Library eclipse excitement

KEEN observers both young and old gathered at the Collie Public Library last Thursday for a viewing of the solar eclipse.

While the eclipse was partial in Collie, the library broadcast a live-stream of the total eclipse from Exmouth on the big screen.

At just after 10am, the moon began passing in front of the sun, with totality occurring at around 11:30am.

In total, the full eclipse lasted a little under a minute, and the moon exited the sun’s edge around two hours later.

Manager of information services Sara Cole said the eclipse had generated interest among the community.

Ms Cole noted that for children in particular it presented an opportunity to learn about the sun and the moon.

“We had some kids do crafts,” she said. “They were quite interested because we’ve got a board up as well with some fun facts about solar eclipses.”

Logan and Kiara Elks enjoy crafts at the library’s broadcast of last Thursday’s eclipse.

THERE were plenty of ideas voiced about how to revitalise the Collie River at a community forum at the Collie Ridge last week, all of which rely on funding.

Without external funding, it was felt efforts are doomed to failure, as the Shire of Collie and its ratepayers do not have the resources to call on to fix the river.

The forum was held to review the revitalisation strategy of the past five years for the 12km section of river which flows through the town, and to plan a strategy for the next five years.

Around 50 people attended, contributing ideas and suggestions on ways to revive the river.

They heard from consultant Mark Taylor about the work done over the past five years, which included some level of control of nardoo, and building new river stops at Venn Street and Roberts Rocks.

Mr Taylor reminded the forum that the level of the river had been boosted in recent years by water pumped from the Premier Coal mining operations, and that this was winding down.

Recommendations from the consultant included seeking another irrigation source for the Collie Golf Club and the shire parks and reserves, which use water from the river to keep the grass green.

The formation of a technical group, including staff from the shire, Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, to oversee the management of river issues and the river stops at Venn Street and Roberts Rocks was suggested.

The consultants felt there should be a plan to progressively revegetate river banks in areas of the highest amenity, such as Soldiers’ Park.

This should be done with expert advice so that species used have the highest chance of success and the capability of being managed by the shire.

Costing revegetation plans could lead to obtaining external funding, as the burden of improving the health of the river should not fall solely on the shire and the people of Collie.

Concerns about the low level of water in the face of climate change, and the rising level of salinity were evident during time set aside for questions.

The value of the river to Collie people for amenity, recreation and its importance to tourism was highlighted.

Ideas from the workshop part of the forum will be collated and circulated to those who attended.

EDITORIAL

Martin Kovacs | 9734 1024

Journalist

ADMINISTRATION

Megan Creemers | 9734 1024

Office Manager

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