Category Archives: News

Hot tip: look for butterflies in the mistletoe…

Posted on 24 August, 2015 by fobif

Julie Whitfield gave a rousing talk on local butterflies to Newstead Landcare last Thursday. Those who missed it are recommended as a consolation to log on to a terrific Radio National Off Track program, A world without butterflies in which [among … Continue reading →

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Sometimes you wonder: who’s doing the most damage to our bush?

Posted on 24 August, 2015 by fobif

FOBIF has been getting numerous reports of roadside vandalism by both private and public operators. Walkers on FOBIF’s Tarilta excursion noticed more DELWP scouring on the Porcupine Ridge road last week, and this week we found numerous scalped verges on … Continue reading →

Posted in Fire Management, News | 1 Comment

Quote of the week

Posted on 24 August, 2015 by fobif

‘As we develop a better understanding of bushfire risk in different localities, we will supplement our investment in planned burning with other works such as slashing and burning and mowing while aiming for the least impact on people and our ecosystems.’ [Our emphasis] That’s from one of DELWP’s … Continue reading →

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Roadside mysteries

Posted on 17 August, 2015 by fobif

We’re familiar with the weird habit some people have of mowing nature strips, but sparing patches of Gazaneas? These are a weed, but at least they have a pretty flower. But wheel cactus? FOBIF has made enquiries to Vicroads about … Continue reading →

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Fire: it’s not just a matter of fuel reduction

Posted on 17 August, 2015 by fobif

Fire officers met the public in a lengthy consultation session on the draft Fire Operations Plan [FOP] through the afternoon and evening of last Tuesday [August 11] in Bendigo. An excellent link to the relevant documents with comments on the … Continue reading →

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Into the valley

Posted on 17 August, 2015 by fobif

A solid group of FOBIF walkers led by Richard Piesse dropped in to the Tarilta Valley from Porcupine Ridge on Sunday in brisk but fine winter weather. There was good bird watching and plenty of fungi on show, and the … Continue reading →

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Hurray, it’s on again! Habitat Stories at the Castlemaine Children’s Literature Festival

Posted on 16 August, 2015 by fobif

If your young ones missed out on a spot at the FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program running of Habitat Stories we are proud to be doing a repeat session as part of the Castlemaine Children’s Literature Festival. With stories and … Continue reading →

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Two Connecting Country workshops this month

Posted on 16 August, 2015 by fobif

Connecting Country has provided the info below about two upcoming events: 1. Biodiversity in the paddock: looking beyond the grass…

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Roadsides: is scalping just management on the cheap?

Posted on 10 August, 2015 by fobif

Following its objections to roadworks scalping valuable vegetation from the Fryers Ridge, FOBIF has written to the Environment Minister asking for clarification of policy on vegetation management of roadsides. The letter reads, in part: “Forest managers have told us that, … Continue reading →

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Clearing: a regulation problem

Posted on 10 August, 2015 by fobif

The state government is reviewing native vegetation clearing regulations, which readers will remember were weakened by the previous government on the grounds of loosening red tape. The terms of the Review can be seen here. As part of the review, … Continue reading →

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