So, for Thursday 16/1, we’re doing an encore in Furness continuing the long-overdue general weed in FP-11 – Panic Veldt hell in the middle sections. Greg has been doing some guerrilla work there along the boundary – it’s actually a lot worse than it first looks – eg with Panic Veldt growing under Bidgee Widgee.
Last Working Bee
Thanks to Nicky, last week we had a go at being very mindful of seed on weeds – cutting weed seed heads off before pulling them out – so as to help reduce the spreading resulting from weeding.
Although progress was slower, people could see the longer-term benefits and our weeding quality improving. We’ll give that a go again this week – please BYO snips or secateurs to make ours go further…
Cath has also gathered some great additional resources and hopefully will be on hand to answer questions etc.
Conditions
(last updated 06:25 16/1/2025)
Thursday should be partly cloudy with a low possibility of showers.
Rain: There is a 10% chance of rain on Thursday after 08:00 – falling to 5% this afternoon.
Storms/Weather warnings: Nothing that affects us.
Temperature: It should be a comparatively cool 16-20 degrees while we work. Nevertheless, we’ll do our best to work in the shade around the site when the sun is out.
Thunderstorm Asthma: Predictions stopped on 31/12 (pollen risk over by then).
Wind: low/medium strength SSW winds should prevail while we work (we will be sheltered from them somewhat).
UV: up to 8 while we work, so sun protection is an absolute must. Cloud cover is predicted to be 80% rising to 86% while we work.
EPA Air Quality: Good.
Risks to highlight
- Nicky and Greg both spotted what appeared to be a Red-back spider just off the informal path up the middle of FP-11 on the left-hand-side near thick Tree Violet cover. Be careful turing over or dislodging timber in that area. See below for treatment recommendations.
- Bull-ants are not recorded at the site – but please watch out! …..
- Please bring water to maintain your hydration.
- Wear appropriate clothes for the conditions – a hat, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
- Take care near the track down from Gardenia Street – cyclists sometimes attempt the very steep section and can lose control.
- Hi-vis clothes/vests are recommended.
- There are a few stumps, bumps, branches etc that may present trip and/or eye hazards. We have some safety glasses in the PPE bag if you feel you need them.
- Take care when carrying full weed buckets – that can be heavy work!
- COVID and flu might STILL be around. Please don’t come if you have any symptoms or are potentially contagious.
According to St John Ambulance Australia, first aid for a redback spider bite includes:
- Washing the bite: Wash the bite area with soap and water
- Applying a cold pack: Apply a cold pack or iced water to the bite for 15 minutes, or longer if pain continues
- Taking pain relief: Take simple pain relief, such as paracetamol
- Seeking medical help: Seek immediate medical help if symptoms worsen, or if the pain is very bad.
Redback spider bites can be dangerous and affect the nervous system. Symptoms include: Intense pain that increases and spreads, Small hairs standing on end, Patchy sweating, Headache, and Muscle weakness or spasms.
The bite area will usually be surrounded by a red, inflamed, and swollen area that spreads out in a rough circle. It’s also common to sweat profusely after a redback bite.
Blackburn Creeklands 