Paul Bibby
A silver lining inside the otherwise dark cloud of COVID-19 is the improvement in air and water quality, owing to the decline in car, boat and plane travel.
While the sudden decline in visitors has been crippling for the local economy, the upside is that the impact of visitors on popular natural playgrounds like the beaches of Byron and the Brunswick River has been significantly reduced.
‘It’s been a bit of breathing space for our natural environment,’ the President of Brunswick Valley Landcare (BVL), Peter Ryan says.
As social distancing rules are gradually eased, Mr Ryan and his colleagues are hoping locals will consider expanding their horizons from the veggie patch to their local creek and beyond.
‘It’s an opportunity to reflect and we’re hoping to see an increased awareness and interest in projects that improve the biodiversity of this area,’ he said.
‘Our local groups have had to put most of their regen work on hold, unless it’s a family group, but we’re hoping that will gradually open up over the next month or so.’
Among the projects BVL will be focusing on is the continued restoration of the Simpsons Creek and its surrounding wetlands.
‘A lot of people don’t realise how significant Simpsons Creek is,’ Mr Ryan said.
‘It starts way behind Ewingsdale, under the road, then winds its way northwards, through Tyagarah, and eventually forms the northern estuary at Brunswick Heads and the Brunswick River.
A few landholders have restored sections of the creek, and native fish like mullet have been sighted.
However, large parts have had their fringing vegetation removed, affecting biodiversity and water quality.
Periodic maintenance of new plantings is needed, and Mr Ryan hopes to make this project a priority when outdoor gatherings are legal again.
‘In terms of gatherings, I think getting together for regen work is among the safest.
‘Hopefully after a bit of time to reflect on how lucky we are to have this natural beauty in our backyard people will be feeling motivated to get involved.’
Landholders interested in creek restoration are invited to contact Brunswick Valley Landcare for advice and assistance. Visit www.brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au.
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