Mayor4Unley

There has been recent public comment about the decline in tree canopy across Unley. It is claimed there has been a 20% loss. Blame is being attributed to residents and developers felling trees on private property. But, what is reality? What is actually factual? Back in 2016 Unley Council implemented a regeneration  tree program as part of a 2016-19 tree strategy. The target was renewal of 2,000 Street trees in 5 years with many trees removed to be replaced by 2 trees. At the time, Council clearly understood that the canopy cover would decline and then rapidly rise. So - in 4 years we will have a far greater tree canopy than we had 2 years ago. I’m so annoyed that an operational activity designed to increase tree canopy has been so unfairly attacked. It would be unfortunate to have the street tree renewal program stopped. I supported the tree renewal program back in 2016 and I will continue to support it over the next 2 years. It just makes sense! Vote 1 Bob Schnel...

What is the true cost of being a Vegan? It's a tough life changing choice to make. Really tough! People aren't born vegan. Rather, they become vegan; as a deliberate choice. It's like a sea-change, where people move from the city to a nice country spot. Actually, it's nothing like a sea-change. It's a far more radical change. But what is the real cost of becoming a vegan? What is the hidden cost to the rest of us? What is the environmental impact to the globe? I respect people for making the choice to become vegan, but I do question how much ethical consideration was really given. Was the real hidden environmental impact on society and the globe actually known and considered. I suspect not. Anyway, each to their own. The following story highlights the impacts of veganism on the globe. Click this link

Many homes in #Unley don't have a bird bath in their garden. As birds and small animals lose more and more of their habitat (through housing development) the more they rely on us to provide food, water and shelter in our gardens. So if you don't have a bird bath, then get one. Also consider a shallow water dish on the ground for the lizards and other natives that crawl abound. And don't forget a hollow log or two. It gives great joy to see birds in the bird bath; having a drink or a slash on a hot day. And of course the bees 🐝 need water; daily. Your garden will be transformed with more native birds 🤗

Major felling of trees at Parkside ... There has been a major uproar by residents about the felling of so many trees at 186 Greenhill Road, Parkside just before Christmas ... and 4-5 more trees are planned to be removed. Residents are just so annoyed by what has happened. It happened without any warning and Council had no prior knowledge of the planned activity. A review has revealed that all the the trees felled were what is classed as 'non-regulated' and the property owner had a legal right to remove them. This is a legal right imposed by the State Government. What was a forest is now just 5 trees. One is scheduled to be removed soon. The other 4 trees are what is classed as 'regulated' and they require planning approval. I understand that approval will be considered in January/February 2018 by the Council Assessment Panel. I am sure that this meeting will be well attended by local residents.

The new Unley Tree Strategy is a practical blueprint for maintaining and enhancing the green cover of trees across Unley. Ageing and unhealthy trees will be removed, but they will be replaced. Where possible more trees are to be planted, especially in vacant (tree) sites along the streets. Over time, the green (cool and shady) coverage of trees will increase along the streets. It's a great strategy and good outcome; a good long term outcome. Also, it's one of best looking reports I've seen at Unley Council. Read the Unley Tree Strategy here

A fantastic good news story from Unley Council ... Unley has a number of strategically placed Wildlife Boxes at various locations within the City to support the breeding and habitat survival of our local fauna. A total of 28 Artificial Hollows/Boxes were installed in June 2009. They were erected in Ridge and Heywood Parks, with a single box installed on Windsor St. Over the years Council has built up the number of boxes to where we now have 121 located across all part of the City on Council parks, reserves or verges (106), schools (12) and private property (3). Each year, as part of an environmental initiative, Council is provided with a report on the outcomes, success or otherwise of fauna use. As part of this monitoring process, each box is assessed for any changes that have taken place and to determine whether possible maintenance issues have arisen. This process is required to ensure that the wildlife value of the boxes are maintained and that public safety is observed. Tow...

He visits every day. A lone Willy-Wag-Tail. He sits down by the compost bin, watching and then darting about and snapping up flying insects. He is busy all day and must be having a feast from catching all those bugs. He's oblivious to me watching. Sometimes there is a lone New Holland Honeyeater, and I've seen a bit of a stand-off between the two with the Willy-Wag-Tail winning the patch. Actually, there often used to be a large group of New Holland Honeyeaters. They too are masters at snapping flying insects. Maybe they will return when the Willy-Wag-Tail migrates for winter. I'm not that good at determining the sex of a bird; but how do I know that the Willy-Wag-Tail is a male? My rationale is that if it were a female then she would surely be quickly courted by a boy bird and I would have two Willy-Wag-Tails in the backyard. Hopefully this lonely boy finds his gal soon.

What a glorious time of the year - despite the heat, the humidity and the rain. The hot summer has ripened the figs and the rainbow lorikeets are having a glorious time in the fig tree. I don't net the tree, preferring to share with the birds. The rain has ruined the recent ripe figs; so maybe I will be lucky with the next batch in a couple of weeks. But those figs that fall to the ground and get sun dried on the hot brick path are glorious. They dry quickly and are quite chewy. There's nothing quite like: Lying on the lawn, on your back with your legs in the air whilst chewing on a fig; Lying on the brick paving and sucking on a fig; Lying in bed and savouring a sun dried fig; Leaving a chewed fig on the kitchen floor knowing that someone will step on it (or inspect it closely before picking it up) It's a dog's delight collecting sun dried figs and chewing on them. My dog delights in this delicacy.

I was up at Stone Hut in the mid north of SA. I was on the way to Quorn at the start of the Flinders Ranges and I'd pulled in for a pie (or two). The pies there are the best in the State. You simply can't drive past. Anyway, in the outdoor dining area (under some grape vines) I saw a large group of reasonably friendly birds of a type that I didn't recognise. They were munching on bird seed that the pie lady had put out to feed the birds and to entertain the pie eaters; even in the rain. And they were friendly and loved some stroking down the back; and a tickle under the chin. I asked about the birds and pie lady said that they were called Apostles; named after the Biblical Twelve Apostles; because they usually hang out together in large groups of usually twelve. They are very social groups and have a sense of family. And they love hanging around with people; probably to get some tidbits. Amazing that I hadn't encountered Apostles before. They were entertaining to w...

I have received questions from residents about street trees and the process for their replacement when they become end of life, unhealthy or are severely damaging infrastructure eg. the kerb, footpath and underground services. In particular, concerns are being raised by residents in Charles Street, Forestville. The street (particularly the southern end) is bird city with the big native gums full of bird attracting blossom. I put some questions to Unley Council and here are the responses (with my minor edit). Hopefully this will help to provide clarity. Question: Is there a reference on the website about the selection of street trees? Answer: No. Most streets have a nominated preferred replacement species which is based on the dominant species in the street. Question: Does Council offer residents a choice and take a vote in the street? (Like what used to happen several years ago.) Answer: This only occurs when we undertake a detailed review of a street as part o...

Most of us want backyard chickens, but space is often the problem. There is an alternative. Consider having a flock of quails. They are smaller and more trouble free; and they usually lay an egg a day. The eggs are smaller and have a nice colour, but have more protein and a relatively larger yolk compared with a chicken egg. Yes, it takes five quail eggs to make up the weight of a large chicken egg; but it is better value. An added bonus is they are great to have with young kids who get enormous enjoyment. Quails don't roost and it is easy to move a pen through the backyard; to feed the quail and nourish the garden. Give it some thought. Here's a link for more information

At times you just need to take a break and get away from the city crowd; and from its demands and pressures. Going bush is an easy escape and helps to put things and priorities into perspective. The clearer skies, the red and greening landscape and the local kangaroos, wombats and magpies help to give life a new perspective. An ideal way to settle the mind and to recharge.

Over the recent sunny weekend I was in the front garden. The dogs were with me and were lying on the bricks in the driveway and watching the world go by; and they had a vigilant eye out for distant cats. I was also lying on the bricks in the driveway; not dog-like; instead I had an old sheet to lie on whilst I painted the fence. It was peaceful out there as the world passed by. The peace was broken by a couple of Murray Magpies. They had just had a noisy and prolonged wash in the bird bath. Then they flew out to the footpath to look for nibbles  in the verge; insects, spiders, ... They are inquisitive and engaging birds. The magpies slowly strutted along the footpath and just out of reach of the dogs (and me) on the other side of the gates. The birds made a lot of noise, probably chattering about the weird animals lying on the bricks.

Found this on Twitter from Dr Karl ... Chickens have an ~20-word language (e.g., different words for "intruder at ground level" & "intruder flying above". Next time I must listen to the hens' clucks more closely.

Check out my new rooster! Before Christmas I commissioned an art work by acclaimed local artist Anna Small (of A Small Art Factory). Her website is http://www.asmallartfactory.com.au Follow her on Facebook. Anna works with metal and creates fantastic art work to adorn the garden; or to hang on a wall inside or outside. She can be found most weekends at the quality craft markets in Adelaide. Anyway, I wanted a rooster, not the usual hen on a pole. She took on the challenge and I gave her feedback on her initial design. In January Anna delivered the rooster and he has has taken up residence in the backyard chilli patch. Thank you Anna

I have a new friend; actually two new friends. A couple of young Murray Magpies (aka. a Pee Wee or more formally as a Piping Shrike) have come to the garden and do regular patrols; hunting for spiders, moths or grubs and insects on the lawn. I started feeding them small bits of meat; pieces of chop or left-over sausage. That was a big hit and they have adopted me. This morning one flew at me in excitement to get some food. The dogs are not happy with this new friendship; so I will have to build a feeding platform head-high above the ground. As a matter of interest, there is confusion about which bird is displayed on the South Australia flag. Is it an Australian Magpie or the smaller Murray Magpie? More information from Wikipedia ... "The piping shrike is the emblematic bird that appears on South Australia's flag, State Badge and Coat of a Arms. The bird appears "displayed proper" with its wings outstretched and curved upwards. Although the image of the piping...