For Thursday 17/7, we’re waltzing back to the Billabong. There’s quite a lot of weed needing attention: buttercup, oxalis (beginning to flower, blackberry, onion, cleavers… Re the first – we did well with it last time (March) but it has infected pond 2 now. Peter’s grassy patch is going OK as are Kath’s nearby Silver Wattles. There’s some coxfoot seed to remove. As usual, we’ll weed around good plants if they are surrounded only by weeds. Meet at the red X:
Last Working Bee
We had a day off last week due to the predicted weather conditions – which over-egged things somewhat! Prior to that we weeded BW-27, BW-35 and did some QA work for the Sunday before’s CWB.
The area is looking very good now – a great effort from all to get things ready and finish off the weeding and accommodate the SRLA plantings!
Conditions
(last updated 06:15 17/7/2025)
Thursday morning should be partly cloudy with rain possible – especially early.
Rain: There is a 55% chance of rain from 08:30 onwards – dropping to 50% by 10:00 – wet weather gear recommended.
Storms/Weather warnings: None for us.
Temperature: It should be cool 9-11 degrees while we work.
Wind: medium strength N to NW winds while we work. We’ll be reasonably sheltered though.
UV: up to 1 while we work, so no sun protection is needed according to SunSmart.
Cloud cover: is predicted to be about 70% rising to 85% while we work.
EPA Air Quality: Good.
Risks to highlight
- For those weeding in the pond areas, be very careful re eyes and juncus ! We have some safety glasses in the PPE bag if you feel you need them.
- Always good to bring water to maintain your hydration.
- Trees have been dropping branches locally – seemingly more often than usual. Keep an eye out for potential risks.
- Hi-vis PPE is strongly recommended – we’ll be working along the main track – though no school traffic.
- Wear appropriate clothes for the conditions – a hat, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
- There are a few stumps, bumps, branches etc that may present trip hazards.
- Cyclists and scooter riders have restricted vision in our work area – please be careful around the track – particularly at the western end.
- Take care when carrying full weed buckets – that can be heavy work!
- COVID, RSV and flu might STILL be around – a lot of masks in the shops recently and at least one of our crew sick from more than a week!. Please don’t come if you have any symptoms or are potentially contagious.
Blackburn Creeklands 