A new Landcare group started in March this year at Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores has a focus on removing weeds and introduced species, encouraging and planting native wildlife and giving the park the attention it deserves.
‘Our Waterlily Park Landcare Group consists of about a dozen members from within our local community, with five of those meeting weekly to work in the park,’ said member Ian Barker.
‘Since its inception, the group has focused on identifying and preserving native plants, removing non-native plants, such as Singapore daisy and Indian hawthorn, mulching those areas that we have cleared, and reintroducing native plants to the park.’
The group has been working closely with Byron Shire Council (BSC) and have been supported by Yallakool Landcare Group and the Brunswick Valley Landcare Group as they have got up and running.
‘The support we have received, and are still receiving from BSC has been great. The bush regeneration team have helped in clearing weeds, plant identification, and various practical techniques when working with regenerating areas within the park,’ said Ian.
Salvinia work
They have also worked with the BSC drainage team to clear out an area of the pond at the Orana Road drainage point, enabling the group to put the booms in place to prevent the drains being blocked by salvinia.
‘With regard to the salvinia and parrott’s feather weeds within the pond, BSC are meeting internally to discuss and develop solutions for that situation,’ Ian explained.
‘Maintaining Waterlily Park is an ongoing task and we would like to encourage any community members to please come and join us, or just come down for a chat on
Wednesday mornings between 8am and 10am. Alternatively, please contact us at: [email protected] for more information about our group.’
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