Yesterday, I visited the Glenrock State Conservation Area with a $1.8 million program to improve access and facilities for visitors to enjoy this spectacular natural environment. Glenrock SCA is one of the last surviving pockets of coastal rainforest in the region and features some great coastal lookouts and beaches.
Last week we released 20 endangered Regent Honeyeaters into the wild where it’s hoped they’ll mix with the wild population and breed. 20 Birds were raised in specialist facilities at Taronga Zoo Sydney where they have been successfully breeding the species for 20 years. Beloved by bird watchers, regent honeyeaters are medium sized black and yellow birds that feed on nectar from eucalypts and mistletoe.
The critically endangered Smoky mouse has survived the massive Dunns Road fire early this year.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said 58 motion-sensing cameras set up in burnt, semi burnt and unburnt areas of Kosciuszko National Park recorded more than 40,000 images including Smoky mouse survivors in just five weeks.
Threatened species experts analysing the images spotted Smoky mice at seven burnt sites. They also saw the threatened eastern pygmy-possum at three of the burnt sites.
The NSW Government is calling on the community to become “COVID-19 conservationists” and help spot koalas, malleefowl and mountain pygmy-possums from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
People with wood burning heaters are being encouraged to take 10 simple steps to reduce smoke while staying toasty this winter.
“Wood burning heaters can be a great way of staying warm at night, but it’s important to use them in a manner which reduces the impact on people who live and work nearby,” Environment Minister Matt Kean said.
"Even though wood is a natural material, when burned it produces harmful particle pollution which can become trapped close to the ground and impact people’s health."
Reports of a white whale passing the NSW coast has prompted a reminder for the community to give the extraordinary mammal plenty of space.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the white whale, possibly the famous Migaloo, might be passing from the Central Coast to Newcastle today after being spotted on the South Coast yesterday.
“Since Migaloo was first reported in 1991 there are a number of other white whales recorded, and like the literary predecessor Moby Dick, human interest in pursuing these white whales is putting them at risk,” Minister Kean said.
A pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic is now open at Berowra Community Health Centre at 123 Berowra Waters Road, Berowra. I dropped in to the clinic today which will be open between 8am and 3pm seven days a week until Wednesday 24 June 2020. Testing is free and no referral from a GP is required. Increased testing is essential as restrictions are eased so the spread of COVID-19 is contained. If you have any symptoms, even mild, please get tested.
Eighty-one-year-old eco-warrior Robert Jolley from south-west Riverina has been announced as the State winner of the 2020 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year Award, which coincides with World Environment Day.
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said the award celebrates community champions, everyday individuals and organisations working towards bettering the environment through litter reduction or implementing local environmental initiatives.
Hornsby Council has taken out the National Award along with the State Award for the number one phone recycling. Over the last 12 months the Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre in Hornsby collected 525kg of mobile phones and acccessories for recycling. The drive thru recycling centre makes it easy for residents to recycle a number of household items including mobile phones.
Today I visited Taronga Zoo to meet their new giraffe calf, Ebo at the brand new giraffe exhibit at Taronga. Plus, I caught up with my Capybara mates and even said hi to the meerkats!
After being elected as Member for Hornsby in March 2011, I have embarked on many initiatives that the community and I see as pivotal issues for Hornsby. I see and understand the needs of the community and am proud to play my part.
