

Conditions (last updated 07:00 14/12/2023)

Weather

Rain: There’s a 10% chance of rain while we are working.
Storms/Weather warnings: None that affect us.
Temperature: It should be a mild 18-21 degrees while we work.

Wind: medium strength WNW becoming westerlies.
UV: >8 rising to 10 later in the day.
EPA Air Quality: Good.
Thunderstorm Asthma Forecast: Minor (Severe Wednesday 13/12).

Risks to highlight

• Please bring water to maintain your hydration – especially given the warmer weather.
• Don’t forget your sun protection (especially for the next few months!).
• Mozzies are about in shaded spots and still-ish air – best to have bare skin protected. We have repellent available.
• Wear appropriate clothes for the conditions – including a hat, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
• Hi-vis clothes/vests are recommended especially given we will be working near the busy main track.
• There are stumps, branches, lumps etc that may present trip hazards and eye-hazards under twiggy shrubs etc. We have some safety glasses in the PPE bag if you feel you need them.
• COVID (especially), flu and RSV are still around. Please don’t come if you have any symptoms.
• This is probably our worst area in the Creeklands for bull-ants. Please be extra vigilant.

Apologies: Graeme, Andy, Nicky (possibly), Megan.