Category Archives: Archive

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.

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 Firstly, boaters can safely dispose of their out of date distress flares at locations along the New South Wales Coast.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