Innovation 2015

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EDITION 9 Proudly brought to you by The Monaro Post

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Monaro Media Group, producers of the Monaro’s only independently owned and produced newspaper, The Monaro Post, is proud to bring to you their ninth publication of their annual “Innovation” magazine. Innovation has been established to help you with all your building, renovating and lifestyle requirements. Please enjoy edition nine of Innovation – a guide to all your building, renovation and lifestyle needs across Cooma-Monaro, Bombala and the Snowy Mountains.

LIFESTYLE

CONTENTS P7 - Do It Yourself with Jindabyne Mitre 10 P13 - Top 5 Eco Friendly Tips P16,17,19 - Preserving the Past for the Future P20 - Painting Made Easy P27 - Solar Energy P32 - Cooma Mitre 10 Garden Tips P34 - Fencing options P37 - Solar Finance Guide

The Innovation Team Editorial:

Gail Eastaway Elle Mackintosh NSW Government

Sales:

Tracy Frazer Louise Platts Lynne Kingston

Production:

Jess Plumridge Kylie Hinton

Accounts:

Cathy Wassink

Published by Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd ABN 34 121 288 060

220-226 Sharp Street, Cooma Ph: (02) 6452 0313 www.monaropost.com.au

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Edition 9, 2015

ELECTRONICS

2000 energy-efficient home Building an

TV, VCR, HI FI REPAIRS, SALES & SERVICE

ANTENNAS & SATELITE EQUIPMENT SALES & INSTALLATIONS

3/190 Sharp Street

PO Box 1049 COOMA NSW 2630 P : 02 6452 4179 F : 02 6452 6416

E : elec2000@bigpond.com

Proudly produced by Monaro Media Group

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If you’re building from scratch, you have the perfect opportunity to make your home energy-efficient. Along with passive design features (such as location, orientation, layout, window-sizing, insulation, and shading), the main consideration is thermal mass – a material’s ability to store heat energy. Materials that provide thermal mass include concrete floors and masonry walls, such as cavity or feature brick walls, which will: • steadily absorb summer heat at their surface, conducting it inwardly and storing it until exposed to the cooler air of the evening/night (at which point, the heat begins to migrate back to the surface and be released);

There’s more to home insurance, so let’s be clear With GIO Home Insurance, you’ll know exactly where you stand. Your local GIO agent will explain the range of comprehensive products and options available to you. Call us today and you could also save 15% when you combine your home and its contents insurance with us on one policy. Catherina Evans 51 Vale Street Cooma 02 6452 3474 Catherina Evans is an Authorised Representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as GIO, the issuer of these products. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before deciding on the product and consider whether it is right for you. Ask us for a copy. 22702 OPS 05/07/13 A

Support Supp Su u pp p p or ortt yo yyour o ur u r local l occ al a l store s to t o ree aass th tthey hey eeyy offer o ff f f er ffer e friendly f rrii en e n dl d l y service dly see rv serv r ic ice ice and assistance with all your furnishing needs.

To make the most of available sunlight: • As far as is possible, site main living areas on the northern side of your home. • Locate bedrooms on the southern or eastern sides of the house. • Locate service areas (e.g. bathroom, laundry, garage) on the southern or western sides, as they have minimal heating/cooling requirements. • Group together rooms that use hot water (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) to minimise heat loss in pipes. • Create zones by grouping rooms with similar uses together, separated by doorways. • Avoid open-plan living areas or very high ceilings, as these can lead to high heating costs.

COOMA FURNISHING CO

• in winter, capture and recycle heat gains from north-facing windows - along with those produced by lighting, people and appliances. As the temperature drops overnight, this is slowly released back into the building. Lightweight materials such as timber or plasterboard can also be used internally to allow rooms to heat up and cool down quickly. Internal planning for home energy efficiency When deciding where to site rooms, aim to maximise the amount of sunshine to assist with warming the house. This should be balanced with appropriate window-shading and ventilation to keep you cool in summer.

Landscaping When landscape-designing, think about the rooms you want to receive sunlight in winter and shade in summer. Trees can also provide wind-breaks and channel or deflect breezes to suit your needs. Summer shading Deciduous trees to the north provide shade to a home in summer and let in winter sunlight. Tall, cylindrical-shaped trees planted in rows are ideal for shading low-angle sun on eastern and western sides. Take advantage of variations in different heights of mature trees/shrubs for shading walls and windows. Consider including courtyards sheltered by vegetation. Winter warmth Deciduous trees allow sun to warm the home. If evergreens are planted within the northern quadrant of a dwelling, ensure they don’t block winter sun. Tall trees with wide canopies and bare trunks (e.g. many species of eucalypt) will shade a roof, but not walls and windows, if planted near enough to the home. If you have installed solar panels, ensure that trees do not cast a shadow over them at any time of the year.

The Furniture House Group is a collection of independently owned and mostly family run furniture stores. The Group has over forty Members primarily in country locations throughout Victoria, Southern New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. This Membership enables your locally owned store to match the buying power of the larger chains as they endeavour to acquire quality products at reasonable prices for their customers. They pride themselves on a high mix of Australian content which provides their customers with a good selection of colour and styles. They offer a broad product range including 100% quality leather lounge suites and beautiful hardwood timber dining ranges. They can also assist in sourcing those special items that may be required from time to time.

62 Sharp St COOMA NSW 2630 P. F. (02) 6452 4840

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Edition 9, 2015

Alpine Interiors Colour Style Design provides an Interior Design service by consultation Specifying to your brief, Alpine Interiors can provide design options and concepts for your property. Consultations can include concepts for interior and exterior works where colour, finishes, materials, fixtures and fittings can be selected and scheduled to suit your brief, budget and lifestyle. It could be as simple as an hourly consultation.

Alpine Interiors Interior Designer services are available though out the Snowy Mountains, including Jindabyne, Perisher, Thredbo, Cooma and surrounding areas. Enhance your Environment. Personalise Create Inspire

Residential, commercial, professional, holiday • Selecting colour to compliment your properties, lodges – design concepts for everyday existing pieces will enhance your environment and living and high end styling, all for residential and personalise your space. commercial and new or renovation properties. • A neutral colour palette combined with natural elements will create balance and tie your space together as a whole, providing a warm, • Interior Styling relaxing and comfortable feeling that will flow • Colour Consultation through out. • Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Finishes • An alpine style can be created with • Fixtures & Fittings Specification selections inspired by our landscape. Through • Furniture Selection textures, colours and finishes a connection to the • Furniture placement / Layout environment is created. • Window treatment advice & Specification • General recommendations to suit your Good design is not always about big budget. scope of works

Alpine Interiors colour style design

“Good design is not always about big budget”

0402 434 936 designs@alpineinteriors.com.au www.alpineinteriors.com.au HQKDQFH \RXU HQYLURQPHQW Ľ SHUVRQDOLVH FUHDWH LQVSLUH

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Edition 9, 2015

Beautiful Homewares

COOMA FURNISHING C O

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· FINE LOCAL & IMPORTED FURNITURE · FLOOR COVERINGS · FURNISHINGS · QUALITY BEDDING · CURTAINS & DECORATORS ACCESSORIES · BLINDS & AWNINGS

SERVICING COOMA, BOMBALA & THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS REGION FOR OVER 50 YEARS

www.furniturehouse.com.au

62 Sharp Street COOMA NSW 2630

P. (02) 6452 1499

F. (02) 6452 4840

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Edition 9, 2015

Do it yourself with Jindabyne Mitre 10 Mitre 10 in Jindabyne is your Snowy Mountains one-stop-shop for DIY renovations. With a great new range of bathroom products including tiles and tap wear and a new range of quality electrical appliances, the Jindabyne store has everything you need. From timber and hardware, to kitchen, lighting and bathrooms, to beautiful home wares and plants galore in the garden centre, me the make over you you can give your home have always dreamed of. Not only are the products top quality, the service is friendly and the staff are local. Local man Bruce Marshall owns Mitre 10 Jindabyne and the manager is his nephew, Peter Marshall. Peter says he has really put a focus on re-hauling the shop since taking up his role 16 months ago. By placing a big emphasis on improving customer service, Peter and his staff want to ensure that every customer enjoys their

experience in the Jindabyne store, and have all their questions answered and needs met. The Jindabyne staff are all trained in everything Mitre 10 has to offer, and are more than willing to give some tips and advice on your next project. Whether it’s a new garden bed or a

complete kitchen and bathroom revamp, making friendly customer service a priority and ensuring the products available are of top quality at Jindabyne Mitre 10, DIY projects have never been easier.

Come on in and support your locally owned Mitre 10 in Jindabyne.

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Edition 9, 2015

YOUR LOCAL COUNCILS & REAL ESTATE AGENTS FOR THE MONARO & SNOWY MOUNTAINS

81 COMMISSIONER ST, COOMA PH: 6450 1777 www.cooma.nsw.gov.au 2 MYACK ST, BERRIDALE PH: 6451 1195 www.snowyriver.local-e.news.gov.au 17 CAVEAT ST, BOMBALA PH: 6458 3555 www.bombala.nsw.gov.au COOMA SHANNON FERGUSSON & PROPERTY Pty Ltd - 50 Vale St 1I t XXX GFSHVTTPOSFBMFTUBUF DPN BV LANDMARK COOMA .VSSBZ 4U 1I t XXX MBOENBSLOBSDPVSUT DPN BV BOLLER & COMPANY Pty Ltd 4IBSQ 4U 1I t XXX CPMMFSDP DPN BV RAINE & HORNE 4IBSQ 4U 1I t XXX SBJOFBOEIPSOF DPN BV DPPNB FISK & NAGLE 4IBSQ 4U 1I t XXX SFBMFTUBUFDPPNB DPN BV BELLGARD TOWN COUNTRY ,BSBXBUIB $DU 1I ELDERS COOMA .BTTJF 4U 1I t XXX FMEFSTSFBMFTUBUF DPN BV MONARO LIVESTOCK & PROPERTY 4IBSQ 4U 1I t XXX NPOBSPMJWFTUPDL DPN BV

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Wasted roof space in NSW potentially worth millions A national movement to encourage Aussies to embrace the power-generating potential of roof space launched today, with Origin calling on consumers to consider generating solar energy to help power their homes. New data released to support the campaign highlights roof space as an untapped energy resource, with approximately 1.6 million separate houses in NSW currently without solar. These wasted roofs could be generating the equivalent of approximately $1.2 billion of electricity every year assuming a hypothetical scenario where they all installed solar. Although there are currently more than 290,000 solar systems installed in New South Wales homes and businesses1, more than a million households are missing out on the benefits of solar energy because of perceived barriers such as cost or hassle of installation. Phil Craig, Executive General Manager at Origin, says people should start recognising their roofs as a significant energy-generating asset. “Origin is committed to working with Australians to discover the energy choices available to them. This campaign demonstrates how people can help make their own energy fresh daily.� “Roof space can be a valuable source of energy, and we want Australians to capitalise on its potential. We’ve been helping Australians make the move to solar for more than 10 years, but the latest research shows there’s still a huge amount of wasted roof space out there.� Recent research conducted by Origin and Google suggests that the principal hurdle to going solar is the perceived cost of installation, with one in four people citing this as the reason for avoiding the technology2. This is despite the long-term financial and environmental benefits it brings and the fact that it’s becoming increasingly cost effective3. To help illustrate the solar generating potential of Australian roofs, Origin has developed the “Rate My Roof� web app. This allows people to trace their roof space via Google Maps and produces

a hypothetical estimate of the value of electricity their roof space could generate if it was entirely covered in solar panels. The app is designed as a fun way to highlight the potential of wasted roof space for generating energy. 1 SunWiz Report, December 2014 2 According to Google Consumer Survey, December, 2014 of 500 home owners in Australia 3 The Origin Energy Limited ABN 30 000 051 696 • Level 45 Australia Square, 264-278 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5376, Sydney NSW 2001 • Telephone (02) 8345 5000 • Facsimile (02) 9252 1566 • www.originenergy.com.au Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) estimated in 2012 that solar power would be among the cheapest of all energy sources by 2020 1/2 Origin will be taking its call-to-arms through digital channels via a series of films featuring two loveable rogue travelling solar stealers, Ray and Evon, who are stealing the sun power from unused roofs to power their campervan as they tour Australia. The films will aim to awaken Australians to the potential of their empty roof space and making their own energy fresh daily.

“Customers who are interested in finding out more about solar and how it could work for them are encouraged to do their research first and to speak to experts in the field�, added Mr Craig. “And a good place to start is by visiting Origin’s website or by calling our solar team to have a discussion.�

GIVE YOUR FLOORING A MAKE OVER WINSTON Carpet Only

76 plastic bottles were recycled to create one metre square of this Soft.e carpet. 100% Recycled 100% Earth Friendly

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Solution Dyed Nylon. Warm textures to soften a busy family home.

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COOMA FURNISHING CO 62 Sharp Street COOMA NSW 2630

P. (02) 6452 1499

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Edition 9, 2015

What is

SUSTAINABILITY? What impact does your home have on our environment? What difference does it make if your showerhead is energy-efficient or not? Collectively, across 2.8 million households in New South Wales, it makes an enormous difference. If each of us aims to run a sustainable household, which effectively means thinking about the type and amount of resources we use, about how we recycle and dispose of materials, and the steps we take to manage and conserve the natural environment we all depend on, we are not only conserving energy, we are saving money too. Little things like changing to a water-efficient showerhead can save hundreds of litres of water a year, and stop your dollars going down the drain. If we build houses that are well insulated and designed, then it will cost less to heat and cool them.

If we consider our purchases carefully, a lot less waste will end up as landfill and pollution. Every year, each Australian generates, on average, more than 2000kg of rubbish; in NSW alone, we throw away $2.5 billion worth of edible food a year. Water usage remains a key environmental concern and there are many ways to use it sparingly, without compromising on comfort. Whether it’s fixing a leaking tap or installing a household greywater system, every little bit helps. Lots of little actions by lots of people can help turn things around...

The Office of Environment and Heritage NSW has compiled some simple steps and actions we can take:

Save energy

Tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency rating with better heating, cooling, hot water, insulation and lighting.

Be water-wise

Save water in the home and garden.

Smarter choices

Choose more water/ energy efficient appliances and compare the running costs of different models.

Recycling and waste

Avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle waste by living sustainably.

Dream . Own . Enjoy

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INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION? TAFE Illawarra Cooma offers a range of courses which will help you carve out a career in building and construction. Get the skills you need for the job you want in a variety of construction trade areas or to gain an apprenticeship.

Courses on offer include: t Carpentry t General Construction WHS Induction in NSW t Forklift Operations t Bonded Asbestos Sheet Removal t Bonded Asbestos Nominated Supervisors Program t Scaffolding

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Edition 9, 2015

It’s easy to control nasty mould Mould is unsightly and can make you feel that visitors to your home will think you’re challenged in the cleaning department. But even worse, it can cause acute health problems for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. And it can also make people without allergies sick, too. The most effective remover of mould is bleach, but make sure you wear gloves, safety glasses and a respirator while using it. The lowdown on mould Mould is a fungus, and there are many types, including mildews. General mould is common where moisture from condensation settles on cool surfaces. Small localised areas of mould are more likely to be the result of leaks through the roof, through walls, under or around windows and flashings or near plumbing. If this occurs on timber, another form of fungal attack starts – wood rot. Individual moulds are invisible to the naked eye, what you see on the wall as a dark stain is actually the mould colony. Other than being unattractive, mould won’t cause your home to collapse into a ruin, but surface finishes will be discoloured and permanently stained, and the air may smell musty. For mould to occur you need mould spores – which are always in the air – a surface to grow on, still air and moisture. There is little you can do about the spores, or surface for that matter. So that leaves the still air and the moisture. You can’t just paint over mould, because it will come back. You need to get stuck in to eliminate it and deal with the reason it’s there in the first place. Your challenge is to limit the amount of water available in the air in your home and to get the air moving.

Keep it dry, keep it clean The amount of moisture or water vapour that air can carry (the relative humidity) is dependent on temperature. The warmer it is, the more water vapour the air can support. A point is reached where the air becomes saturated with moisture and the relative humidity is said to be 100 per cent. If the temperature goes up, the relative humidity drops – no problem. However, if the temperature drops, the air sheds water as dew. In homes, problems occur when humid air migrates to cooler rooms or comes in contact with cool surfaces such as walls or ceilings. Water drops out as condensation. If this occurs day after day, mould has found its source of moisture. The favourite spots for mould growth are unheated bathrooms and bedrooms. Winter is not the only time you can get mould. Pictures and furniture against solid masonry walls on the cool side of the house can also become mouldy as humid summer air condenses on the comparatively cool surfaces. Your condensation and mould checklist 1. Older homes have vents in the top corners of rooms for natural airflow. If clogged with grime and paint or plastered over, open them up again. 2. Poorly designed extensions can block the original natural airflow in and under a home, especially in terrace homes. 3. Maximise the sunshine your house gets each day. If it’s overshadowed by trees and shrubs, judicious pruning may improve things. 4. Can you open windows on opposite sides of the house for crossflow of air? When home, throw open the windows.

5. Are your old roof tiles porous, uncoated or unglazed? While they may not leak, they hold moisture, which can lift moisture levels in the home if there is no foil sarking under the tiles. 6. Check the sarking from the manhole. If it’s continuous over the ridge, moisture in the ceiling space can’t escape. Add a powered roof fan, wind turbine or vents high up in the gables if you have them. 7. Are the ceilings insulated? Insulation keeps your ceilings warmer and therefore less prone to condensation and mould. 8. Check the guttering and downpipes. 9. Is the house damp underneath? Moisture will permeate up through timber floors into the house. Ensure surface water drains to the outside of the building. 10. Where the underside of your home is enclosed, are there sufficient vents for cross-flow of air? If you are in a damp area, you may need more than the regulations require. 11. Do an audit of moisture generation inside the home. 12. Duct clothes dryers to the outside. Most brands have ducting kits available. 13. Flueless gas heaters that plug into bayonet fittings generate huge amounts of moisture. Ventilate the room in which you are using the heater. 14. If you have rising damp with visible stains, bubbling paint or salt deposits on ground-floor walls, have it treated, to lower moisture levels. 15. Make sure exterior paint is sound, brick joints are pointed, and solid masonry walls without a cavity are weatherproofed or protected.

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Custom Made Window Dressings See us for all your roller blinds. Upholstery is also our speciality.

Call 6456 1510 Showroom: 5/15 Percy Harris St, Leesville Estate Jindabyne

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Maybe DĂˆcor Keren of Maybe Decor not only offers a beautiful range of giftware and home accessories, she can also give your furniture a whole new look with her quality upholstery work. BOMBALA is lucky enough to boast a shop that not only sells beautiful items for the home, but can also take care of your upholstering needs. In fact, you can even have garment alterations done through the divine Maybe Decor! All this is down to the skills of owner, Keren, who not only has an eye for gorgeous home decor, but also has a special talent for sewing that has become an important focus for her business. While the Maybe Decor shopfront is relatively new on the scene, KerenĂ­s skill with textiles has developed over 40 years, and she has solid expertise in upholstery work as well as general sewing. This doesnĂ­t just mean you can get your favourite chair cover repaired, it means that Maybe Decor can completely recover your fabric furniture to give it a whole new look. Best of all Keren can help you choose the most suitable and affective fabric for the job, and given her fine taste and attention to detail, you can expect great results every time. While re-covering furniture is a speciality, Maybe Decor features a number of items that Keren has created from scratch, with her recycled furniture and footstools in particular being sort after items. So too are the cushion covers and bags that Keren whips up for the store, whilst youĂ­ll also find

babyĂ­s bibs, library bags and even gorgeous scented candles that Keren has made herself. And this brings us to the other beautiful wares of Maybe Decor, with the range going far beyond soft furnishings. A beautiful array of giftware is on offer through the store, with everything from decorative home accessories to quality glassware, linen and even silk flowers creating a charming display. Keren follows the latest decor trends and takes inspiration from English magazines in particular, with Maybe DĂˆcor having a chic but warm style. From time to time the shop has original artworks on display as well, and Keren is happy to help source particular decor items that customers are seeking out for their homes. Maybe Decor has had a tremendous response since opening its doors in the main street of Bombala, and along with the local area, customers come from Sydney, Melbourne and other large centres to peruse its treasures. Why not become one of the many visitors who pop into Maybe Decor during their next visit to Bombala, and discover something beautiful to take home? Better, yet contact Keren and discuss how she can give your favourite upholstered furniture a new lease on life!

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Top 5 Eco-Friendly Tips To Get Your House (Or Office) Clean In anticipation for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day on the 1st of March, cleaning expert, Craig Jones, from environmentally friendly cleaning company White Magic (www.whitemagic.biz) shares his top 5 eco-friendly tips to get your house (or office) clean. Keep Your Naturally

Air

Fresh

Instead of using air freshening sprays, which can trigger asthma and allergies[1], keep the air in your house fresh with an indoor plant. Indoor plants help to clean the air and provide more oxygen in your home, with scientists at NASA finding that they are extremely effective at reducing harmful toxins from the air in confined spaces.[2] According to Professor Margaret Burchett, a researcher in the use of indoor plants at the University of Technology Sydney, pot plants can remove urban air pollutants by up to 75 per cent within 24 hours. Top picks for air-friendly indoor plants include Peace Lilys, Weeping figs, Zanzibar gems and Cyclamens to name a few.

Replace Toxic Cleaning Products

Save money, your health and the environment by choosing ecofriendly cleaning products. In 2012, the Environmental Working Group[3] unearthed shocking findings after their scientists tested over 2000 household cleaning products and found that over half of them contained ingredients known to be harmful to lungs, and almost a quarter contained chemicals that have been reported to cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals! For an eco-friendly alternative try White Magic’s (www.whitemagic.biz) extensive range of innovative and ecofriendly products that allows Australian householders to clean all areas of their home faster, easier and without noxious chemicals. Being a proud supporter of Asthma Australia, White Magic also sponsors the association’s helpline 1800 ASTHMA. Perfect for the whole house, and with prices starting from $3.95, the microfiber White Magic Eco Cloths only require water to cut through grease, grime and dust. Available in bath towels, general purpose cloths, shower grime cleaners, window cleaners and car chamois, the Eco Cloths have all your cleaning requirements covered.

Toss Toxic Carefully

Cleaners

Instead of using air freshening sprays, which can trigger asthma and allergies[1], keep the air in your house fresh with an indoor plant. Indoor plants help to clean the air and provide more oxygen in your home, with scientists at NASA finding that they are extremely effective at reducing harmful toxins from the air in confined spaces.[2] According to Professor Margaret Burchett, a researcher in the use of indoor plants at the University of Technology Sydney, pot plants can remove urban air pollutants by up to 75 per cent within 24 hours. Top picks for air-friendly indoor plants include Peace Lilys, Weeping figs, Zanzibar gems and Cyclamens to name a few.

Ditch The Dryer Not only is hanging your clothes to dry a great energy saving alternative to using a dryer, it can also be better for the quality of your clothing. Dryers can wear out your clothing, shortening the lifespan of your wardrobe, whereas air-drying is a gentler option that will save you money on both energy costs and also replacing clothes. An additional benefit from drying your clothes outside on a drying rack is that the sun acts as a natural disinfectant and bactericide.[4] Just make sure to turn any dark coloured clothing inside out or dry them inside as the sun can also have a natural bleaching/brightening effect that can fade dark fabrics. An added bonus is that hanging clothes up outdoors also counts as a form of incidental exercise. However, if allergies from pollens are an issue, it’s best to hang your clothes up indoors. Go Paperless The average office worker uses approximately 10,000 sheets of paper a year, much of which gets haphazardly filed or stacked in a corner and forgotten about. Do your part for the environment and reduce the amount of paper floating around your home and office by switching from paper to digital where you can. Most banks and credit card company’s now offer a complimentary digital option for receiving your bills and statements making it easier to keep this information organised and easy to find. Another great paperless alternative is to download your favourite magazines and books on your tablet or kindle, another bonus is that they are often cheaper to purchase digitally and save you a trip to the newsagent/bookstore.

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Edition 9, 2015

Barbecue safety a must, says experts “Many Australians don’t realise that barbecues are an appliance, much like your oven, that needs love and care all year round, and shouldn’t be left standing unprotected to the elements.”

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With the mercury starting to ascend, it’s time to dust off the barbecue, scrub the tongs and wash the apron all in preparation for a big season of summer sizzling. But before firing up the barbie for the first time, it’s important to take a few safety precautions to ensure the barbecue is ready and safe to use, experts warn. “Each summer season we see incidents in relation to gas barbecues that are easily preventable with a few quick and easy safety measures,” says Graham Brake, managing director of Australian appliance company, Black & Stone. With more than twenty years experience in the gas appliance industry, Mr Brake suggests that checking gas cylinders and hoses to ensure they are intact and that all connections are tight and leak free are important steps before hitting the ignition. “Many Australian’s don’t realise that barbecues are an appliance, much like your oven, that needs love and care all year round, and shouldn’t be left standing unprotected to the elements,” says Mr Brake. One simple measure that is easy to use and a cost effective solution to avoid barbecue mishaps is the Black & Stone Gas Safety Gauge. Designed here in Australia, this clever all-in-one safety device screws onto the gas cylinder, automatically shutting off the gas should a major leak occur. “Under normal conditions,

the gas flows through uninterrupted. However, in the event of a major leak, the Black & Stone Gas Safety Gauge senses a sudden change in the rate of flow and automatically shuts the gas off,” said Mr Brake. Through a simple checking procedure, the Gas Safety Gauge can also be used to assist in detecting leaks long before they occur. An additional advantage of the Black & Stone Gas Safety Gauge is that it also monitors how much gas is in the cylinder via an easy-to-read colour code: Green - Plenty of gas; amber - almost empty; red - time to refill, so you can monitor how much gas is available and arrange for a refill – perfect for avoiding a mid-meal duck out to the service station to replenish the tank. “When you’re hosting a BBQ, there’s nothing more embarrassing and inconvenient than running out of gas. With the Gas Safety Gauge you’ll always know exactly how much you have in the cylinder. This has the added benefit of saving money as you can ensure the cylinder is completely empty before you pay for a re-fill,” said Mr Brake. Priced $34.95, look for it in the eye-catching yellow and black box. The Black& Stone Gas Safety Gauge is available from Barbeques Galore, Harvey Norman, Mitre 10, Masters Home Improvements, most leading independent

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barbecue retailers and online from Thatsliving.com.au. “It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind,” said Mr Brake. TOP TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER SIZZLES “Each summer season we see incidents in relation to gas barbecues that are easily preventable with a few quick and easy safety measures,” says Graham Brake, managing director of Australian Appliance Company, Black & Stone. Mr Brake recommends: 1. Position: Keep your barbecue at least three metres from your house – the further the better. They should also not be used beneath wooden overhangs, as this could cause a flare up to the structure above. 2. Ventilation: Never bring a barbecue indoors or into an unventilated place. This is a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard. 3. Keep It Clean: By preventing the build up of fat and grease on your barbecue, you are preventing adding fuel to the fire, with grease a major source of uncontrolled flare ups on the barbie. 4. Leaks: Never use a match, lighter or naked flame to check for leaks. Follow the appliance or cylinder manufacturer’s instructions regarding leak checking procedures. 5. Action: If a leak is detected or if you smell gas, immediately turn off

the supply of gas from the cylinder. Also keeping a fire extinguisher handy and giving yourself a quick lesson in how to use it will ensure any concerning flare ups are handled quickly and easily. (Check with your retailer for the correct fire extinguisher for your needs) 6. Water: A spray bottle of water nearby can calm a flare-up in an instant and is less likely to spoil your dinner than a charred steak. 7. Cylinders and hoses: Barbecues are often exposed to harsh weather conditions when out of use which means hoses can split and connections can be damaged. Check the hose to make sure it has not perished and make sure the gas connections are tight and leak free before using the barbecue, especially if the barbecue has been left idle for some time 8. Gas: Check the gas cylinder. A gas cylinder must not be refilled if it has not been tested for over 10 years or if the cylinder has been damaged. Never use a barbecue on the wrong gas and don’t use Autogas, as it differs from LP and natural gas. 9. Children: Designate the barbecue area a ‘no play zone’, keeping children and pets away until the grill and barbecue tools are completely cool. For further information call 1300 089 001 or visit: www.blackandstone.com.au

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16

Edition 9, 2015

Preserving the past for the future Restoring historic homes and preserving their place in Cooma’s heritage is one reason why Kate Litchfield has had such success with four local properties. Kate’s current project in Lambie Street, is seeing builder James Mawson’s family home, built in the 1880s, reclaim some of its past quality while providing more modern living spaces outside. Kate bought the three-story property about 12 months ago. It had been converted into four flats many years ago and the seller had recently removed those structures prior to Kate taking over. The building is a basic four up, four in the middle and four down design. When the renovation is complete, the house will have six bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen/diner, office, TV room, sitting room and downstairs storage. Outside, Kate has removed an old fibro lean-to verandah and extended the area into a large outdoor area under the first floor. It will have direct access to the new kitchen, has a glass wall on the northern end and a fire and seating at the southern end. Continued on page 17.

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17

Edition 9, 2015

Continued from page 16 It is an ideal living space which can be used for most of the year. The rear of the property has been enclosed by a brick and stone wall and grassed – beyond that is another yard which will house a barn-style shed for more storage and a garage. The stone work has been completed by Roger McCulloch using local materials. A gateway joining the two areas was made from timber reclaimed from work within the house. Then there will be a new fence built along the drive to add some privacy to the northern side of the property. Inside the house, Kate has used white extensively to brighten the interior. The addition of a skylight in the western roof over the stairwell adds to the light and airy feeling inside the house. Practical white shutters in each room not only add privacy, but also insulation. Upstairs, Kate has made some concessions in the children’s bedrooms – these are white and yellow and white and aqua striped. The master bedroom combines tasteful (and historic) art pieces against the white background. At the front of the house, the verandah has been rebuilt and is an ideal area to sit and watch the Lambie Street foot traffic pass by. Kate is hoping to have the renovation completed early next year as the National Trust has asked her to open the house to the public in May, which she is happy to do. Continued on page 19

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Edition 9, 2015

Get it up fast Locally owned and operated High Country Truss and Frames is a fast growing business located on Polo Flat Road in the industrial area of Cooma.

We manufacture and supply prefabricated timber wall frames, roof trusses and floor systems for your new home, extension, garage, shed or even a new pergola.

With a factory full of Multinail Machinery and a great team of dedicated staff, they have more than doubled their output in the last twelve months. With the increase in demand for their product they have also been able to add to their transport fleet a new extendable trailer, enabling them to now supply roof trusses up to 20 metres long. Supplying into the ACT, South Coast, Snowy Mountains and surrounding area’s High Country Truss and Frames provide quality Wall Frames and Roof Trusses to builders both big and small.

We are happy to supply all builders and ownerbuilders, no matter how big or small. We deliver into the ACT, South Coast, Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas

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They can also manufacture floor systems and can also offer you very competitive pricing on all building supplies that you will need to complete your entire project. They use Multinail Universal truss plates and accessories to make all their frames and trusses and Hyne T2 Blue timber which is specifically designed to protect from termite attack, both Australian companies and products. Give them a call or send through your plans and you will get a fully computerized truss and frame design and quote. After you except the quote they can make and deliver your Truss’s, Frames and or floor system in a turnaround time that they think you will be impressed by.

They are happy to supply all builders and owner builders, no matter how big or small. Give them a call and see what they can do for you.

A great range Cooma H Hardware has the largest selection of Bricks, Blocks, Pavers and Retaining Wall Systems in Cooma. There’s a great selection of Bricks available from both Austral and PGH Bricks, and to help you choose that perfect brick for your new home they will have a new brick display area to be completed in the near future at 58-62 Polo Flat Road. Looking for a retaining wall system, why not come and see the many options they have available from Austral, Boral, Stafford’s and Baines Masonry, with a great selection of colours, styles and to suit any budget. For paver’s both large and small, plain or textured and many different colours to choose from they have a great

selection in their display area. From Bink, Boral, Baines, PGH and Austral there are many different options available. And for that job that you need done now, there is the Austral 400mmx400mm large format paver in Charcoal, Almond and Sanddune available for delivery and at a great price. Or for a smaller paver and smaller budget the Baines 190mmx190mm paver is stocked in six different colour options.

So call in at 1-3 Sharp Street, and see what options Cooma H Hardware has for you.

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Edition 9, 2015

Continued from page 18 Kate said the restoration is not being done according to what was there before. She is restoring the house, sympathetically, with her requirements in mind. For example, there will not be a dining room –“I don’t give dinner parties” she said. Instead most of the dining will be outside in that wonderful outdoor area. “In winter we can eat at the table in here”, (the kitchen) Kate said. Much of the décor being added is Kate’s mother’s furniture. Kate is more concerned with providing the right environment for that than strictly adhering to the room plan that was in place in the 1880s.

The building work is being carried out by John Nassar of Full On Constructions. Kate said she can’t speak highly enough of John, his enthusiasm and quality of work. One of the biggest jobs on the build was replacing the roof. That gave the opportunity for the builders to remove a water tank and install the skylight. While Kate was talking about her passion for keeping local history alive, she talked of a previous renovation at another property in Tex Hyder Lane. This property, on the town boundary and with nine acres of land, was a rundown stone cottage with two-bedroom fibro cottage and assorted sheds and mess. Now, after some hard work by Sandy Litchfield and others, the cottage has a new life and the

two main buildings have been joined by a glass walkway. Verandahs and pergolas have increased the living areas and the addition of an aboveground pool, plus terraced gardens, has made this a little oasis on the edge of town. Kate is using the land to assist a local florist to grow cut flowers and there are a couple of horses in the paddocks as well. She has plans for arty workshops to be held there in the future. Pictured, inside the Lambie street residence and the new kitchen at Tex Hyder lane.

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20

Let us help your

Edition 9, 2015

A growing range

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At Cooma H Hardware their garden range is growing all the time, with a great range of seedlings and potted colour now in stock and the range is growing with new stock arriving daily. Petunia, Angelonia, Dianthus, Gazania, Marigold, Salvia and Dwarf Sunflowers are just some of the many different varieties of potted colour that they now have in store. And for those of you who like to grow your own vegies, they have many different varieties of vegetable seedlings in stock, including Corn, Capsicum, Beetroot, Cabbage, Chillies, C u c u m b e r s , Lettuce, Leek, Onions, Peas, Silverbeet and Zucchini just to name a few. And don’t forget it’s now that time of year to plant your tomatoes, so come in to choose some of the many different varieties available. Why not get a compost bin or worm farm to help improve

your garden and soil. Most of your kitchen waste can be processed into rich plant food with a worm farm and it is great fun for the kids, is mess free and easy for the whole family to use. Around 30% off all household waste is organic and can be turned into compost, so why not transform your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable nutrient rich food for your garden. Call in and have a look at the range of Tumbleweed worm farms and compost bins, and if they don’t have the one you are after they can order it in. They are also growing their range of bagged garden products to include a range of pebbles in Cowra White and Cowra Gold, garden mulch and sand.

Call into Cooma H Hardware to see the growing garden range and let their friendly staff help you.

Painting made easy We stock The New Look range of premium quality paint which is manufactured by Wattyl exclusively for Paint Place. The range includes interior and exterior finishes, preps and undercoats, trim paints and decking oil. New look interior low sheen and satin is kid tough, washable wall paint. It’s low VOC, low odour and gentle on the senses so you can re-occupy your room sooner. For living areas and bedrooms a low sheen is perfect. Our kid tough formula means marks just wipe away. For wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens a satin is ideal. It withstands the moist surroundings and is scrubbable. New Look exterior low sheen and gloss offers superior UV block out, does not require a primer on most surfaces, is easy to clean and includes a 15 year warranty.

Need some help picking colours? Why not try The Decorator’s Kit. The Decorator’s Kit will show you step by step how to create your very own mood board, a stunning and perfectly coordinated colour palette that will be the foundation of your home decorating project. This free kit, complete with a useful wallet folder, will enable you to keep all your colour chips and inspirations together. You can work on your kit in our colour areas with the help of our friendly staff or take it home with you. Call into Cooma H Hardware to get yours today.

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Edition 9, 2015

Creating a

raised garden bed

A raised, no-dig vegie bed has many advantages. It does away with the need to bend, obviously there’s little or no digging, and the growing medium can be topped up on a regular basic. So if you want to give it a try, here are some tips. Start by selecting a site in a sunny position. Build a frame with boards, bricks or whatever you have available. This can vary from about 30 - 50cm deep. The higher the sides, the less bending will be required to maintain the bed but make sure you can reach all parts of the garden from the sides. Pre-formed, above-ground beds make starting off even easier. Fill the bed with good quality soil from a landscape supplier or use the method that was first pioneered by Esther Deans in her 1970s book Growing Without Digging.

• Place a 50-mm thick layer of newspaper (not cardboard or glossy magazine paper) in the bottom of the bed. Overlap the paper so there are no gaps. • Cover with pads of lucerne hay as they come off the bale. • Sprinkle on a dusting of organic fertiliser. • Cover with 20 cm of loose straw. • Scatter some more fertiliser onto this layer. • Continue layering in this order until the garden bed is as high as you would like. * Tip a circle of rich compost 10 cm deep and about 45 cm in diameter in places where seeds or seedlings are to be planted. Then plant into this circle.

At this time of year you can sow seeds of dwarf or climbing beans, beetroot, carrot, corn, melon, pumpkin, radish, baby squash and zucchini. Sow seeds or plant seedlings of cabbage, capsicum, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, silverbeet and tomatoes. Feed the plants regularly with a liquid fertiliser such as Yates Uplift and make sure they don’t dry out. Water as required, ideally in the early morning when evaporation is low. Morning watering also allows the leaves to dry quickly, which reduces the risk of fungal infections taking hold. A layer of organic mulch around the plants will help retain moisture. Control sap-sucking pests (aphids etc) with Yates Nature’s Way Insect and Mite Killer Natrasoap. Because this doesn’t leave toxic residues, you don’t have to wait to pick the vegies. Control caterpillars with Nature’s Way Dipel or Success. Yates Tomato and Vegetable Dust is another popular, easy to apply option for taking care of some of the most common insect pests and fungal diseases. Yates Lime Sulfur is a good choice for controlling the powdery mildew that can be troublesome for some vegies, especially cucurbits. Always check the label to make sure that the product can be used on that crop and follow instructions carefully. When you’re growing any sort of vegies, it’s a good idea to rotate your crops. This means, for example, a leafy crop is followed by a fruiting crop such as tomatoes, or a legume crop. Typical legumes are beans in summer and broad beans or peas in winter. These can

be followed by a root crop (carrots, parsnips, beetroot etc). Before planting each new crop, add more soil or layers of compost, manure and lucerne where necessary or dig some aged organic matter - manure, mushroom compost etc. into the soil.

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22

Edition 9, 2015

ADVERTORIAL

So y you o are planning that house makeover or renovation. How about an Ironbark Benchtop in the kitchen? This was the timber of choice for the new main bar in the Benc c Cooma Coom om Hotel and it would make an awesome addition to most kitchens. Maybe you’d rather rath he a red. Try Jarrah or Sydney Blue Gum. ( the leaves are blue, the timber is red!). Let yo your o imagination take hold with island benches, or a full set of timber tops. There are plenty high bars b to choose from. of timbers tim mb How’s Ho ow your entry looking? Want to make a big statement that says welcome to my home. Try statem m Western Red Cedar wall panelling or a custom some eW made e Blackwood screen. Timber stud screens are all the go at the moment creating a separation between spaces betw twe whilst st maintaining light flow and ligh ht openness. Cedar openn option is a timeless tim walls and now for wa w there are lots of and exciting new a profiles profile e to choose from. from m. What Wha a house doesn’t look great with a timber floor. When n I was a kid my grandparents had parquetry and I thought that was very posh. Now nearly everyone can enjoy the luxury of a timber floor every yo ranging rangin n from bamboos and traditional floor boards to the he super wide hardwoods and engineered floors. Doesn’t Doesn n the ex Services Club look great with the new timber timbe er floor? That one’s a Stringy Bark, but there are 30 species to choose from so one for every job. over 3

Ever had the urge to build your own furniture? With the right advice and a bit of help many of you can. Imagine that new dining table made of Walnut, or perhaps a New Guinea Rosewood coffee table or book shelf. We have been using timber to create furniture since the cavemen first sat on a log. And why not, it’s so versatile. We like to surround ourselves with nice things and wooden furniture has a richness and quality about it a lot of other materials can’t match. Even better when you have made it yourself but if that’s a step too far maybe commissioning a cabinetmaker is the way to go. This way you get what you want, to the job you need done and all the while looking awesome. There are so many ways in which we can use timber around a home. Look around you and you will see examples everywhere. A visit to the Monaro Timber Design Centre will help get that next project underway and our staff are always happy to advice on solutions for your renovating needs.

Let your imagination take hold with island benches, high bars or a full set of timber tops. There are plenty of timbers to choose from.

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Edition 9, 2015

Do you have an ESCAPE PLAN? When fire takes hold every second counts. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. Have a Plan

Every home should have a fire escape plan. Accidental home fires by their very nature can catch people unawares. Without an escape plan you are placing the lives of everybody in your home in jeopardy.

Plan your actions before a fire happens! Draw your escape plan now!

that windows and screens can be easily opened. • Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability. • Decide on a safe outside meeting place eg. near the letterbox. • Once you get out, STAY OUT, never go back inside a burning building. • Practice your plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved.

The Fire & Rescue NSW Tip has created a page that Never open doors that are hot to you can print, draw your the touch. To make sure that fire is escape plan on and when not on the other side use the back complete place somewhere of your hand to feel a closed door. prominent in your household If it feels hot, use your alternate escape route. to keep fresh in your mind (for example, on your fridge). Everyone in your household should discuss and agree If you live in an apartment building about what actions should be taken if a fire was to • Learn and practice your occur. building’s evacuation plan. • If you hear the fire alarm, Remember leave immediately. • Plan and practice your plan. • Use the stairs - NEVER use a • If your home catches fire: STAY LOW, GET OUT and lift/elevator during a fire. STAY OUT! • If your clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP, COVER and Smoke alarms can save ROLL until the flames are extinguished.

STOP, DROP AND ROLL

Tip

your life

Having working smoke alarms installed on every level Security bars require special precautions. Security bars of your home dramatically can trap you in a fire. Windows and doors with security your chances bars must have quick release devices to allow them to increases of survival. Smoke alarm be opened immediately. batteries need to be tested every month and replaced Tips on Home Fire Escape Plans according to manufacturers • Draw a floor plan of your home. recommendations. • Draw your escape plan on paper and discuss your escape plan with other occupants. Make sure

Plan your actions before a fire happens! Draw your escape plan now!

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Stihl Shop Cooma S tihl S hop C ooma 44 4 4S Sharp harp Street Street COOMA COOMA 2630 2630 Ph: Ph: 02 02 6452 6452 4956 4956

24

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Edition 9, 2015

How to Make a

Compost Heap

If you love your garden and want to do your bit for the environment, you want to know how to make a compost heap. Composting is nature’s way of replenishing the soil by recycling organic waste. A compost heap is just a way of helping nature do this. Instead of sending your organic waste to the tip and going out and buying fertiliser for your garden, if you save your organic waste in a compost heap, you can create your own fertiliser and save money at the same time. Here’s how to do it. Start by Choosing the Right Spot Think of the fertile soil on a rainforest floor and you get a good idea of the ideal location for a compost heap. The tree canopy allows light in, but not direct sunlight. When rain falls, the rainforest canopy diffuses much of it, leaving the ground moist but not soggy. The ideal compost heap will be moist but not wet and warm but not hot, so choosing the right spot for it is an important first step.

Cooma 50 Bombala St Ph: 6452 5655 InspirationsPaint.com.au

Choosing a Compost Bin Compost bins are optional, but a compost bin or bins can make composting easier and help keep you motivated to maintain your bin. There are three basic types of compost bins: A stationary bin is simply a special receptacle for composting materials. Often, stationary bins are placed together in a row, to allow several “batches” of compost to mature at intervals. A tumbling bin makes aerating and mixing compost easy. Worm bins are designed to make worms the primary means of breaking down organic matter. Each of these types of bins has its advantages. Stationary bins are great for producing large volumes of compost. Tumbling bins create usable compost fast; in as little as three weeks. Compost made by worms is very nutrient rich and worms aerate and enrich garden soil even more. If you choose to make a simple compost heap in a corner of your yard, keep the advantages of these three types of compost bins in mind. If space allows, make the area wide enough to create two or three separate compost heaps. This way, as you use one on your garden, another will be developing for later use. Be sure to “tumble” your compost heap

1 Hilton Street Cooma NSW 2630

with a pitchfork regularly, to keep it aerated and mix partially decomposed matter in with more decomposed materials. Whatever you do, don’t take the worms and other “creepy crawlies” that find their way into your heap out. They are a compost heap’s best friend. What Should You Compost and What Should You Leave Out? Fallen leaves, grass clippings and even small twigs you collect when pruning can be thrown in the compost heap. Larger twigs can be used, too, but only after shredding. Most of the organic waste from your kitchen is perfect for a compost heap, but there are exceptions. Meat and fish are out, as are prawn and crab shells. Unless you want to grow a weed and random vegetable garden, avoid throwing flower heads, weeds with seeds or raw vegetable scraps with seeds in the heap. Nature has provided seeds with hard shells that will not burst open until the right time for growing comes around. The compost heap will not break down those shells. When you spread the compost over your garden in spring, it will be like planting a weed garden from seed. A good mixture of organic matter is better than a single source for making a compost heap. The way you stack it, too, will make a difference in the quality of the compost. Start your heap with the thicker, tougher materials, such as twigs, then add a layer of seedless weeds, lawn clippings and other garden material. Top this with your kitchen scraps and then add a thin layer of manure if you like, to hasten the process. Build the heap in layers like this and you create the perfect conditions for composting. While making a compost heap is relatively easy, things can go wrong. A few things to look for include: A smelly compost heap is not a healthy compost heap. It may indicate that you are not aerating the heap enough. Mix all the layers thoroughly to aerate the heap. If the heap smells like ammonia, it probably lacks carbon. Brown matter such as leaves, hay and even shredded newspaper (in limited quantities) may help fix this problem. If leaves and grass clipping aren’t decomposing, it may be because there aren’t enough other materials in the mix or it may be because there is not enough moisture in the heap. In dry weather, water your compost heap occasionally. Compost heaps do not attract rodents unless inappropriate materials like meat scraps and bones are thrown in the heap. If you see rodents, this is the reason. Make sure everyone in your household knows that meat and a compost heap don’t mix. Give a compost heap a try and you’ll find that it can be as rewarding as gardening itself can be. It will be doubly rewarding when you see the results of your labours producing a stronger, healthier garden.

Mob: 0412 484 425

Lic: 206647C

25

Edition 9, 2015

Pacific Furniture’s tips for outdoor furniture on the Monaro

KRAFT

EARTHMOVING 0418 484 110

A Division of Kraft Earthmoving PTY LTD

Your local suppliers of:

Tracey Alcock joined the Pacific Furniture and Bedding team as a manager four years ago. She took over ownership 18 months ago, and loves the challenge.

t Sand t Soil t Pebbles t Rocks t Mulch t Sawdust

t Gravel t Compost t Bagged cement products t Hire of earthmoving equipment t Firewood

Delivered to your door

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T: (02) 6457 2400 F: (02) 6457 2900

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YARD: Lot 22 Baggs St, Leesville Estate, Jindabyne 2627 POSTAL: PO Box 51, Berridale 2628

“

I love shopping,� says Tracey with a laugh, “So to be able to buy all these beautiful things to show and sell to people, it’s great.

“

“I love shopping,� says Tracey with a laugh, “So to be able to buy all these beautiful things to show and sell to people, it’s great.� “I like having nice things around me in my own home, and I really like searching for something different and I make sure to change the range often.� Tracey says that having such a varied and harsh climate, the Monaro can be difficult when it comes to outdoor furniture. But if you like to have your mates over for a barbie, or enjoy a wine out on the verandah after work, then some nice outdoor furniture is essential. Tracey says as long as you keep it under cover er and give it a bit of occasional tender er loving care, yourr furniture should hold d up well. “Natural cane e is good, but in n the summer sun it becomes brittle and cracks,� says Tracey, “And then in winter, with all the frosts and moisture in the air, mould can quickly become a problem.� Tracey has some great pieces in

store that are reclaimed timber. Tracey says these not only look great, but as long as you oil them about once a year they will last much longer. Another no fuss option that is perfect for the unpredictable weather here on the Monaro is plastic furniture. “If you have any cushions, I would recommend bringing them undercover when you’re not using them, as you never know when the weather here will turn,� says Tracey. For more tips and advice, and to see the beautiful range Tracey has, pop in to Pacific Furniture and Bedding on Bombala Street in Cooma.

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26

Edition 9, 2015

Probably the most desired bedroom vibe is

peace and quiet

Who doesn’t want a peaceful, relaxing space in which to drift off to sleep?

But for many people, instead of tranquil, the bedroom is an anxiety-producing room filled with clutter, bland dÊcor and too many reminders of the workday. If your bedroom isn’t the restful space you want, try these easy steps to improve the ambience.

Time to tidy up

Research has shown that the simple act of making your bed every day can give you a great and positive start to your day. That small act of confidence can set the tone for your work, or play day. If you can’t see your bed under the piles of laundry waiting to be put away; the dresser has disappeared under all the mail, papers and magazines you’ve been meaning to sort through, it’s going to be hard to relax in your bedroom. Clutter is stimulating, and not in a good way. It’s even worse when your job has crept into the bedroom in the form of laptop, work projects and memos. The first step in bringing back the tranquility is banishing everything work-related to other areas of the home, and remove the clutter.

Choose the right colours

Tranquility doesn’t mean decorating only with white. In fact, soft hues are more serene than an overly-sterile lack of colour. For a calming palette, think of the muted, cool tones of nature: the whisper gray of a dove’s feathers, the hushed blue of the ocean on an overcast day, or the soft green of moss. It’s these quiet shades of nature that bring serenity to a space -not bright colours, overly-dark tones, shiny metallics or even pastels, which lack the foggy undertones that create a peaceful feel.

Your Bed is important

SALVESTRO DEVELOPMENTS

PTY LTD

The main purpose of your bedroom is to house the bed where you restore your physical and mental energies every night – so make sure that bed is a relaxing, welcoming haven.

Start with a supportive, comfortable mattress. If it’s been years since you replaced yours, and it’s starting to show its age with a dip in the middle or lumpy areas, it’s time for a replacement. For extra comfort, consider adding a mattress topper to your bed. Sheets come next, and this is one area where it’s worth it to splurge a little bit. Good quality sheets feel so pampering against your skin; it’s hard not to feel peaceful and ready for sleep when you slide between them. Finally, choose a thick, luxurious doona or quilt. Keep your bedding colours limited to white or soft, smoky shades of green, blue, tan or gray. Solid colours are best, but if you like pattern, choose a very simple design with only two or three colours.

Don’t overdo it

Clean, uncluttered and simple are the key concepts for the tranquil bedroom. A peaceful bedroom is a simple bedroom. This means you don’t want an excess of accessories or anything that isn’t useful, but your room shouldn’t be stark and impersonal, either. Strike a happy balance with just a few beloved pieces – limit yourself to just a few of the following: • Framed photos • Candles • Potted plants • Hanging artwork with peaceful themes • Collectibles When choosing necessary bedroom accessories, such as bedside lamps, curtains, area rugs, a reading chair or floor lamps, look for simple designs with natural finishes or materials. Lamps with dimmers are especially useful for setting a tranquil feel in the bedroom – use the brighter setting when dressing in the morning, but tone down the brightness when it’s time to relax at night. You’ll know your bedroom is done right when it’s one of your favourite places to be, and you feel better just entering the space. Creating a tranquil bedroom is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll sleep well, feel good and wake up with enough energy to face your day.

Colin Mould

ALPINE ELECTRICAL

ABOUT US:

At Salvestro Developments, we are focused on providing services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction & we will do everything we can to meet your expectations. With a variety of offerings to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with us. We are experienced, high quality builders who have worked in the Cooma Monaro Region for over 25 years. We have experience in all areas of building and development and we are also licensed to remove asbestos.

Our Products t /FX )PNFT 1SPKFDU .BOBHFNFOU BOE Developments t "MUFSBUJPOT BOE 3FOPWBUJPOT t ,JUDIFOT BOE #BUISPPNT t 3PPGJOH t 7JOZM $MBEEJOH BMM BWBJMBCMF XJUI ZFBS warranty t -JDFOTFE "TCFTUPT 3FNPWBMT

CALL US FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE 0404 094 161 www.salvestrodevelopments.com Builders Licence No. 279004C

M: 0404 094 161 or 6452 5432

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27

Edition 9, 2015

Solar energy Enough sunlight falls on Australia to supply the nation’s total energy needs many times over. Solar modules (or panels), usually on your roof, can convert the rays to electricity. The modules should be placed facing north and tilted upwards. Your installer can advise you on

Why waste your money on ever-increasing electricity and gas bills when you could use the sun’s energy to heat your water? the best exact orientation and inclination for your location. Some types are fabricated to look like building materials – roof tiles, wall materials, and semi-transparent windows for atriums and skylights – so they blend in. Apart from modules, a solar hot water system

consists of a water storage tank, and a gas or electric booster. With the installation costs these systems are a significant purchase, but the longer term savings are huge, with your electricity or gas bills for heating water being slashed by 65 to 80 per cent.

Don’t wait for your old boiler to fail – plan for your solar hot-water system now, with this guide to requirements: Solar hot-water system requirements Number of people in household: 1–2 Hot water system capacity required (litres): 160 - 250 Solar collector size (m2): 2 Number of people in household: 3–4 Hot water system capacity required (litres): 300 - 370 Solar collector size (m2): 4 Number of people in household: 5–6 Hot water system capacity required (litres): 400+ Solar collector size (m2): 6

Running costs The cost of heating water with solar energy, compared with systems using mains electricity, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Solar hot water system

Annual cost *

Electric (peak)

$1111

Electric (off-peak 1)

$563

Natural gas

$360

Important considerations

LPG

$901

Solar, with mains electricity boost (peak)

$543

• Use an accredited installer and ensure all plumbing is carried out by a plumber who is licenced to issue a certificate of compliance. • Install your system as close as possible to the kitchen, bathrooms and/or laundry to minimise heat loss. • If a roof tank is to be installed, the installer must assess the roof’s structural strength and compliance with any regulations. • Have the storage tank and solar modules as close together as possible, to reduce the length of the connecting pipes. • Insulate the pipes, in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines. • Fit a low-flow showerhead. Showering accounts for more than 30 per cent of household hot water. • Keep the booster thermostat at its recommended setting of 60°C. • Turn off the booster when back up is not required, or fit appropriate timers. • If you live in an area prone to frost, make sure your system and accessories are suitably warranted.

Solar, with mains electricity boost (off-peak 1)

$197

Solar, with natural gas boost

$183

Solar, with LPG boost

$470

Electric heat pump (peak rate)

$675

* Approximate cost per annum, based on hot water usage three to five person household of 156 litres of per day. Costs may vary depending upon usage patterns, efficiency of system, climate conditions and tariff rates. Electricity (domestic controlled load 1 and 2) and natural gas tariffs are based on AGL price list. LPG tariff is based on indicated rate from Origin Energy. Prices as at August 2013.

Service over and above 100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED

Asbestos advocates outraged

1300 STEELINE t 3PPĂśOH t 8BMM $MBEEJOH t .FUBM 'BTDJB (VUUFS 4ZTUFNT t "DDFTTPSZ 1SPEVDUT t 4IFET BOE (BSBHFT

as NSW Government excludes most common asbestos from Mr Fluffy legislation Asbestos advocates fear homes containing deadly loosefill asbestos will be excluded from remediation and safety programs after the NSW Government omitted white asbestos — the most common form of the deadly mineral — from legislation passed recently. The Home Building and Duties Amendment (Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Affected Premises) Bill 2015, restricted the legislation to only cover loose-fill asbestos made from amosite or crocidolite, otherwise known as brown and blue asbestos. An amendment that sought to add the most commonly used form of asbestos, chrysotile or white asbestos, was rejected, despite being the only form of the mineral that was mined in NSW and also the cheapest and most prevalent type of asbestos. The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia said that while the NSW Government agreed demolition and land remediation was the only way to remove the health risk of the finely crushed asbestos installed as ceiling insulation during the 1960s and 1970s, many home owners may now slip through the cracks. “There is absolute medical and scientific consensus that all forms of asbestos are potentially deadly, and that there is no safe level of exposure,� ADFA president Barry Robson said.

“It is shocking that the NSW Government would deliberately exclude the most common form of asbestos from this legislation, going so far as to vote against an amendment that would have rectified this oversight. “While much of the Mr Fluffy insulation was made of brown or blue asbestos, it is incomprehensible that white asbestos — which was the cheapest and most readily available form of the mineral — was never used. “At best, this is a terrible oversight that risks allowing some asbestos contaminated homes to slip through the cracks, and at worst it is a deliberate attempt to reduce the costs of buying and remediating homes containing Mr Fluffy insulation. “It is a tragedy that thousands of Australians have already died as a result of past asbestos exposure, but it would be morally bankrupt if that number was added to because of incompetence or penny-pinching on the part of the Baird Government.�

XXX TUFFMJOF DPN BV

4 Bullara Street, Pambula NSW 2549 Ph: (02) 6495 6968 Fax: (02) 6495 6747 pambula@steeline.com.au

BURKE’S PLANT HIRE Cooma

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28

Edition 9, 2015

Creating a Find a Pallet

The first thing you need to do is– obviously–find a pallet. No need to be squeamish. It doesn’t smell. At least, it doesn’t smell that bad. Don’t just take the first pallet you find. You’re looking for one with all the boards in good condition, no nails sticking out, no rotting, etc. If you intend to put edibles in your pallet, be sure to find one that was heat treated as opposed to fumigated with pesticides. Collect Your Supplies For this project, you’ll need the pallet you found, two large bags of potting soil, 16 six packs of annual flowers (one six pack per opening on the face of the

Pallet Garden

pallet, and two six packs per opening on the top of the completed pallet garden), a small roll of landscape fabric, a staple gun, staples, and sand paper.

Get Your Pallet into Shape

Once you’ve dragged your pallet home, give it a once over. Are any of the boards a little loose? Is the wood chipping in places? Nail down any loose boards, and use sand paper to smooth down any rough spots.

Let the Stapling Begin!

Decide which side of the pallet will be the bottom when the pallet garden is completed and leaning against the wall. You are going to be covering the

GREG

bottom, back, and sides with landscape e fabric, leaving the spaces between n the slats and the top uncovered (you’lll be planting flowers in the uncovered spaces). Lay the pallet face down. Roll the landscape fabric over the back. Cut two identically sized pieces that are long enough to go from the top edge of the back of the pallet and wrap all the way around the bottom, plus a few extra inches. Hold the two pieces of landscape fabric together as if they were one piece of fabric. Fold over the top edge by one inch and center it on the top board of the back of the pallet. Staple the fabric into place near the top edge of the top board. Smooth the fabric out to the left and right and pull it taut. Staple the fabric down on the top, right edge of the top board. Repeat on the left side. Fill in between those three staples with one staple every two inches along the top edge of the top board. When the top of the landscape fabric is securely attached to the top, back board, smooth the fabric down, and repeat the process along the bottom edge of the bottom board, *Non-residential except don’t fold the fabric under, leave a long flap on the bottom. Pulling the fabric tautly along the bottom, fold the cut edge under, and staple the fabric down along the front edge of the bottom. Smooth the fabric out to the left and right and staple every two inches along the front edge of the bottom. Now for the sides. Start near the bottom and fold the excess fabric inwards as if you were wrapping a present. Fold the cut edge of the fabric under and staple it down near the front, bottom edge of the side facade. Smooth the fabric out and place a staple every two inches along the front edge of the side of the pallet. The fabric should be taut but not in danger of tearing. Repeat on the other side of the pallet. You should now have a pallet with landscape fabric wrapped around the sides, back, and bottom. Place more staples along the spine of the back side of the pallet, and anywhere else you think the fabric needs to be held down so that soil can’t creep into places you

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don’t d ’t wantt it tto go.

Now for the Fun Part–Planting!

Bring the pallet close to wherever it’s final spot will be and lay it down face up. You’re going to plant it while it’s laying flat on the ground. First slide the plants into what will be the top. Plant everything very tightly, you should have to practically shoe horn the last plant into place. Now that you have capped the top, pour the entire first bag of potting soil on top of the pallet. Push the soil into the pallet between the slats and smooth it out so that the soil is level. Repeat with the second bag of potting soil. Push potting soil into the bottom cavity, so that there is a trench directly below one of the bottom openings. Plant six plants in the trench, so that they are very tightly fitted into the opening. Repeat with the other bottom opening. Now push the potting soil up against those flowers you just planted, making a trench beneath one of the openings in the second row. Plant your flowers tightly in that opening. Repeat for all the remaining openings. When you’re done planting, you should have plants that are completely covering every opening (i.e. there shouldn’t be any place for soil to fall out). There should also be soil firmly pushed into every part of the pallet where there aren’t plants.

Caring For your Pallet

Now, I’m going to tell you what you should do, and I what I always end up doing (which is what you should not do). You should leave the pallet flat on the ground for a couple of weeks (watering when needed), so that the roots can start to grow in and hold all the plants in place. I can never wait though, so I always tip the pallet upright a few days after planting. Some soil does fall out, but it seems to be okay. But I think it would be better if you left it to settle and only tipped it upright after a few weeks. Do as I say, not as I do. Water your pallet regularly, they dry out quickly. Pay special attention to the bottom two openings, they seem to be the driest. Fertilize with water soluble fertilizer added to your watering can (follow package instructions for amount and frequency).

SUPPLIERS TO THE HOME GARDENER, LANDSCAPE & BUILDING INDUSTRIES

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29

Edition 9, 2015

• Russell Hobbs Kettle Heritage Range

• Samsung LED Smart TV • LG Refigerator 223 Litre

COOMA

• Panasonic Home Theatre System Full HD 3D Blueray

• Soda Stream Soft Drink Maker

• Russell Hobbs Range 2 Slice Toaster

• Remington hair Dryer 2000 Watt

• LG Microwave Oven 25 litre

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30

Edition 9, 2015

ELM LEAF BEETLE MANAGEMENT

5SVOL *OKFDUJPO t $BOPQZ 4QSBZ t 4PJM *OKFDUJPO The Elm Leaf beetle can defoliate an Elm tree in weeks if left untreated and poses the greatest threat to the health and wellbeing of the Elm tree population in Australia.

Use a

professional

FOR A FREE INSPECTION AND QUOTE: 0438 954 817

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Trees may become a problem due to various reasons: • • • • • • •

They have become structurally unsafe Damage from storms Diseased or dead limbs Damage to pipes, paving or buildings Soaking up too much water When you just want a change of scenery When they are in the wrong place

Snowy Mountains Tree Service can take care of any unwanted trees swiftly and safely with a start-to-finish service. If you don’t want to remove a whole tree, but it has become a problem for any reason we can assess your tree and take care of any unwanted limbs. Using a professional ensures the branches are carefully removed and avoids unneccessary damage to property or the tree itself. Don’t risk a costly repair or injury by attempting it yourself, leave it to the experts in trees! After a tree has been removed we offer a stump grinding service to remove the stump and allow for replanting or building over the top. Stumps can take years to decay and can present access hazards as well as being unsightly. No matter if it’s a large or small stump we have a variety of equipment and techniques to get the job done properly and quickly. We also work in conjunction with other professional

tradesman for more extensive works such as block and site clearing and difficult access areas. Talk to us first about your requirements for more complex jobs as we have many contacts in associated industries. We have a full range of equipment to handle any tree situations including: • 2x 4x4 utes with all equipment and safety essentials on-board • 4x4 tipper/woodchip canopy • 2010 Bandit 1090 inch wood chipper with winch for larger jobs • 2002 Bandit 90xp 9 inch wood chipper for smaller jobs • 2013 rayco super trac jr stump grinder for larger stump removals • 2006 stump humper 22max stump grinder for smaller stump removals All our equipment is serviced regularly and mantained to the highest standards from our depot and workshop in Cooma.

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Edition 9, 2015

To the tradie-mobile! When it comes to performance, safety, technology and design, with an extra strong high tensile frame featuring hundreds of spot welds to you cannot go past the brand new Toyota HiLux. Unbreakable and deliver a muscled-up body with exceptional strength and torsional rigidity. It also comes with all the technological bells and whistles including uncompromising, it is the perfect vehicle for any tradie or farmer on the Bluetooth, sat nav, touch screen audio display, steering wheel control, Monaro and in the Snowy Mountains. It’s bigger and it’s stronger than ever before, and with a brand new engine and new accessories, it’s an exciting model to own. In terms of design, the interior is comfortable, practical and spacious, and the exterior is modern, masculine and undeniably tough. Being bigger, the new HiLux is easier to load and you can choose from Single-Cab, Extra-Cab or Double-Cab body types in a mix of 4x2 and 4x4 configurations that add up to 31 variants in the HiLux range. For Cooma’s High Country Automotive Group Sales Manager Jason Kilpatrick, the biggest benefit of the new HiLux is the flexibility it provides through the many accessories and configurations available. “The beauty of the new HiLux is that it suits any requirement,� he says, “Whether you’re a tradie, a farmer, a keen 4WDer and camper or even just in town, this vehicle will have everything you need.� As a result of over 40 years of continuous testing and development by Toyota in the harshest Australian conditions and terrain, every HiLux has been specially developed and tuned to handle the demands of Australian roads, whether they’re in town or well off the beaten track. Galvanised steel is u s e d extensively throughout the cabin and cargo deck to prevent corrosion,

device connections and Smart Entry/Smart Start. The HiLux is also incredibly safe. Scoring a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it has seven SRS airbags, reversing camera, trailer sway control, Antiskid Breaking System (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is standard on HiLux SR5 4x4 automatic models and manages the vehicle’s brakes electronically, ensuring that exactly the right amount of hydraulic pressure is applied to prevent the wheels from locking. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) automatically maintains low speed control when you’re driving down steep, slippery and bumpy slopes and helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways, keeping it stable and allowing the driver to stay in control. It also has Active Traction Control (A-TRC), which optimally delivers the drive force to the wheels with the best grip to provide outstanding ground covering capability on slippery or uneven surfaces. This makes it the perfect choice for safety, especially during those frosty winter mornings in the Snowy Mountain climate.

So to get your hands on the new Toyota HiLux, head down to Cooma Toyota in Sharp Street for the best service and the best deal on the perfect vehicle for all your needs.

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Edition 9, 2015

COOMA

Claire’s Gardening Notes for November The spring season is coming to its end with November here already. So far spring has been a mixed bag in regards to the weather. The wet autumn and the regular showers throughout winter is showing through now with plenty of green growth in the landscape. Many dams are full and there seems to be good soil moisture. It has been a typical Monaro spring with plenty of wild windy days and a lot of changeable temperatures. Let’s hope November is a bit calmer and not too hot so the garden can recover and we can plant out all those summer food crops. Planting.

Vegetable and edible garden plants are the main focus of planting in November with Melbourne Cup Day being the benchmark day for getting in and growing - tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, capsicum, corn, beans, squash and any other frost tender plants. Vigilance will be needed to make sure if there is a hint of frost then protection will be needed. There are also many herbs available to add interest to the edible garden as well as attract beneficial insects to help control the unwanted ones. Herbs will also add interest and flavours to summer cooking including the good ole barbie!!!

Ornamental Garden.

There are heaps of plants for planting into the ornamental or flower garden now. November is a good time to plant just about everything from annuals to trees.

Annuals. Annuals to plant now are of course petunias - and the following: Lobelia, Asters, Mini Dahlias, Cosmos, Carnations, Snapdragons and Marigolds. Perennials. These make lovely splashes of colour throughout the summer months in the garden and in pots. Try Gauras, Lavender, Penstemons,

Iberis, Perennial Petunias, Dianthus, Geums, Iris and Nemesia.

Ground Covers. Add interest with pretty flowers and can act as a weed suppressant by covering bare soil thus denying the weeds a chance to germinate. There are a lot you can try such as native grevillea ground covers, conifers, Convolvulus, Snow in Summer, Alpine phlox, Veronica Oxford Blue and Myoporum cultivars.

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Climbers. Give a vertical aspect to the garden. They can grow on walls, over arches, on old tree stumps etc. Available for this area are Clematis, Wisteria, Honeysuckle, climbing roses and Potato Vine. Shrubs. Shrubs make up the substance to the garden and the range is enormous evergreen, deciduous, native, miniature, large, hedging and specimen, for the shade, for full sun, perfumed, small flowered,

large flowered. Analyse the position where the planting is to be to narrow down the choice and then decide the purpose the shrub is to serve. Screening? Flowering? Accent? This will reduce the selection again. Then prepare the site well and then select the plants.

Trees. These are the backbone of all gardens giving the structure around which the garden is created. They provide much needed shade during the warmer months of the year (deciduous trees) and can help reduce the temperature inside the home. Trees can add some protection to plants growing beneath them. They provide shelter for birds that in turn can keep some unwanted pests at bay. A landscape without trees would be very dull and boring indeed. Continued on page 35...

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34

Edition 9, 2015

SOUTH - EAST

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35

Edition 9, 2015

COOMA

Claire’s Gardening Notes for November Continued from page 32...

Pests and Diseases. As ever there will be some bug or plant disease to give both the plant and the grower a hard time. Check for aphids, scale, white fly, mealy bugs, thrip, caterpillars, pear and cherry slug, sawfly larvae - these are some of the annoying bugs. Powdery mildew, rust, black spot, downy mildew are just some of the diseases to check for. If you are unsure of what it is bugging or making your plants sick, bring a specimen of the damage caused to the plant and the bug to the store for correct identification so a proper and safe control method can be implemented. Weeds are also classed as a pest in the garden and can be a safe haven for many unwanted bugs and diseases that will then spread to other plants in the garden. Pruning. Another important job to keep on top of in November is pruning. Prune back spring flowering shrubs, if the flowers have finished, to keep them looking tidy and in their place. Keep removing finished flowers on annuals to prolong their flowering. If there has been frost damage to new growth on plants a light prune to remove the worst damage will make the plants look a lot better. A dose of Seasol (seaweed solution) would be a good idea. Fertilise. Keep any fast growing plants well fertilised so they continue to grow well. If the remainder of the garden hasn’t been fertilised as yet then do this during November. Some plants need a lot of feeding - these includeroses, citrus, lettuce and petunias. Water well before and after adding fertiliser. Watering. Be aware that pots and the garden will be in constant demand for water if there are not consistent falls of rain. Mulch garden beds in and around veggie plants to preserve soil moisture. As it is November that means that Christmas is not too far away. Everyone should get into the spirit of Christmas and celebrate it as one of our best traditional times of the year. If gift giving is a top priority then now is the time to begin to think about the gifts to give and the recipients to receive them.

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Edition 9, 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Your deck doesn’t have to be hard work

HardieDeck™ goes down fast – and lasts. You’ll love the low maintenance, so you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your home.

More colours, more choice Don’t be limited to the colour of wood and the grey it inevitably turns. HardieDeck is designed to be coated in durable paints normally used on paving. Your deck can be clear sealed to achieve a raw, natural look for a modern architectural feel. Or paint the boards any colour to match other elements in your home such as guttering, colorbond or other tiled paving. It’s a fresh alternative to timber or plastic composite decking. Guaranteed hard wearing, not hard work HardieDeck is durable - it won’t split

or warp under the harsh Australian sun and it won’t rot like timber can. The boards are resistant to termites, moisture damage and fire, making HardieDeck the ideal decking if you live in a bushfire zone. The fibre cement boards and powder-coated aluminium accessories are all backed by a 10 year warranty so you’ll enjoy your outdoors for many years to come.

HardieDeck is a new robust new breed of decking and the boards are made to withstand the challenging Australian climate under any conditions from country to coast and urban areas. Breathe new life into an old deck or use HardieDeck to create a range of solutions from pool decking and sundecks to balconies and outdoor entertainment areas.

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37

Edition 9, 2015

Solar finance guide Solar PV is an increasingly popular way for NSW households to save on energy bills, avoid future price rises and reduce their carbon footprint. This guide has been developed to help you understand the payment options available for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Until recently, the only way to enjoy solar PV was to invest your own money upfront and let the bill savings pay this investment back over time. To access solar PV you have a number of options, including familiar forms of finance and some more specialised solar options. The information, tools and resources on this site will help you choose a solar PV payment option that’s right for you. Over 1.3 million households in Australia already have solar PV. Every year, more than a hundred thousand new households

invest in solar PV systems to: • lower their energy bills • avoid future electricity price rises • help protect the environment for future generations • The cost of solar PV systems has plummeted over the last decade. Manufacturing costs are lower due to increased competition and innovation as new suppliers have entered the market. The costs of installation have fallen too through competition and innovation among solar installers and streamlined approvals processes. Falling costs and changes to government subsidies have led to households installing larger and larger systems. Five years ago, the majority of systems installed were 1.5kW to 2kW. These days, typical systems are 3kW to 5kW. • Government support has played an important role in helping solar PV become

affordable in Australia. Governments, both state and federal, have helped thousands of NSW households install solar PV systems.

The Renewable Energy Target

• The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) requires energy retailers to source a portion of their energy from renewable sources like solar PV, wind and hydroelectric power. You benefit from the RET through a significant discount – typically around 30 per cent – off the purchase price. This discount is usually factored into quotes for a solar PV systems.

Feed-in tariffs

• A `feed-in tariff’ is the price an energy retailer will pay you for electricity that your solar PV system feeds back into the grid. This is normally energy that your system has produced but that you have not used. The NSW Government doesn’t require retailers to pay a feed-in tariff, so shop around to get the best deal. • The government regulator Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) provides guidance to energy retailers and customers on what constitutes a fair price. The IPART benchmark range for 2014–15 was 4.9 to 9.3 c/kWh. • Feed-in tariffs may affect decisions about the size of your system. • Grid electricity tends to cost more per kWh than solar PV, but its big advantage is that you only pay as you use it. In contrast, you have traditionally had to pay for solar PV upfront and make bill savings over time. These upfront costs can be a barrier for some customers. Now there is a growing range of solar PV payment options that allow you to spread payments over time at the same time as making savings on your energy bills.

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38

Edition 9, 2015

Beating first home buyer fatigue ME Head of Home Loans, Patrick Nolan shares four tips to stay motivated while saving for your first home. “Some days saving for a first home can feel like running a marathon, and as any distance runner knows, at some stage you could hit the wall of fatigue,” said Nolan.

“Aiming to stick to a consistent pace of saving can help you avoid saving fatigue. Crunch the numbers to work out how much you need to save on a regular basis to reach your first home deposit target. Once you have the numbers in place it’s just a matter of maintaining “In running terms that’s the point the momentum. where energy levels start to drop and athletes have to fight the urge to toss Fuel your head space in the towel and head back to the “Marathon runners often change rooms. use visualisation techniques to “If you find your enthusiasm for stay motivated. They imagine growing savings is starting to flag, it themselves crossing the line can pay to adopt the strategies used first or breaking a long-held by professional runners to forge ahead record, and that can be even when the wall tries to slow them the tonic they need to keep down. going. “If your enthusiasm for savings is Keep a consistent pace flagging, stay motivated by picturing “Throwing as much cash as possible how great it’s going to feel to look into your savings without allowing for at your home and think “Yep, I own fun stuff is a sure fire way to burn out. that”. Sure, you may not win a gold Life is meant to be enjoyed, and you medal but remember, your home still need to able to head out on the is a tax-free asset and an excellent town occasionally, take a break on investment. Property values across vacation or chill out with friends. Australia’s eight state capitals have

risen by around 5.3% each year over the last ten years. Buying your first home could certainly put you on top of the winner’s podium when it comes to growing personal wealth.

“

benefit from renovations, and that makes them affordable – and they offer a blank canvas for you to add value through improvements. Run your own race and buy where you can afford.

Carb stack your savings

Aiming to stick to a consistent pace of saving can help you avoid saving fatigue. Crunch the numbers to work out how much you need to save on a regular basis to reach your first home deposit target....

Run your own race “Don’t feel pressured to buy in an expensive suburb just because your friends, work mates or siblings are. There is value to be found in suburbs further out from the city centre. These may not be your dream location but sometimes homes in outer suburbs can

“In the same way that distance runners take advantage of stopping points to fuel up on carbohydrates, first home buyers can boost their deposit by improving the return their money earns. “Online savings accounts can offer higher interest than everyday transaction accounts but if you’ve had your existing account for a while check to see what your money is earning - a high introductory rate may have lapsed. Explore options to earn bonus rates, like holding your everyday account and savings account with the same bank. It all helps you smash through the wall of fatigue and hit the finish line a whole lot sooner.”

becoming favourite outlet

One of the most popular ‘shops’ in Cooma, is the Scrapmart recycling centre at Cooma Landfill. Open every Saturday afternoon, the centre attracts hundreds of shoppers, looking for a bargain or specific ‘thing’ they can’t find (or afford) elsewhere. The clichéd saying, “Someone’s trash is another’s treasure” is definitely the case with the Scrapmart . Scrapmart employs full time employees to assist the many buyers. On offer is just about anything from

home wares, hardware, building materials, clothing, shoes and even jewellery at very reasonable prices. Any profit that is made is invested back into the landfill. Resource and Waste manager for Cooma-Monaro Shire Council, Jeff Tate has advised the centre’s enlargement and refurbishment has roved popular with the many regulaer customers. Since its establishment, there has been a major decrease in local landfill, proving its favourability to both the customers and the environment.

If you have something you’re after or are a bit of a collector, why not ‘pop’ out to Scrapmart where you might find something that intrigues your interest.

Stihl Shop Cooma 44 Sharp Street COOMA 2630 Ph: 02 6452 4956

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