The Eurobodalla wears its ‘Nature Coast’ tag as a badge of honour, and while the mysterious ways of mother nature can largely take credit for the coastal estuaries, golden beaches, rainforest gullies, and fertile pastures the region is famous for, people power is also at play.
In the past year, Eurobodalla Landcare volunteers have contributed more than 10,000 hours of hard work.
Eurobodalla Shire Council says volunteerism in Landcare is at an all-time high, with 315 dedicated regular volunteers across 24 Landcare groups; work that in the 2017-18 year equated to an incredible $295,050 of in-kind conservation activities.
“Landcare volunteers continue to make a terrific contribution in looking after so many bushland reserves along our beaches, headlands and waterways,” Landcare Coordinator Emma Patyus says.
“Over 300 volunteers contributed 9,835 hours of labour to help manage weeds, control the invasive Indian Mynas and clean up litter in our well-loved reserves.
“We also had 2,200 individuals take part in Landcare projects, activities or other initiatives supported by Council.”
In addition to Council’s Landcare program, this green army also pitched in on the Shire’s coast and estuary programs for the Clyde, Tomaga, Moruya, Tuross/Coila and Wagonga estuaries, covering 500 hectares in the last 12 months including high value Endangered Ecological Communities across Eurobodalla.
Supported by the the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and South East Local Land Services, those works included weed control and revegetation, community education and engagement, erosion control and riverbank stabilisation.
“We want to thank all the dedicated Landcare volunteers who make such a difference in caring for their patch,” Ms Patyus says.
“Landcare is a great way to meet people, improve health and fitness, get involved in the community and help make a real difference.”
Landcare groups take in communities from Durras to Tilba, check Council’s website to get involved in one near you.