Blog – Page 23 – Connolly Residents Association Inc.

Carnaby Reserve – Autumn 2019

As the weather has cooled and some rain has fallen, the friends group has commenced its duties clearing the emerging weeds to allow the native vegetation to thrive.

During April, the friends group together with the help of our valued contractor Andrew, prepared areas for direct seeding inside of the fence line bordering the firebreak. Joondalup City Council “Natural Areas Division” assisted on the day by providing tools and specially prepared seed (previously collected from plants located in the reserve) to be sowed in these areas. Good rainfall that evening and the following day was unexpected but was most welcome to settle the soil and give these seeded sites a good start to eventual re-vegetation.

You may have noticed the removal of old fencing and recently erected fence along the Fairway Circle side of the Reserve. The fencing was provided by Joondalup City Council and has resulted in a much stronger (and attractive) alternative to what was there previously. The contractors employed were very sensitive to the area within the reserve and therefore only minimal disturbance was experienced by the surrounding bushland.
Thank you to both Joondalup City Council and the contractors involved.

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding the reserve or if you would like to assist with our bush care duties, please contact us.

Carnaby Reserve

The Reserve, despite the lack of summer showers, is looking healthy. Several Banksia Prionotes (Acorn Banksia) are lighting up an area just north of the kissing gate, and providing nectar for insects, birds and small mammals, then as flowers develop and seeds form, food is created for our own black Carnaby Cockatoo.

The species is named after Sir Joseph Banks, an explorer and botanist who sailed on the Endeavour between 1768-1771. Although his discoveries in Western Australia were not recorded, many Banksia were discovered and sketched in the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

We have five different Banksia in the Reserve, the most abundant being B.Sessilis (above), the parrot bush, which is a low growing prostrate shrub regenerated by seed. B. Menziesii (firewood), B. Attenuata (candlestick) and B. Lindleyana (porcupine), are trees which can grow as tall as 25 meters. They are the ultimate natural food for native wild life, especially in winter when other food types are scarce.

Last year we welcomed two new members to our Friends group. Mitchell and Kaye – thank you. The whole group have appreciated your effort, knowledge and expertise. Our Wednesday afternoon group is now large enough ,but if anyone is interested and can join
us on a Sunday morning (8am), they would be welcome too. Gloves and protective clothing are provided as well as coffee and cake.Add Block

A reminder that all dogs should be on a lead in the Reserve. It is an offence not to pick up after your dog. Poo bags are provided at the kissing gate, Fairway Park and by the Primary school. It would be appreciated if bags are placed in bins and NOT discarded or thrown into bushland.

From the Chair April 2019

It is a pleasure for me to give my first report as 2019 Chairman of the Connolly Residents’ Association.

It will be a hard act to follow taking over from Brian Richardson, who served as Chairman for many years and who has built up tremendous respect in the community and the City of Joondalup. However, we have a Committee that is dedicated to serve, with new ideas as well as being responsive to the thoughts of residents.

We go into a new year following a most successful 2018 which was highlighted by the Community Fete in October and CRA receiving the City of Joondalup Community Citizen of the Year Award-Active Citizenship (Group) 2019. We are financially sound and at the Monthly meeting on 11 March it was reported that financial membership of the CRA was 309, it’s highest level for many years. The Committee is mindful of the membership and efforts will be made to grow the number of members.

Projects for this year include a Fete in October, working with the City of Joondalup in improving park facilities, maintaining infrastructure assets, protecting the flora, which also involves a team that works hard to look after the Carnaby Reserve and being more proactive in managing the concerns of residents’ security and well being. Regarding the Fete, lessons were learnt from the one held last year so planning will commence soon for the 2019 event.

Our Facebook page is active and highlights events on a regular basis so visiting this site provides UpToDate information on what is happening in Connolly. The Mayor, Albert Jacob, has offered to attend our Monthly Meetings to benefit from any suggestions residents may have in an interactive format as well as answer any questions that may arise. We welcome this initiative and I am sure these engagements will be mutually beneficial.

I look forward to working with Connolly Residents and if anyone has any news or ideas, please let us know via our email address.