TBPA Environment Subcommittee Report – July/August 2020

TBPA Environment Subcommittee

A summary of subcommittee activities and related news since the July TBPA meeting.

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Another round of planting took place at the northern end of Thompson Beach along the northern walking trail area on Tuesday, July 21. Approximately 270 seedlings were planted during the 3 hour activity by Coastal Conversation Officer Warrick Barnes and Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS) volunteers. Thanks to all involved. A news item was posted on the TBPA web site

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A few of the previously planted seedlings and tree guards near the southern barrier area at the northern end were damaged during the period, but it’s not clear who or what the culprits were.

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There has been some illegal dirt bike activity along the northern walking trail during the period. In one incident, three dirt bikes caused some vegetation damage. Police and NPWS called.

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Late on the 24th of July or early 25th, an unknown party plowed into the dune conservation zone on The Esplanade. The damage started around 270m north of the Ruskin turnoff – they’ve entered at one point and exited at another. There was also some damage on the opposite side of the road and on Ruskin. APC’s Coastal Conservation Officer was notified.

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NPWS and Council have inspected an area in Thompson Beach south where vehicles are accessing areas at the rear of houses, causing damage.

A project is being proposed to implement a cable fence (similar to the one along Ruskin Road) to discourage vehicle access – but also some additional works in the general area including trail ripping, boxthorn control, tree planting and interpretive signage.

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Management of dead vegetation in the coastal coastal conservation zone across Thompson Beach and an increase in rabbit activity at the northern end has been raised with APC’s Coastal Conservation Officer.

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The Park sign on the approach to Thompson Beach on the left hand side of Ruskin Road came adrift – cause unknown. The issue was reported to NPWS and a permanent sign has replaced it.

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