A summary of subcommittee activities and related news since (what would have been) the May TBPA meeting.
An incident not mentioned in the previous report worth noting – on the 17th of May, the NPWS sign on the northern side of the crossing was damaged by a couple of local teens. These were the same culprits who destroyed a temporary sign/moved rocks at the barrier in July 2019 and have been involved with a couple of other incidents at the northern end. They were warned they are now being closely watched and any further issues will result in NPWS and Police involvement.
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On the 18th of May, a white Hyundai van towing a “Move Yourself” tandem trailer containing multiple dirt bikes and quads was sighted at both the southern and northern ends. It’s understood the bikes/quads were ridden in the southern area. NPWS and Council informed.
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It’s believed the 4WDs involved with damaging the Park entrance barrier on April 5 (prior to the bollard works) were sighted on the evening of May 23, but soon left the area with no damage done.
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Adelaide Plains Council/Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Coastal Conservation Officer Warrick Barnes has organised a revegetation day at Thompson Beach for Sunday 21 June. The planting will occur along the Northern Walking Trail.
Volunteers have been requested for the activity, which will be carried out under relevant COVID-19 safety guidelines, and a notice was published on the TBPA web site. There will be TBPA representation at the event.
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COVID-19 and other issues have seen further progress on feral cat issues being interrupted; but this will be pursued again shortly.
Other Council related issues requiring follow up relate to Council’s decision that dogs must be on a leash when on the beach and potentially signage relating to horse-riding in the town and on the beach.
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The increasing incidence of the potentially problematic release of racing/homing pigeons at Thompson Beach has been flagged with Council and NPWS.
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Generally speaking and based on available information, rubbish levels on the beach continue to be very low and there’s been little in the way of vehicle and camping activity on the beach over the last few weeks. While there appears to have been a bogging incident at the southern end on the long weekend, it’s been some months since any bogging incidents have occurred in the north. Protective works by NPWS and high levels of seagrass on the beach have helped discourage vehicle and camping activities at the northern end.
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The fence at the old quarry (aka Red Hill) was cut again on the 6th or 7th of June. NPWS informed and attended to repairs on the 7th.
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An extra bin has been placed at REC locations to help address issues relating to rubbish overflow and subsequent dispersal by wind and scavengers. Thanks to Adelaide Plains Council for providing the bins.