The Environment

The current ConFest site at Moulamein; once the site of logging and sheep farming, now hosts our community gatherings. Located on the Edwards River and nestled amongst a twin billabong system it has a variety of smaller ecosystems, from thick vigorous groves of eucalypt saplings to grassed plains populated with much larger trees. During the spring delicate and brightly coloured wildflowers bloom. Due to the past uses of the land, much of the variety of indigenous plant life has been reduced, and there are (ob)noxious weeds in many areas. If you are on site and positively identify a weed, please pull it up and leave the roots in the sun to dry and die. Please be sure of your identifications, every remaining indigenous plant is precious if the land is to recover. Please try and be aware of any indigenous plants that are growing where you plan to camp or park your car, likewise be aware of animal habitats (hollow logs etc) when you are collecting firewood.

As with the plant life, there are also introduced animal species on the property; foxes, cats and european wasps have all been sighted. There is however an abundance of indigenous animals on the property, kangaroos, echidnas, lace monitors, cockatoos, emus, snakes and long-necked tortoises to name a few.

As well as a stunning variety of insects, from colonies of ants who etch star-like patterns in the earth with their paths to the enormous and beautiful goats head moth. We are currently creating a collection of photos/ drawings and information about the plants and wildlife at ConFest sites, if you have images or expertise you would like to contribute to this please do so in the Environment Forum

Most, if not all who attend ConFest are "environmentally aware" and the gathering is a valuable opportunity to put our good intentions, learning and ideas into practice. Out in the bush we are confronted with the 'products' of our consumerist mainstream world; the volume of rubbish we create, the toxins we use every day, the fossil fuels we use for transport, light, cooking. We cannot help but see the broken glass on animal pathways.... the dangerous/toxic plastics in the water..... all the other "footprints" of modern humanity. One of he founding principles of ConFest is; to explore ways to shape new alternatives towards a better future, this is as important in the way we relate to to the environment and the creatures in it, as it is in the way we relate to one another. We are creating the traditions, the customs and lifestyles of the future.... by everything we do. Please do everything possible to 'walk lightly' on the earth while you are at ConFest. As humans we are "the caretakers of the earth" in a way. At ConFest we share a responsibility to each other, the future of the site as a gathering space for our community, and to the environment itself and the creatures that inhabit it. Some ideas and suggestions towards this end are; carpooling, organic based soaps and non-oil sunscreens, avoid bringing glass, choose your campsite carefully, adhere to fire regulations, follow site car access policies, avoid disturbing river shallows where possible (enter water via log or platforms), take all rubbish home, avoid bringing balloons, avoid burning kerosene, use renewable energy sources for lighting, bring ashtrays with lids.