Council Bushcare team transform local waterway
Following twelve months of Council-led rehabilitation works, native bushland is again flourishing on the banks of three of the Shire’s most important waterways.
Stage one of a three-year project targeting degraded bushland along the Gibbergunyah, Ironmines and Chinamans Creeks recently concluded with Council’s Bushcare team declaring the first year’s efforts a success.
“After twelve months of hard work we’re able to see real and tangible results,” said Council’s Environment Officer, Karen Guymer.
The first stage of the Three Creeks Rehabilitation Project focused on restoring over 360 metres and 1.5 hectares of weed-infested riverbank that flows into the Nattai River.
“The work involved removing large stands of environmental weeds including Privet, Montpellier Broom and viny weeds from the riparian zones,” Ms Guymer said.
“Sadly once the weeds were removed we also discovered years of accumulated illegal dumping.”
The three year $225,000 rehabilitation project is being funded via the NSW Environmental Trust, South East Local Land Services (SELLS) and Council’s Environment Levy.
Ms Guymer explained the importance of restoring key areas of native bushland.
“Eradicating introduced invasive weeds helps promote the return of native flora,” she said.
“This in turn improves the health and quality of our waterways and encourages native animals to return.”
As a result of the success of stage one of the Three Creeks Rehabilitation Project, Council is looking at establishing a new Bushcare group to focus on the nearby Mt Alexandra Reserve.
Pending registrations the team would commence in early 2019 and meet and work together for a few hours on the fourth Thursday of each month.
“Our Bushcare volunteers work side-by-side with Council staff and contractors,” Ms Guymer added.
“If it weren’t for their efforts we wouldn’t be celebrating this wonderful outcome on our Three Creeks Rehabilitation Project.”
Persons interested in joining the proposed Mt Alexandra Reserve Bushcare Group can contact Council’s Environment Officer, Bushcare and Citizen Science on phone 4868 0888.
To learn more about Council’s Bushcare program and the various community teams working throughout the Shire, visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/bushcare.