Volunteers needed to restore treasured waterway
Wingecarribee Shire Council and local volunteers are inviting residents to join them in helping restore Mittagong Creek, one of the most significant and treasured waterways in the Southern Highlands.
The Friends of Mittagong Creek Rivercare Group, a small group of volunteers assisting in the Mittagong Creek Rehabilitation Project, will be holding their first community working bee on Thursday 12 May. The working bee will focus on controlling weeds along a 500 metre stretch of the waterway behind Sherwood Village in Bowral.
Owner of the Sherwood Village complex and keen supporter of the group, John Springett is particularly happy to see the group undertaking work on the creek.
“It is going to be lovely in a few years, once we remove the weeds and give the native shrubs a chance,” said Mr Springett.
“And I hold a glimmer of hope that we might spot a platypus one day,” he continued.
Council’s Bushcare team leader, Jen Slattery, sees the formation of the Rivercare group as a natural extension of work that Council and other agencies have been undertaking over the past two years.
“Council has been quite active working with local residents along Mittagong Creek, and it’s fantastic to see the community taking some ownership of a wonderful community asset enjoyed by many people.”
“The long-term success of the project depends on strong community support and the commitment of local residents,” Ms Slattery said. “I encourage anyone who is interested to come along and attend the working bee.”
The Friends of Mittagong Creek Rivercare Group will hold its inaugural working bee on Thursday 12 May from 9am to 12 noon, meeting near the Scout Hall in Sherwood Ave, Bowral. Subsequent working bees will be held every second Thursday of the month.
Volunteers should wear long pants and sleeves, sturdy enclosed shoes, a hat and gloves and must be aged at least 10 years. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For more information contact Council on 4868 0888 or visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/MittagongCreek