History

The Katoomba and District Wildlife Conservation Society (the original name of the BMCS) was formed in 1961, when a group of concerned residents met to determine the action that they could take to help protect the Blue Mountains environment.

The Society rented a derelict tea room at the Valley of the Waters picnic area at Wentworth Falls. The building, privately erected in 1930, but then owned by the Blue Mountains City Council, was renovated by Society members. The restored building, subsequently known as the Conservation Hut, was officially re-opened by the Minister for Conservation on 28 July 1963.

The Society operated tea rooms at the Hut during school holidays and at weekends until the Hut was demolished in 1990. As well as being a venue for light refreshments, the old Hut was used as an information and education centre. Displays were presented on aspects of the Blue Mountains ecology and local conservation issues. The Hut took on a museum type atmosphere with its varied displays. The Hut was the headquarters for the planning and execution of the environmental protection campaigns waged by the society in the first three decades of its existence. Monthly public meetings were held in the Hut, where conservation matters were discussed, and members were addressed by a guest speaker.

Funds raised from the activities at the old Hut were accumulated, with a view to buying environmentally sensitive land and returning it to public ownership. As a result of this activity, a 25 hectare landholding in the Kanangra Boyd National Park was acquired in 1995, and incorporated in the National Park. The society contributed $40,000 toward the purchase of the land.

In the 1980s, the Hut and its surrounding land was transferred to NPWS. In 1990, the old Hut was demolished by NPWS. The replacement building, owned by NPWS, is leased to a private operator who runs a restaurant. Monthly public meetings continue to be held at the Hut. The Society's Management Committee meet monthly at Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson.

In the 1970s, the wider name of Upper Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. was adopted. The Lower Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. was formed in 1970 with similar aims. In 1996 the two societies merged to become the present body, the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Inc. The Conservation Hut remains the Society's headquarters and the Black Cockatoos its logo.

An important goal of the enlarged Society (then comprising 500 members) was to obtain World Heritage status for the Greater Blue Mountains area of 1.03 million hectares, since it is an outstanding example of universal natural values, particularly its rugged scenery, biological diversity and vast expanses of wilderness. This status was achieved in 2000.

The Society operates plant nurseries at Blackheath and Lawson, staffed entirely by volunteers. The Society propagates native plants of local provenance which are then sold to residents, local and State organisations such as Bushcare groups, BMCC, RTA, schools, etc.

OBJECTS
The objects of the Society are:
· To disseminate and foster an understanding of the ideals of Conservation among the members of the Society and the public generally, particularly in relation to the unique resources of the Blue Mountains.
· To conduct meetings, excursions and research, and such other activities as may be determined by the Society in relation to Wild Life Conservation.
· To provide information to the public on matters of Conservation, especially through the Conservation Hut at the Valley of the Waters, Wentworth Falls.
· To maintain friendly relations with other Conservation societies, especially local bodies.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership currently approximates 850 persons - mostly residents of the Blue Mountains. The Society actively promotes membership because it believes that a large membership will help to increase the Society's influence with key decision makers. BMCS, believed to be the largest regional conservation group in Australia, continues to expand.

PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITE
The Society publishes Hut News monthly. This is an informative publication, containing articles about the environment, including issues of current concern to BMCC and NPWS. Hut News also contains details about current Society activities. The Society's website (www.bluemountains.org.au) contains comprehensive details about the Society, and its current activities.

BUSHWALKING
The Society has an active walks program, with ten to fifteen walks each month. The walks are graded to suit all ages and fitness levels. Details are published in Hut News.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The Society actively reviews Development Applications that come before BMCC. It vigorously opposes projects and activities that it considers are not in the best interests of the Blue Mountains environment or Blue Mountains residents.

The Society has actively lobbied for implementation of BMCC's new environmental plan (DLEP2002), and will continue this activity until the LEP is gazetted.

The Society has bushcare groups which are active in the National Park at Wentworth Falls (near the Nature Trail), and alongside the Great Western Highway at Leura.

The Native Plant Nurseries continue to be very productive. Profits from these activities underpin the Society's finances.

The Society is active in the wider conservation movement. It has been active in campaigns connected with Forest Conservation, Sydney Water Catchment Management, Watercourse Buffers, Wilderness Protection, protection of endangered species, increased use of rail freight (instead of road), Local Government Reform, Land and Environment Court Reform - to name just a few recent and current issues.

MANAGEMENT
The Society is managed by a Management Committee of twenty three persons, elected by the members at its March annual general meeting.

PLANNING AND STRATEGY
Shortly after each annual meeting, the newly elected Management Committee identifies key objectives for achievement in the coming twelve months. Performance is regularly measured against these key objectives.

The Society's strategies include the maintenance of close relations State and Federal MPs, and with the two organisations whose decisions have the greatest impact on the local environment - BMCC and NPWS.