Do you find it difficult to know how to help the environment? Are you unsure how to recycle organic waste? Many people find it challenging to understand how they can make a meaningful impact on climate change in their daily lives. But John McKew from the Australian Organics Recycling Association says there is a straightforward and effective action we can all take to combat climate change: recycling organic waste in our green bin. “Many households recycle garden organics, but an increasing number are now including food organics in green bins,” he says. Putting organic waste in the red bin sends it to landfill, where its decomposition produces methane - a greenhouse gas that’s 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. When households put organic waste in the green bin, it’s sent to an organics processing facility to make compost, mulch, and soil conditioners, significantly reducing methane emissions. Mr McKew says organics recycling prevented almost four million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphere in 2021-22. This is the equivalent to almost six million trees being planted to absorb the same amount of CO2, according to the association.Households can do their bit to reduce the impacts of climate change by separating and recycling organic waste correctly, but Mr McKew says it’s crucial to keep rubbish and contaminants out of the green bin. “Plastics are the most common contaminant, but many other items like bagged household waste, glass, metal, leather, rubber, cardboard boxes, and even food still in its packaging are frequently found,” he says. “These contaminants must be removed, often by hand, before the organics can be effectively recycled.” Mr McKew says the benefits of organics recycling extends beyond emission reductions at landfills. “The compost, mulch, and soil conditioners can enhance soil health and improve the growth of crops, gardens, and trees,” he says. “This reduces the need for inorganic fertilisers and irrigation, and increases plant survival creating a favourable outcome for both the environment and our communities.”Mr McKew says Australia’s organics recovery rate sits at just 52.3 per cent.“There’s still room for improvement and the Australian Organics Recycling Association encourages everyone to recycle their organic waste thoughtfully and to celebrate the environmental benefits of these small, everyday actions.”

Residents near Bombo Beach in Kiama have taken to social media to report finding strange, foul-smelling black balls washed ashore. In response, Mayor Cameron McDonald has assured the community that swift action is underway to address the issue. Speculation has risen that these "black balls" may be similar to the ones recently found on iconic Sydney beaches, including Bondi. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) first issued a warning on October 17, advising Sydney residents to avoid touching or swimming near the debris. A scientific team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) later identified the balls as miniature "fatbergs"—disgusting amalgamations of human feces, methamphetamine, human hair, fatty acids, food waste, and other waste materials. In Kiama, the EPA has been notified, and samples collected by beachgoers are being tested. Local council rangers and compliance officers are focusing their investigation on Bombo and Boneyard beaches, working to determine the source and potential risks associated with the debris. Mayor McDonald, who is currently attending the Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) Conference in Tamworth alongside Council CEO and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, addressed the situation in a statement to *The Bugle*. “This is a concerning issue for our community, and we are committed to ensuring it is thoroughly investigated. The EPA and council staff are actively working to assess the situation,” he said. The Honourable Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Heritage, has also been briefed on the matter. Discussions between the Minister and Kiama Council are expected to focus on the origin of the debris and any infrastructure improvements necessary to prevent future incidents, particularly as Kiama continues to grow. The council has promised to release a formal statement once more information is available. In the meantime, residents are advised to avoid handling the black balls and to report any sightings to Council. Touching or breaking them open is highly discouraged due to their potent and unpleasant odor.

The Cabbage Tree Palm stands tall among Kiama’s green landscape, an iconic symbol to locals and tourists alike. Landcare Illawarra’s new community project aims to future proof these palms to protect and preserve this unique species. Member of the Landcare Illawarra committee, Alison Windsor, is encouraging the community to attend the event launch on Thursday 14 November to learn more about the project. “It’s open to anyone in the community that would like to come in and hear about what we’re planning to do, it’s also for the community to give us ideas of what they would like to see,” says Alison. The Cabbage Tree Palm once thrived in the rainforest in the Kiama area, now the palms are dispersed across farming land, struggling to regenerate naturally.  “There’s no future trees coming back up and that is due to either the cows eating the seeds that are falling from the parent trees, or they’re trampling them into the ground.“There’s no new generations, once those trees have died that will be it, there'll be none left in the Kiama Municipality,” Alison says. The palm can grow up to 30 metres in height, with the tallest trees being 100 to 200 years old, they’re a slow growing species. Landcare Illawarra has received interest from farmers in the community who would like palms planted on their properties, with Landcare supplying trees and fencing to help the species thrive. “We want to future proof them so people can drive down Mount Pleasant or drive from Kiama to Jamberoo, and have all those beautiful Cabbage Palms that you can still see,” says Alison. The event launch will be held at the Gerringong Library and Museum from 6pm to 8pm, and will include more information on the Cabbage Tree Palm and its many purposes in Kiama’s history and natural landscape. 

Kiama's stunning coastline is set to be safeguarded for generations under a new Coastal Management Program (CMP) launched by Kiama Municipal Council. This initiative, developed in partnership with the community and relevant agencies, spans from Minnamurra River in the north to Seven Mile Beach near Gerroa in the south, aiming to address coastal risks and preserve the area’s environmental, social, cultural, and economic values.The CMP focuses on managing key threats to the coastline, including the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels. With a 10-year implementation plan, the program outlines 17 strategic actions at an estimated cost of $18 million, supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water as part of the NSW Coastal Management Framework.Coastal Management Programs like this one prioritise sustainable use and protection of coastal areas by balancing ecological preservation, cultural heritage, public access, and economic activities, while enhancing resilience to climate impacts. These programs coordinate decision-making across all levels of government and encourage public involvement in coastal management planning.Now officially certified, Kiama’s CMP allows Council to proceed with its planned actions and apply for funding from the NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants Program and other sources to support its long-term objectives.Labor Spokesperson for Kiama, Sarah Kaine, commended the Council’s efforts: “I congratulate Kiama Municipal on its collaboration with residents, stakeholders, and the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive Coastal Management Program. Protecting Kiama’s coastline is a priority for the community, and this plan lays the groundwork to secure it against climate change and rising sea levels for future generations.”For more information on Coastal Management Programs, visit the NSW Department of Environment's website.

In 2025, Australia’s longest running and largest national day of environmental action, Clean Up Australia Day, will celebrate 35 years of bringing local communities together to Clean Up and help to improve and conserve our environment. To commemorate this milestone, Clean Up Australia is calling on all Aussies to register for the 2025 event which will be held on Sunday March 2 and join their local communities in making this year the biggest one yet.  Clean Up Australia was founded in 1990 by Ian Kiernan AO. Since its inception, over 22 million Australians have registered as a volunteer for Clean Up activities within their local community year round. The 2024 Clean Up Australia Day campaign alone collected an estimated 140,000 bags of litter nationally, highlighting the continued importance and relevance of Clean Up events and volunteers. Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said: “Clean Up Australia has a rich history of mobilising Australians to take practical action to clear up the mass amount of litter and waste that makes its way into our beautiful waterways and other natural surroundings. We know that 35 years on from when my father, Ian Kiernan, started this iconic organisation, our fight against litter is nowhere near over, but we also know that as a society we need to shift our habits to consider litter prevention and best practice to stop it from entering our environment in the first place.”  The FY23 Clean Up Australia Litter Report which provides an annual snapshot of litter collected by volunteers in a calendar year, highlighted that plastics continue to dominate, marking 81% of all surveyed litter. The report also showed that 44% of all litter was cleared from waterway sites, 16% from parks and 11% from bushland, demonstrating the need to encourage as many Australians as possible to glove up and get out into the community on Clean Up Australia Day and events throughout the new year. “I truly hope that in 2025 we can rally as many Aussies as possible to get behind Clean Up Australia and make it the biggest year of action to date. Nothing makes us prouder than to see communities from all walks of life and generations coming together with a common goal of making a difference for our precious environment,” Pip said. Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day 2025 are now open. Volunteers can receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).  If you are unable to participate, donations to Clean Up Australia are welcome, with 100% of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment and providing Clean Up kits. Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 2, 2025. Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 25, 2025 and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 28, 2025.

David Finlay is a self-confessed creature of the night. While most people are tucked up on the lounge in front of the television, the Kiama scientist and photographer watches one of the greatest shows on Earth. Mother Nature lighting up.From glow worms in Helensburgh’s old railway tunnel to bioluminescence in Kiama Harbour, fireflies at Macquarie Pass or ghost mushrooms in suburban front yards, David captures it all on camera while the rest of us “nest”.Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnels are open again“Once the sun goes down, people have dinner and sit and watch TV,” says David. “Humans have this tendency to nest at night. But from a really young age I was out in the backyard lying on a blanket looking at stars. That interest in science and astronomy just worked its way into my adult life.”Born in Orange, and an industrial chemist by trade, David first saw bioluminescence — living organisms that emit light — flashing in the waves at North Beach when he moved to Wollongong from the bush. It sparked a life-long fascination with all things that glow in the dark.Colloquially known as seas sparkles, bioluminescence presents as pink algae during the day. But at night, when the algae-filled water is agitated, it lights up like a Christmas tree and the waves appear to sparkle. Protected bays and harbours are the best places for sea sparkles and Jervis Bay is the second most prevalent place in Australia to see it (after Tasmania’s Derwent River). Recently Kiama Harbour hosted a bioluminescence bloom and David was there with his camera to capture it, but to also offer advice to those witnessing the rare phenomenon.Bioluminescence lights up the waves“If bio is in the water we ask people not to throw rocks in to agitate it and make it sparkle,” he says. “When people throw rocks, they’re actually disturbing the marine environment and potentially ruining habitats on the ocean floor. The best thing to do is actually walk through or put your hands through it.”Sea sparkles are just one of the four types of bioluminescence that live on the South Coast. The others include fireflies, glow worms (native only to Australia and New Zealand) and ghost mushrooms. “This region has the perfect ecosystem for bioluminescence,” says David. “From where I live in Kiama I’m only a short drive away from all four forms. I can see sea sparkles in Kiama Harbour, a glow worm colony in Helensburgh, fireflies at Macquarie Pass and ghost fungi in Kiama front yards. We have amazing access to these things right here, but it can be quite difficult sometimes for people to find them, to know what they're looking at.” Fireflies at Cascade Falls, Macquarie PassDavid has been chasing things that light up in the night for so many years that he has all the tips and tricks needed to spot them, and he’s more than happy to share his knowledge.Last year he offered firefly tours at the base of Macquarie Pass and was blown away by the community’s response, with thousands of people expressing an interest. David’s idea for a “free walk and talk to educate people about fireflies and the environment” became a fully-fledged business venture requiring a National Parks eco pass and public liability insurance. He also had to limit group numbers to protect the environment and sessions booked out almost as quickly as a Taylor Swift concert. David quickly realised that “people want to experience these things for themselves, there is an interest out there”.“The more people that you can teach how to enjoy being in nature, while also preserving it, the better we all are,” says David who widely shares information and images of spectacular events like watching fireflies, glow worms, bioluminesce and ghost fungi on his Instagram page. Next year, if conditions are favourable, David is looking to offer Ghostbusting tours where people can sign up to join him on a guided ghost fungi tour.Ghost mushrooms glow in the darkIn the meantime you can follow David’s Instagram page @davefinlaydigital and stay updated with Bioluminescence Australia to see all the best that Mother Nature has to offer.

Motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian safety were key priorities with the recent speed reductions along Jamberoo Road and Riverside Drive, effective late September. They are crucial considerations, however, wildlife safety hasn’t been a part of the speed zoning discussion for a long time, says Dr. Colin Salter from the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, or WIRES.Dr. Salter believes the research into reduced speed limits and human safety, which translates to wildlife safety, has been done, it’s about getting the government on board. “The work has been done to inform the public and build up the social licence to make it an acceptable decision from government.”Riverside Drive in Minnamurra has adopted a 60 km/h limit, lowered from 80 km/h between Fig Hill Lane and Federal Street, a decision made by Transport for NSW. Last week, a WIRES volunteer responded to an incident on Riverside Drive, where a mother duck was hit by a car, her ducklings unharmed. On social media, residents commented on the incident, calling for others to exercise caution when driving, especially with spring bringing increased animal activity. Research collated by the Department of Planning, Industry & Environment shows the likelihood of a vehicle colliding with an animal increased with vehicle speeds over 60 km/h due to slower driver reaction time. The report noted that even small reductions in vehicle speeds can reduce the incidence of wildlife vehicle strikes. In September, Minister for Roads, John Graham, raised the issue in Parliament, asking for wildlife to be factored into speed zoning decisions in the state. A decision that has yet to come into effect. “There is an implicit recognition that the community cares about wildlife and wildlife needs to be considered in speed determinations,” Dr. Salter said. Speed reductions along Jamberoo Road and Riverside Drive whilst welcomed by the animal rescue and rehabilitation group as it will inadvertently benefit wildlife, still “had a focus on pedestrians and cyclists.”Dusk and dawn are peak times for macropods like kangaroos and wallabies, with one in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death involving a vehicle hitting an animal. Concerns about wildlife safety along Jamberoo Mountain Road have been raised before. The road was closed for over a year due to storm damage and animals ‘moved in’ due to the lack of traffic. Locals took it upon themselves to paint their own signs, urging drivers to slow down once the road reopened.State MP Gareth Ward initiated a petition to reverse the changes based on constituent feedback. Ward argues that lowering the speed limit won’t deter reckless drivers, advocating instead for road maintenance and increased police presence to enhance safety.He says his involvement in highway upgrades, including Albion Park to Berry and Gerringong included plans to reduce impacts on native wildlife.“As a result of my advocacy, these projects included everything from shelter boxes to animal crossings, not to mention a very significant investment in rebuilding native habitat.”Key concerns from residents who oppose the speed reduction include travel times, congestion and concerns that the new limits will increase locals being fined. Ward has stated the speed limit will not reduce wildlife and road accidents. “Any loss of native wildlife is tragic; however lowering the speed limit from 80 to 60 will not change any impact on native animal welfare as a result of road trauma.”You can share your concerns about speed limits by using the Transport for NSW Have Your Say feedback form.

Landcare Illawarra will host the 2024 Picnic for Nature at Bombo Headland on October 19, aiming to educate the community about their vital restoration efforts in this local hotspot.The day will include a beautiful picnic lunch, an optional swim or snorkel at Boneyard and a guided walk from Bombo Headland Landcare group member, and horticulturist, Carl Glaister with founding member Bob King.“We’ll share the history of our sites, showcase various paintings created by high school students over the years, and discuss the 38 years of work we’ve dedicated to restoring Bombo Headland,” says Glaister.Participants in the walk will also be invited to take part in the famous Aussie Bird Count. Glaister highlights the resurgence of birdlife and other wildlife at the headland since restoration began.“It’s incredible how many birds have started to use and live on the headland since we started restoring. On top of this, just yesterday we saw a long neck turtle on site which is amazing. There are also swamp wallabies and sea eagles and ospreys that regularly hunt and perch in the trees on site, not to mention all the reptiles,” says Glaister.“We want people to enjoy the sight and to see how you can transform a barren quarried headland into something that is really rich in life again.”Glaister emphasises the importance of community engagement with the land’s history. “It is first of all First Nations land. Europeans came along and really degraded the headland to extract the basalt and blue metal,” says Glaister.“To realise the history of that is important - how we’ve changed and degraded the landscape and how in more recent times we’ve really been trying to restore it. And if you don’t know the history of a place, then you won’t know how important it is to get involved in doing things like land and bush care.”The event is open to all, you can register on the website, with the walk starting at 12pm from Boneyard Beach and lasting until 4pm.“It’s one of the most beautiful places we have in Kiama. It’s a public space where you’ve got the most beautiful ocean bay and forest coming right to the edge of the water. There’s really no other headland like it. So, it’s just going to be a lovely day,” says Glaister.If you can’t make it, but want to get involved, reach out to Kiama Council or Landcare Illawarra.

Grant applications are open for landcare and community groups to apply for funding to plant 75,000 native trees and shrubs in urban and peri-urban areas across Australia.Grants range from $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 (ex-GST) to support the program. The Bupa Landcare Grants Program is open to a wide range of community organisations and groups to plant native shrubs and trees in their region. Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish says the program has a range of positive benefits for those who get involved. “This funding will not only encourage people to get outdoors and engage with their local environment for their own wellbeing but also contribute significantly to the health of their local environment by improving biodiversity, native habitat and landscape restoration.”You can submit an application and view more information about the initiative via the Landcare website. Applications close September 30, 2024.

Landcare Week is celebrated during the first week of August and this year, for its 35th anniversary, Landcare Australia is launching a new $300,000 Community Grants program. The initiative aims to support grassroots environmental projects by providing grants that range from $5,000 to $20,000 to local landcare groups and community-led environmental groups across Australia. The grants will help to fund a variety of activities, including habitat restoration, educational workshops, and pest management. This program reflects Landcare Australia’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and strengthening community engagement in environmental conservation.Former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke founded Landcare Australia 35 years ago to address environmental challenges through community action, declaring the ‘Decade of Landcare’. The initiative brought together conservationists and farmers together to resolve environmental issues. CEO of Landcare Australia, Dr Shane Norrish, states the new grant program was made possible by generous contributions from the organisation’s supporters and donations. “Landcare connects people to their local community, and this grants program aims to help support groups to encourage volunteers to get involved so they can experience caring for the environment in their community in a group where everyone is welcome and their contribution counts,” says Norrish. Landcare remains just as relevant today as it did 35 years ago, continuing its mission to protect and enhance our natural environment and productive landscapes.For more information or to apply for a grant, visit Landcare Australia’s website. The deadline for applications is Friday 20 September, 2024. 

Authorities are reminding South Coast residents not to attempt caring for injured, sick, or orphaned native animals themselves. Instead, it is crucial to pass on the responsibility to the professionals to ensure the animal is given the correct medical treatment by a vet or qualified carer. Winter often causes an increase in incidents of wildlife road accidents, particularly involving wombats and kangaroos, it is critical these animals receive proper medical care. According to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) and WIRES, native animals have specific dietary and care needs that only trained professionals know how to meet. Attempts to rescue them can often worsen their condition. Though, these organisations acknowledge that people often have the best intentions in rescuing wildlife, attempting to do so without the correct information and expertise can often cause more harm than good. Only licensed wildlife carers or registered veterinarians can legally rehabilitate native animals under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.WIRES CEO, Leanne Taylor, emphasises the risks of incorrect care leading to poor outcomes for wildlife saying, “the best way for the community to help a native animal in need of human intervention is to contact their nearest wildlife rescue group or WIRES for advice and if needed, a trained and authorised wildlife carer can attend.” Residents encountering injured wildlife are urged to contact local wildlife groups, a veterinarian, or WIRES Rescue Office at 1300 094 737 for any assistance. Prompt intervention by trained carers ensures animals receive proper treatment and are prepared for eventual release back into the wild. For more information on how to respond to encounters with sick, injured or orphaned native animals, visit the NSW Government website. By seeking professional help promptly, the community can effectively support the well-being and conservation of native wildlife during the winter season.

The Kiama community are eagerly preparing to participate in the year’s National Tree Day, a celebrated annual event that encourages community members to come together for environmental conservation. This year National Tree Day is on 28 July. Established in 1966, National Tree Day has since grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care initiative. More than 5 million volunteers have contributed their time and energy to plant more than 27 million native trees, shrubs and grasses. This year, Planet Ark aims to plant a million new trees across the country, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity and environmental control while strengthening community bonds through hands-on participation. Key themes for this year’s event include ‘planting hope’, to encourage engagement with nature and to inspire younger generations to work toward a more sustainable future amidst climate challenges. Additionally, the event will address the urgent need to protect threatened plant species, which constitutes over 70% of Australia’s endangered species. Local schools, councils, community groups and residents are encouraged to participate, National Tree Day for schools will be undertaken on 26 July. For any unable to lend a hand in person, donating to The Seedling Bank supports environmental projects nationwide, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the event. You can find local planting sites and volunteer opportunities through the National Tree Day website. 

Plastic Free July 2024 will see millions worldwide pledge to refrain from using single-use plastic items. Despite increased awareness, plastic wastage continues to increase. “The problem is worsening, because we are consuming so much more plastic in our products and packaging than ever before,” said Helen Lewis, Chair of Circular Plastics Illawarra. “In 2020-21, Australians generated around 2.6 million tonnes of plastic waste. This is double the amount we generated 20 years ago. Only 14 percent was recycled.”Lewis said that a major source of plastic pollution in the Illawarra region results from thoughtless disposal of items such as plastic bags, packaging and cigarette butts. These items can break down into smaller pieces and litter beaches, oceans and other waterways. “They are extremely hazardous to birds and marine life, which consume or get entangled in plastics. Fishing nets and fishing lines are another source of plastics that can be extremely hazardous in the marine environment.”Lewis suggests some easy changes to reduce plastic use and pollution in our daily lives :Bring a reusable cup for takeaway coffee Take a reusable water bottle out and aboutAsk your local grocers if you can bring your own containerAlways have reusable shopping bags on hand Buy fruit and vegetables as loose items (not pre-packaged)Place food waste directly into your green bin (no need for a compostable plastic bag)Place residual waste directly into your red bin (no need for a plastic rubbish bag)Check out your local council website to discover what can be recycled in your yellow binLook for businesses that sell reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.“Apart from changing your own habits, think about becoming more actively involved in community efforts to reduce plastics – for example, by volunteering at a food coop, picking up litter or joining a group of like-minded people such as Circular Plastics Illawarra,” encourages Lewis. “We’re working with our local councils, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), recyclers and others to try to provide more opportunities for locals to recycle materials like soft plastics.”To join Circular Plastics Illawarra in their mission to eliminate unnecessary plastics, visit: www.circularplasticsillawarra.org/join-our-community. For more plastic-free tips, check out: www.plasticfreejuly.org.

Illawarra Birders, a thriving birdwatching club with over 120 members, has recently been awarded a Community Grant from Energy Australia. The grant has enabled the purchase of four Wildlife Observation Kits, designed to enhance the experience at the community events hosted or attended by the club.Each kit contains a high-quality pair of binoculars and a comprehensive Australian Birds field guide, neatly packaged in a durable shoulder bag. These tools are essential for both novice and experienced birdwatchers, providing the means to better observe and identify the rich birdlife of the Illawarra region.Throughout the year, Illawarra Birders hosts a wide array of small community events, including their long-established monthly walk at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. These walks, along with the club's regular meetings, have become immensely popular among local residents eager to learn more about the area's avian inhabitants. Nearly a thousand people participate in these events annually.The introduction of the Wildlife Observation Kits addresses a common challenge faced by attendees: the lack of adequate birdwatching equipment. With the kits, participants can now enjoy a more fulfilling and educational birdwatching experience.David Wilson, Acting Head of Community Engagement at Energy Australia, expressed his support, stating, “Energy Australia is proud to be able to support the Illawarra community through the Tallawarra Community Grants program. We are pleased to support the Illawarra Birders in their efforts to improve awareness and understanding of our local fauna, including on the Tallawarra Lands.”Ralph Stadus, President of Illawarra Birders, also shared his gratitude: “We are grateful for Energy Australia’s support with this program. We look forward to sharing our knowledge with community groups and members. These Wildlife Observation Kits will greatly assist visitors in observing wildlife at our events. Our program of walks and meetings is on our website, and we welcome interested visitors.”With the support from Energy Australia, Illawarra Birders continues to foster a deeper connection between the community and the natural world, inspiring a new generation of bird enthusiasts.

By Jody Langlois, Committee Member of marine rescue organisation ORRCAWhale season has arrived in our beautiful region, with thousands of humpback whales migrating to warmer waters along the renowned whale highway. As these magnificent creatures grace our shores, it’s a timely reminder for the community to adhere to the rules designed to protect them. Key regulations to be aware of include: Drone Restrictions: Drones, also known as RPAs and UAVs, must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from whales and are prohibited from approaching them head-on. Vessel Clearances: All vessels, whether motorised or non-motorised, including boats, jet skis, kayaks, and surfboards, must keep a 100-metre clearance from whales. Special Provisions for Calves: Vessels must maintain a 300-metre distance from whales accompanied by calves, ensuring these vulnerable pairs have ample space. Swimmer Distances: If you are in the water, you must keep at least 100 metres away from whales.These laws, enforceable by authorities, are crucial for the protection of marine mammals. The public is urged to comply to ensure the safety and preservation of these creatures. ORRCA, a volunteer-run, non-profit charitable organisation, is dedicated to the rescue, research, conservation, and protection of whales, dolphins, seals, and dugongs in Australian waters. By following these guidelines, our community can help ensure a safe and respectful environment for the whales during their migration. Let’s work together to protect these incredible marine animals and enjoy the wonder of their presence in our waters. I’m thrilled for whale season this year. With the waters now a bit too chilly for snorkelling, I spend all my free time at Bass Point, camera in hand, eagerly waiting to capture the perfect shot. I can’t wait to share the magnificence of these incredible creatures with everyone.Jody Langlois is an ORRCA Committee Member and an Illawarra local. For any concerns, entanglements, or strandings involving marine mammals, the ORRCA hotline is available 24/7 at 02 9415 3333. The Kiama Bugle is closely following the massive controversy over Federal Government proposals to place wind farms off the Illawarra coast, directly in the path of the annual whale migration.To learn more see our long form essay Politics, Profit and a Whale of a Dilemma by John Stapleton on our website. As our diligent readers have pointed out, the opposite view, that the wind farms will not harm the whales, is being pursued by Greenpeace. See their website.

Gerringong native Scott Gutterson had been tracking Roxy the octopus for some time. Then, in late March, his mum came over for a visit from Western Australia, and they went down to the Kiama Rockpool. Gutterson and his daughter were taking photos underwater, when he saw her in the little hole where she would stay her whole life.“That’s why I named her Roxy, it seemed like an appropriate name for an octopus in a rock pool,” he recalls. Little did Gutterson, who’s an Emergency Medical Services captain by profession, know that he would come to have the most amazing experience with this creature of the sea.The bluest of bluesA fully grown octopus tetricus, more commonly known as the “gloomy octopus,” Roxy measured one to two metres across, from tentacle to tentacle. (Each tentacle was 45-60 centimetres long.) Octopuses, which belong to the cephalopods, have the ability to change both the pattern and colour of their skin.Gutterson recalls going into the rock pool one night, seeing this intense blue ring around her eye and simply being in awe. “It was captivating,” he says.Popping in for a visit every other day, he’s not entirely sure how he discovered that tapping on a rock nearby would catch Roxy’s attention.“They [octopi] are curious and highly intelligent. With their tentacles, they can taste, touch and smell,” explains Gutterson.“She would wrap one tentacle and then another around my two fingers, and pull. I would gently squeeze them.”Gradually, the octopus became more and more comfortable with him.“Obviously, she thought ‘I recognise this guy. The one with the beard. I’ve spent some time with him and he’s not a threat.’ ”Gutterson encouraged his wife Kellie, who’s also a diver, to go down in the rock pool and interact with Roxy. But the octopus, too shy, wouldn’t come out of her hole.Becoming a mumInitially though, Gutterson didn’t realise that Roxy was pregnant until he noticed white pieces of string, “literally white strings hanging behind her.”He observed her looking after her eggs, and after having them, she never left her home.“She always kept a tentacle attached to the roof or one body part left in the hole,” he says.Roxy was now a mum, looking after her kids. But it wasn’t all swell in the rock pool. A blue-ringed octopus, known to be venomous, had been spotted, sitting on top of one of the ladders. A post about the visitor on the Kiama Community Facebook page caused quite the stir.“They wanted to drain the rock pool. If they did, it would have killed Roxy and her babies,” says Gutterson. He admits actually going looking for it, only to take a photo - not to interact with, he’s quick to point out. In his experience, these very small octopi, ten centimetres across at best, tend to shy away from people. “Boom – and they’re out of there,” Gutterson says.The Roxy movementEvery day, Gutterson swims with the Werri Point Swimmers, south of Gerringong, and spotting octopi has become something of a thing. He refers to it as, “the Roxy syndrome or the Roxy movement.”Just the other day, he says with a laugh, “a friend of mine said, ‘can we go looking for octopus?’ “ Because, as it turns out, there’s plenty of them around. Gutterson says that the natural rock pools provide a safe environment for them.An octopus they’ve nicknamed “Thorpe,” because of the speed with which it moves, saw Gutterson and his friend on the other side of the pool.“It travelled 60 metres across, and through all this weed, to say ‘G’day!’ “ he says, impressed. “That’s what I love about them, they’ll come out and have an interaction.”Because although Roxy sadly is no longer around, adult octopi generally only live two to three more weeks after laying their eggs, her legacy in and around the local rock pools where much lives on.

Australia's less glamorous animals, often referred to as “uncuddlies” like reptiles, fish, and insects, are driving a rapid increase in the number of threatened species. This World Environment Day - 5 June - Australians are encouraged to show these often-overlooked creatures some much-needed love and attention.The latest Australia en Danger report from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), in collaboration with public affairs analysts Provocate®, highlights the critical need for action. CVA Executive Manager of Policy and Government Relations, Stephen McDonald, emphasised that threatened “uncuddlies” have grown at twice the average rate of threatened animals overall, increasing by 16% in just the past two years."Critically endangered reptiles and fish, which are on the brink of extinction, have seen alarming increases of 136% and 178%, respectively, since the Albanese Government launched its Federal Threatened Species Action Plan," Mr McDonald stated.Politicians often use charismatic animals like koalas to make a point on days like World Environment Day. However, while it may not be desirable - or safe - to cuddle a snake, skink, or snail, these findings show that Australia’s threatened "uncuddlies" urgently need support and protection. This is especially crucial in urban areas, where nearly half of the threatened species now reside. Simple actions, such as creating a one-by-one meter habitat in your backyard or balcony, can make a significant difference.Mr McDonald stressed that widespread community action is vital to prevent these species from disappearing entirely. He urged Australians to visit Conservation Volunteers Australia to sign up for nature repair and resilience events, download CVA’s community app, or make a donation."Australia has lost tens of thousands of conservation volunteers and tens of millions of dollars in Federal funding over the same period that our threatened species numbers have skyrocketed," said Mr McDonald. "This includes the Albanese Government's decision to cut the nation's mud army for wildlife and their habitats, despite many of these threatened species being affected by the Black Summer Bushfires."Alarming Statistics Since the Albanese Government's Threatened Species Action Plan (October 2022):Threatened reptiles (+35%; +23 species), fish (+30%; +19 species), and invertebrates (+39%; +28 species) have all grown at twice the average net increase in threatened animal species overall (+16%; +92 species).These increases are 26, 13, and 9 times higher, respectively, than the average growth under the previous Coalition government's nine years in office.In contrast, there has been a 0% increase in mammals, a 9% increase in birds, and a 14% increase in other species.Critically endangered fish and reptiles have seen near tripling (+178%) and more than doubling (+136%) of their numbers, compared to a 46% overall increase in critically-endangered species.Despite these severe increases, there has been no rise in the number of 'priority' threatened species classifications under the Threatened Species Action Plan, which are crucial for accessing government grants.Out of the 110 'priority' species in the current Action Plan, only 11 are reptiles, 11 are invertebrates, and 9 are fish.The Federal Government’s 2024-25 Budget did not include any new plans or 'Saving Native Species' funding and confirmed that the $90 million Landcare Rangers election commitment has been quietly shelved.The Albanese Government has also discontinued the nation's marine litter and environmental disaster volunteering programs, previously managed by CVA, which had over 25,000 volunteers, with no replacements in place.Proposed reforms to conservation laws have also been shelved by the Albanese Government.This World Environment Day let’s remember that every species, no matter how "uncuddly," plays a vital role in our ecosystem. By acting now, we can help ensure their survival for future generations.

The whale watching season has begun, a ripple of excitement moving up the coast as enthusiasts perch on headlands and promontories to watch and record one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.The migration up and down the East Coast of Australia extends from May to November as the behemoths travel up from the Antarctic to their breeding grounds off the Queensland coast, and then follow a similar route back with their new born calves.The hunting of whales began almost immediately after the European settlement. The export of whale oil was a major export industry during the 1800s, slowly dwindling in the 1900s as humpbacks were hunted almost to the edge of extinction. After years of impassioned activism by environmentalists, their killing was outlawed in Australia in 1978. Their numbers were variously estimated to have crashed to as low as 250 individuals, and have now dramatically recovered, with current estimates placing their population at around 40,000. They are believed to be increasing in number by about 10 percent each year.At up to 10,000 kilometres, the whale migration route is one of the longest animal migrations in the world. Having evolved from land mammals that lived in warm salty waters about 55 million years ago, their migration patterns developed to such a length as the animals became separated from their seasonal food sources.Manager of cruise operators Shellharbour Wild and Jervis Bay Wild, Bethany Vidler, said their tours have just begun. Tour groups mainly operate out of Jervis Bay, while most of the clientele out of Shellharbour are locals. “I think the fascination is just the pure size of the whales, and the breaches, and spy hop, where they poke their heads out of the water basically to look around, what they can do for the pure size of them.” “Especially on the long weekends, we get a lot of people from Canberra and Sydney come down to see the whales.” “They follow currents. If the currents are close into shore, they come in.”These majestic, ancient, highly intelligent animals, the subject of myth and legend across multiple human cultures, provoke both deep affection and awe in the Australian public. There are those who think they can hear them in their dreams, as these giant animals, believed to be some of the most intelligent on Earth, pass us by.  Keen whale watchers, cameras in hand, have already begun appearing at various viewing sites, including at the Kiama Blowhole, Minnamurra, Bass Point, Bushrangers Bay and Bald Hill at Stanwell Tops. Anthony Crampton, 76, a retired fisherman known as a “whale tragic” and highly respected amongst the whale watching community, has been out on the headlands photographing the whales virtually every day during the season since 2011.He says he is at a loss to explain his obsession. “They are just magical,” he says. “It is their effort to survive. There’s thousands of people right up the coast watching for them, all crazies like me.” “There have been sightings over the last three weeks, just one or two, but it wasn’t until a few days ago they fired up in real numbers. I sight them here, and it alerts people further north if I post the pictures and they can work out when they are going to see them.”“All the whale watchers, I would love to say, are all nutters. We are looking at something so special. It is a class of its own. Enjoy it while you can.”Keen whale watchers, cameras in hand, have already begun appearing at various viewing sites. Photo credit: Anthony Crampton.This year, the much-loved whales face their most serious threat since the suspension of hunting. The proposal to put hundreds of wind turbines off the South Coast has provoked furious controversy, and widespread concern about the future of the whale migration.Despite thousands of hostile submissions from residents, an official declaration from the Albanese government of the South Coast as a designated Offshore Wind Zone is expected any day now, the next step in the process. Last August, at an Illawarra Clean Energy Summit, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced a formal public consultation period on the proposed Illawarra Offshore Wind Zone, an area covering 1461 square kilometres.“Australia is the world's largest island, without any offshore wind,” he said. “We lag the rest of the world, which has been developing this industry for years. This is something our Government has been working fast to fix.” “Offshore wind can help with energy security and resilience due to its power capacity and availability at times when solar power and onshore wind are not available. How we transition is vital, bringing people together and bringing them along on this journey.”What followed was a public relations disaster, and Bowen made far more enemies than friends. The government held information sessions, so-called “community drop-ins,” from Bulli down to Wollongong, Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Kiama and Gerringong. The sessions did little but stir hostility. Residents, expecting to attend town hall-style meetings, were instead given a bureaucratic brushoff. Consultation was in name only. Being handed leaflets by public servants provoked a visceral response from many people concerned about the destruction of their coastline.  As part of the community resistance, in a feat of local organisation, a number of intense and well-attended protest meetings were held.Here are some random comments from those meetings to illustrate the mood:“I have voted Labor for 45 years. I will never vote for them again.”“They are already putting out tenders. How disgusting is that! If we stand together we can really make a difference.”“No one knows about it. We have spoken to neighbours and friends, they had no idea.”“Everyone loves to see the whales. I was out there fishing, and one came right up next to me. This is the peak of the whale migration off the coast. We see them all the time.”“People have not been consulted. All the locals were expecting an open forum, a presentation and an opportunity to ask questions, none of which has happened. There are a lot of concerns about the marine life, and that no studies or research have been done.”“The government has no intention of listening to anyone.”A humpback's back flip caught on camera. Photo credit: Anthony Crampton.As part of the community resistance, a number of Facebook groups were established, including No Offshore Wind Farms Illawarra, which has 8,400 members, No Offshore Wind Farms for the Illawarra, which has 4,700 members and the Coalition Against Offshore Wind Community Forum, which has 2,600 members. Quizzed on when an announcement of the Illawarra as a so-called Offshore Wind Zone, a spokesperson for Chris Bowen said the Minister was currently considering all submissions for the Illawarra offshore wind zone.“Based on feedback from the submissions, the Minister can decide to declare all or some of the proposed zone. Before declaring an offshore zone, the Minister will balance the views of local communities and industries, including co-existence with existing marine users and interaction with the environment, as well the future energy security, supply for heavy industry, and job opportunities for the Illawarra region.”Minister Chris Bowen and other officials have consistently reassured the public that wind turbines do not pose a threat to whales, emphasising that these intelligent animals will simply swim around them. This sentiment has been echoed by both Labor and the Greens.Bowen has previously declared: “Whales are smart animals. They can navigate around oil rigs, gas rigs, cargo ships, cruise ships, offshore wind turbines.” Few people are convinced.Anthony Crampton, for one, doesn’t believe for a second government assurances that wind turbines won’t hurt the whales. He thinks it a travesty that taxpayers money is being directed towards foreign corporations who, as he puts it, are bent on destroying Australia’s marine ecology. Around 300 wind turbines are proposed, each a height of some 260 metres.“I would say to the government, pull your heads in, leave the whales alone,” he says. “There are many people around here just as fanatical as I am about looking after these creatures.”“I am dead set anti-wind farm. They say they’re not going to hurt the whales, but I firmly believe the noise they make will harm them.” “So much money has been poured into protecting these things, and now they are going to put things out there in the ocean that are going to destroy them. I haven’t heard anyone saying they are going to be a good thing.”The controversy is by no means limited to the Illawarra and the South Coast but has spread up and down the East Coast.In March, Bowen announced the declaration of the so-called Offshore Wind Zone for the Southern Ocean region of Victoria, an area stretching from the Limestone Coast down to Warrnambool, but the area proposed was cut by 80 percent after massive community opposition.Equally, on the other side of the country, at Geographe Bay in Western Australia, there are protests and disbelief at the proposal to install wind farms in the middle of a whale migration route.Back in NSW, the protests have been just as vigorous up and down the coast as they have been in the Illawarra. Frank Future, a whale watch operator working out of Port Stephens, said: “We don’t like the wind farms. Most whale watch operators are opposed. It’s a huge part of our industry.” “This is a fishing and tourist community. At least 70 percent of the adult population of Port Stephens are opposed. We are all together in this, we oppose it.”“The government had already declared the zone before the consultation. They weren’t very consultative. They didn't come to this community. You think of Labor as more consultative, but not at all.”“To see such a huge creature is a wonderful sight, and it’s only in the last few years we have had the opportunity to see them. There aren’t many good news stories in the environment. Considering they are all born in Australian waters, we have a right to love them and look after them.”Spokesman for Responsible Future Illawarra, Alex O’Bren, said there was growing concern within the community about the potential impact of the proposed Illawarra wind farm on these majestic creatures. “With Minister Bowen expected to announce the wind farm zone soon, the future of many whale seasons, cherished by both the local community and First Nations people for generations, hangs in the balance.”“We must take these concerns seriously. If politicians continue to dismiss the real impact on marine life and whales as misinformation we risk a catastrophic situation here in the Illawarra.”“If we do not heed the warnings of lifelong whale protectors and learn from international experiences, this could be one of the last whale migration seasons that the Illawarra gets to enjoy. “We have fought tirelessly for the recovery of whale populations and cannot allow a ‘renewables at any cost’-mentality to prevail. As a community that is a custodian for these magnificent creatures, we must ask questions and demand the highest level of environmental studies and one that is independent and not controlled or funded by profit making developers.”Approximately 40,000 whales and their calves that migrate through this pathway each year. Photo credit: Anthony Crampton.Significant concerns have been raised by both Sea Shepherd Australia, a name synonymous with the welfare of whales, along with Paul Watson, one of the co-founders of Greenpeace, in company with activists up and down both the East and West Coast of Australia. In their submission to the government, Sea Shepherd Australia called for more thorough research into the risks turbines pose to marine life and stressed the need for stricter regulations on developers before any turbines are approved.The submission underscored significant risks to critically endangered and other species, citing concerns such as unplanned spills, pollution events, pile driving, cable laying, artificial lighting, underwater noise, vibration, vessel strikes, blade strikes, and electromagnetic fields. Notably, a quarter of the submission focused on the risk of entanglement for the approximately 40,000 whales and their calves that migrate through this pathway each year. Entanglement risk is a major concern due to the kilometres of cables needed to anchor the massive turbines. Their report read: “On an assumption of floating wind turbines with catenary mooring lines being the preferred installation method in the Illawarra, there is likely to be a considerable network of lengthy underwater cables and lines and there is no research about what might happen to whales that might encounter this network, or their behaviour to seek to avoid this structure in their path. “The need for research about this is urgent particularly as floating technology has not yet been deployed anywhere else in the world at commercial scale.”“We don’t know how a whale population of this size is likely to fare when passing through or around this cluster of mooring lines together with the cables to floating sub-stations, and to shore that will carry the energy created by the turbines. It has been suggested by some academics that whales will be able to navigate successfully through or around these cables and lines but there is no precedent elsewhere in the world for this number of whales passing this number of lines at these depths.”Other groups have also expressed concern. The Organisation for the Rescue & Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) have been monitoring marine mammals along the East Coast of Australia for more than 30 years. Vice-President Jessica Fox said it is imperative marine mammals are included in any environmental impact assessments as part of any feasibility studies with relation to the wind farm project. “The proposed location is a migratory route for many species including the blue whale and the southern right whale, both of which are endangered species,” she said. “Any future developments on the ocean need to have more evidence about potential impacts.”She said as the whale watching season began there was already significant concern over the number of boats and drones “getting way too close” to the whales.There is a 100 metre exclusion zone for boats and drones, with that being extended to 300 metres for any whales with calves. She also urged anyone with concerns for the welfare of any marine animals to contact ORRCA, which operates a 24 hour hotline. Whales are uniquely sensitive to sound, which travels further through water than it does through air. In April, after the mass stranding of pilot whales in Western Australia, the Smithsonian Institute, one of the world’s leading scientific bodies, noted that “human-made noises at sea can disturb whales’ ability to navigate”.Numerous studies, including by the US military, have found that whale beaching can be directly connected to human noise, be it from ships, submarines or recreational craft.One thing everyone knows about wind turbines, not only are they just plain ugly, they create a lot of noise. “Whales live in a soundscape of fear, listening is as important to them as vision is to humans,” says Patrick Miller, a marine biologist at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a joint author of research on why, when naval ships and other sea vessels use sonar, many whale species flee for their lives; some even stranding themselves on beaches in a desperate attempt to escape.Scientists now believe loud sounds trigger the same fear response as when the animals hear calls emitted by their most terrifying predator: killer whales.To hear unusual or loud human noises, such as sonar, triggers the same defensive reaction, Miller explains: “The whales aren’t confusing sonar with killer whale sounds,” he stresses. The cetaceans flee from sonar “likely because it is loud.” “They perceive it as a general threat, and that triggers their decision to escape. In time, susceptible cetacean species may learn that they don’t need to flee from sonar, but “they don’t have time to evolve,” Miller says. “All they know is ‘that sonar might eat me.’ And in their race to get away, they end up on a beach.”You can bet if whales do start beaching themselves as a result of the noise from wind farms, both during their construction and their ongoing operation, no one in the Australian government will put up their hand to take responsibility.Meanwhile, outrage in the community continues to mount as more and more people become aware of the broader issues surrounding wind farms and the extreme manipulation of the debate through various media outlets and government funded academics.  Mark Fox, an enthusiastic local photographer at this time of year, is even more entranced by the area’s natural beauty than usual when schools of dolphins and humpback whales pass close to shore. “It sickens me to the core that they would destroy the pristine, picturesque coast line with an industrial eyesore development stretching further than the eye can see.” “Wind farms are known to be an obstruction and danger for migratory whales. This will be an environmental, economic and tourism disaster for the region.”He speaks for many.As with everything to do with climate change, there are many billions of dollars involved, both in terms of money to be made by private corporations and taxpayer funds channelled into supporting the renewable push.Politics, profit and passion all tied up together. It is a putrid mix. For the government it is a whale of a dilemma. Make no mistake, wind farms are highly political. The potential destruction of the migration routes of Australia’s whales may well destroy Labor’s environmental credentials and come to be seen as a significant breach of public trust. The next election must be held during or before 2025. The Conservatives, recovering from an historical defeat in 2022, can already scent blood in the water.Opposition leader Peter Dutton visited Port Stephens twice last October to push against the Hunter Offshore Wind proposals, suggesting that the government had no idea what it was doing.“It’s very clear to me this is fast growing into a national scandal,” he said. “I don’t believe the government has done the necessary work. They haven’t undertaken the environmental impact statements that need to be carried out in any other like development onshore. The rising level of anger is something that Australians really should take note of.”Kiama Member of Parliament, Gareth Ward, is of a similar sentiment. "The proposed Federal Government zone for offshore wind would be smack-bang in the path of endangered species such as whales and birds. This impact needs to be understood and we shouldn’t risk the future of critically endangered species without further serious evidence and proper analysis." "I believe we need to reduce our emissions which provide for cleaner air, cleaner water, and a more sustainable environment. We do not inherit this planet from our parents, we borrow it from our children.""My chief concern with the Federal Government’s proposed wind factory off our coast is the lack of information, particularly when it comes to our environment," he said. "The government should be transparent and accountable about environmental impacts alongside the zoning process; environmental impacts should not be an afterthought."Controversy aside, this is a special time. Whale watching websites, most particularly the Shellharbour Whale and Wildlife Spotting group on Facebook, have lit up with remarkable images, including spectacular drone footage of whales swimming with schools of dolphins.There are no reliable statistics, but it is estimated that more than 1.5 million Australians will go whale watching this season. We are all flecks in the great torrent of life, and for most of us all we can do is the best by the day. So why not go down to the shore and join Australia’s armada of whale watchers? If nothing else, these majestic animals stir the mystic in us all.

Kiama’s eagerly anticipated Spring Garden Competition 2024 launched earlier this month. This year the competition categories promise to showcase a wide range of gardening talents and design ideas. Entrants will compete in the following categories: Garden over 1000 square metres - can include whole or part Garden under 1000 square metres - can include whole or partPredominantly native garden - whole or part of a garden with significant portion of Australian nativesCourtyard, balcony or indoor garden - referring to a garden almost enclosed by walls, fences, hedging or buildingsSenior living complex garden - Can include retirement villages and nursing homesEdible garden - can be vegetable gardens, culinary herb gardens, bush tucker gardens, or a combination of these with an element of sustainability and eco creation such as worm farms or composting, etc. Children’s garden - Created or cared for by a child or group of children. This can include childcare centres, school gardens or just a family backyard.These categories allow all types of gardens, big or small, traditional or innovative to have their moment to shine in the competition. Entries for the Spring Garden Competition 2024 are open until Friday 20 September. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this flourishing community event. Join in celebrating nature’s beauty and the shared passion for gardening in the Kiama community. Good luck entrants! Check out last years winners here: https://thebuglenewspaper.com.au/NewsStory/spring-has-sprung-garden-competition-winners-announced/653eeda0155f700028b859d6#topFor more information you can email [email protected] follow the Club on Facebook go here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kiama-Garden-Club-Inc-100066376278429