In the last month or so we have seen a large number of dead animals on the road. We have tried to keep a record because of our own interest in the wildlife of the valley and to raise awareness of another of the dangers from driving too fast along Waterworks Road. We are fairly certain that the wallaby numbers (5 in one month) are much higher than normal because of the dry conditions. The wallabies hide on the upper slopes of Tolman’s Hill in the daytime and at night cross the road to drink in the creek and get access to the green grass near the creek. We would estimate that there were (before the last killing spree) between 15 and 30 wallabies which come down from Tolman’s Hill every night. The bettongs seem to do the same although they are much less common.We are keen to keep an informal tally of the road kill as a way of monitoring the wildlife population in the valley.The data would also be interesting if we ever get speed humps or other speed reduction devices in the valley.If anyone sees dead animals along the road we would appreciate an email: Simply email Sebastian or Ruth  

Less than two years ago a few people in our Valley decided it was time to go solar and now, as you walk down Waterworks Road, you will see that the Valley boasts some 10 solar hot water systems installed, with others waiting to be installed.

The one shown is Ian Fletcher’s — he installed it himself. (Ian and Tess live in a small cottage at the top of the valley and do great work looking after injured wildlife.)

The solar initiative was pulled off by negotiating a bulk buy and things just grew from there. In fact, we couldn’t stop it growing. We’ve ended up supplying solar hot water units to buyers from Port Arthur to Bruny Island and the number installed has grown to around 200.

Not wanting to be in commercial business, we have now externalised the solar acquisition scheme, and it becoming a non-profit business — EcoTasmania — managed by Mark Rickards. (Anybody interested can contact Mark on 6224 0166 or email Mark)

Meanwhile John Tolhurst at 194 Waterworks Rd has been compiling information on water tanks, some community members being keen to see if we can do a similar deal on water harvesting.

This one is a tad more difficult because there are so many different kinds of tanks and sizes and everybody’s need seems to be different. We’ve made this a target for the coming year, so keep tuned.