Eurobodalla
Atmosphere & Weather | Biodiversity | Catchments | Resources Use
Summary of updates to Eurobodalla indicators for 2008/09.
Eurobodalla Snapshots
These "snapshot" profiles celebrate recent environmental initiatives within this LGA.
Archive of 2008 snapshots for Eurobodalla.
2009 Snapshots
1. Award Winning Community Partnerships for Biodiversity Protection in Bengello
2. Eurobodalla Digs Native Plants, Not Weeds – the Rehabilitation of Deua Valley Remnant Bushland
3. Local Sustainability in Action – the Ecowise Community Housing Vegetable Garden
Award Winning Community Partnerships for Biodiversity Protection in Bengello
Bengello Reserve
The 2006 South Coast Draft Regional Strategy highlighted that the Bengello area exhibits significant biodiversity value. Nearby freshwater wetlands, such as the Williga and Waldrons Swamps, and the Malabar Lagoon and Mogo State Forest, also have important biodiversity values, and are home to, for example, the largest cluster of the endangered Bangalay Sand Forest community within the South East Corner Bioregion.
To ensure protection of these important areas, a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) was established for the Bengello Forest and Wetland area. This PVP is a significant partnership project for Eurobodalla Shire Council and Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. The PVP ensures the conservation and management of over 300 hectares of sensitive coastal land between Broulee and the Moruya River.
In recognition of Eurobodalla Council’s conservation work at Bengello Reserve, they were awarded the Environmental Protection Award in the Regional Clean Beach Challenge Awards 2009.
Eurobodalla Digs Native Plants, Not Weeds – the Rehabilitation of Deua Valley Remnant Bushland
In 2008/09 the Deua Rivercare group completed the “Rehabilitation of Deua Valley Remnant Bushland” project. This important project involved the Deua Valley community working together to remove weeds and protect the remnant bushland.
Deua Rivercare replanting
The group received funding from the Federal Government’s Envirofund program to hire a weed control contractor to undertake works on more difficult sites while volunteers completed their own weed control work. This allowed an effective response to rehabilitating this important bushland. Many local landholders also took advantage of the Bushcare training provided by the group, targeting a large Sycamore infestation.
Deua Rivercare group
Weeds of particular concern in the Deua Valley are Privet, Tree of Heaven, Wild Tobacco, Cape Ivy and Honeysuckle. These environmental weeds are invading the vegetation along river banks, as they produce a large number of seeds and thrive in wet areas such as the Deua Valley. Seeds are spread by water, wind, animals and birds and, if not removed, they disperse quickly throughout the river system.
Following the removal of these weeds, residents reduced the likelihood of their return by revegetating the area with native plants. These plants were local species that naturally grow in the Valley and will provide competition for weed species, thereby reducing the need for future weed control activities. Eurobodalla digs native plants, not weeds!
Local Sustainability in Action – the Ecowise Community Housing Vegetable Garden
Vegetable garden workshop
The aim of the Ecowise Community Housing Vegetable Garden Project was to help 40 residents living in a 24-unit public housing complex to improve their health and reduce their ecological footprints. The project involved construction of a communal vegetable garden, installation of rainwater tanks, and an education program for residents.
Eurobodalla Shire Council was granted approximately $17,000 through the Housing NSW – “Ecowise” pilot scheme to undertake the project. This funding was introduced by Housing NSW to support the implementation of sustainability initiatives in public housing complexes across New South Wales (NSW).
Vegetable garden workshop
A key part of this project was involving residents in the decision making process by listening and responding to their needs. One example involved the design and construction of raised garden beds suitable for use by people with mobility difficulties. The result of this approach allowed residents to become more involved in the project, building ownership and capacity amongst residents.
Eurobodalla Shire Council are planning to add to this important community work by providing additional educational workshops around spring and summer plantings. The project allowed the community to be actively involved in planning, development and use of the vegetable gardens and rainwater tanks, all of which promote a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
