Author Archives: bill

KNP – Brumbies and Consequences of the Fires

Recently MAS contributed towards a helicopter flight to take ecologists into Kosciuszko National Park. The results are worrying. CAA has received from MAS an email from Andrew Cox of the Invasive Species Council that provides access to the results:

Here is the widely circulated tweet of bushfire damage from Kate Washington, NSW Labor MP, who went up in a helicopter. Looks devastating.  This tweet generated a story in the Daily Mail in the UK!

Also spotted from the air were locations of unburnt areas with horses that are some of the last stronghold of critically endangered species like the corroboree frog and the stocky galaxias fish.

Straight after the flight we also produced video of Prof Jamie Pittock with video of horses from the air here.  This was picked up in the Guardian as a video story and then led to interviews on ABC Radio 702 early last week (Mon 3 Feb), on ABC radio national am or pm (need to track that down), then on ABC JJJ Hack here (in the first 14 mins) this Monday 10 Feb. There were some other news interviews Jamie did (2SM. ABC NSW news). He also produce a piece in the Conversation:  Fire almost wiped out rare species in the Australian Alps. Feral horses are finishing the job published 27 Jan 2020 which further pushed out the story. We are also taking to The Australian about a new story.

February 2020 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 152)

Well it has been a challenging period.  The smoke around Canberra reminded us of the disaster that has been around us in NSW (and now on our doorstep).  My family has been personally impacted with members living at the coast being threatened with destruction of their houses or worse.  We’ve hosted 7 evacuees in our house – having them here has been quite entertaining but with the concern about those staying back uppermost in our minds.  The Fires Near Me app was in constant use – currently showing that our old haunt at Brogo perhaps having a near escape.

In amongst this, Charlie ran into an old friend of the club – Randy.  He had moved down from Canberra to Malua Bay some years ago (2013?).  Tragically, Randy lost his house and many of his possessions in the New Year’s Eve firestorm.  I have conveyed to Randy the sympathy of CAA. Our thoughts go out to him and Lindsay.

Many members will remember Randy for his knife sharpening stall operating at Moruya Markets.  Randy was the contact who got CAA access to the CSIRO Ski Club lodge at East Jindabyne for which we continue to be grateful.

I hadn’t thought we’d publish a February edition, but the ever reliable Jason M has filled my in-box with material about the previous trip to Brogo and ‘postcards’ from his fishing/kayaking/camping expedition in Tasmania – I’ve saved a couple for our next edition.  Thanks also to Claude for some images of his latest flytying creations – his ‘secret flies’ for our forthcoming NZ trip remain under wraps.  I’ve also popped in some information about the sculpture that long time member Charlie assisted with.

One final snippet that I just learnt of yesterday.  President of MAS and local angling guru Steve Samuels has been reappointed to the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council – giving a voice to recreational anglers directly to the Minister.  Congratulations Steve.

Conditions Ease in Kossie

Thredbo resort may be open but restrictions and warnings are still there

People in the areas of Shannons Flat, Yaouk, Adaminaby, Providence Portal, Anglers Reach, Old Adaminaby, Rocky Plain, Eucumbene Cove and surrounding area were advised to monitor conditions.Canberra Times

I’m sure everyone will take care and check the RFS website as part of their preparations.

NSW Roads and Maritime Safety Program

The planned program for the South Coast has been deferred, unsurprisingly, due to the bushfire disaster. If you have interest in the hand in of flares or inflatable life jacket tests keep an eye out on their website. I’ll try to stay on top of it. Firstly, boaters can safely dispose of their out of date distress flares at locations along the New South Wales Coast. Locations may be viewed at the NSW Maritime website via this link. https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/safety-equipment/flare-disposal.html They are also conducting inflatable lifejacket self – service clinics at locations along the New South Wales Coast. Join these clinics to be guided through manufacturer’s self-servicing requirements to ensure that yours is compliant and works when you need it most. Locations may be viewed at the NSW Maritime website via this link. https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/lifejacket-clinics.html

Christmas 2019 Burley Line (Newsletter Issue 151)

This turned out to be a surprisingly large edition.

This month we have both a story from the President (thanks mate) but also one about him – Lost and Found.

Many thanks to Lyall for his comprehensive report on the World Championship – reads like a thriller except with pictures.  Thanks also for Stefan’s very thoughtful piece on the recent Brogo trip – more and more this proves to be very worthwhile event, but watercraft seem to be the go.

This will be the last edition that Jason Q is involved with.  Can I publicly acknowledge all the assistance he has given me, not least is picking up entire editions when I thoughtlessly make myself absent.  He has been a great asset to Burley Line and will be sorely missed.  If anyone would like to step into that void, discuss with him what it involves and drop an email to the burley-line address

Meantime, don’t be surprised if I ply you with a beverage in advance of asking you to volunteer to help.

Congratulations to those who stepped up to help out at the sausage sizzle at the Compleat Anglers First Birthday celebrations.  Unfortunately I was interstate and fully committed.

Finally, the story of ‘Stumpy’, our cover photo this month.  I was lucky enough to be invited for a few sessions fishing with local angling legend Steve Samuels.  His skills extend past fly fishing to soft plastics.  There we were on Mallacoota’s bottom lake, Steve calls the fish a good size looking at its head shaking, but when netted, it was revealed to be undersized!  Clearly some pelagic likes flathead tails as much as me. I should have noted in the edition, Stumpy went back into the water to fight another day.