Byron wetland precinct receives weed grant

A NSW Government grant to help with weed control in the Sandhills Wetlands precinct at Byron Bay has been welcomed by Byron Shire Council.

They said in a media release, ‘The $40,650 grant from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will add some extra fire power to Council’s Bush Regeneration team which has the big job of weed eradication and control in 1.7 hectares of bush bordering the newly restored wetlands’.

‘While we have done an incredible amount of work restoring the Sandhills Wetlands, the adjacent areas are heavily infested with weeds and in need of urgent attention,’ Mr Robertson, Acting Manager Works, said.

‘Sixty-one weed species were recorded in the area as part of the Environmental Impact Study for the Sandhills Wetlands project.

‘The grant will be the start of a major focus on bush regeneration in that area that will see the invasion of weeds brought under control, creating the space for native species to thrive.

‘Weeds do not respect boundaries and there will be a much broader benefit to the wetlands and other parts of Byron Bay, with the improvement of habitat for native birds and animals,’ Mr Robertson said.

‘The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund is designed to support land managers, like Byron Shire Council, maintain and improve public reserves in NSW.

‘These projects are about making sure Crown land continues to deliver for communities, whether that’s through better facilities, safer access or protecting the natural environment people rely on,’ NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said.

‘Crown reserves are part of the fabric of towns and regions across NSW, supporting community life, recreation and local economies.

‘By investing in these projects and opening a new funding round, we are continuing to support communities to care for and improve the places they rely on every day,’ Minister Kamper said.