With World Environment Day just around the corner, residents are being encouraged to get out and about to explore the region’s natural areas.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Parks and Gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the region was surrounded by 10 natural areas which were all home to their own unique flora and fauna.
“We are incredibly lucky to be part of a place made up of plenty of wonderful natural areas including Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park, Vera Scarth-Johnson Wildflower Reserve and Gin Gin Nature Park – just to name a few,” he said.
“They are made up of a variety of ecosystems including freshwater wetlands, bushlands, creeks, eucalyptus woodlands and much more and are important spaces protecting our animals.”
Cr Honor said World Environment Day, on 5 June, served as a great reminder for the community to take the time to explore while finding out more about the role natural areas played in keeping the ecosystem strong.
“The theme for World Environment Day is ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ which focuses on assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as conserving ecosystems that are still intact,” he said.
“This special day is observed by the United Nations as an opportunity to stimulate worldwide awareness and action for the natural environment and is celebrated by over 100 countries.”
Council helps to revitalise natural areas through project work
Council’s Natural Areas team, with assistance from Land Protection, has been busy undertaking restoration projects in the region over the past year to help revitalise the local eco-systems.
Cr Honor said the projects included wetland restoration through ongoing removal of Salvinia molesta, an exotic aquatic weed at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park.
“This particular project will help to create a healthier waterbody for aquatic plants and animals,” he said.
“It coincides with the removal of environmental weeds from the vegetated areas at Baldwin Swamp including Broad-leafed Pepper, Ochna, Asparagus Fern and Easter Cassia.
“The team are also planting sedges and native plants to create habitat linkages for fauna such as frogs and lizards.”
How you can get involved in helping the region’s natural areas
Residents are invited to attend a community dune weeding and planting activity at Elliott Heads on Saturday, 5 June from 8am to 10am.
No pre-registration is necessary and participants are asked to meet at beach access ELL04, closest to the kiosk and near the community hall.
Wear closed in shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent and bring a bottle of water to drink.
Cr Honor said for those wanting to help the environment a little closer to home, there were many opportunities to do so.
“Plant native trees at home, remove rubbish from our parks and beaches next time you are out for a stroll or simply volunteer with a local group in your area,” he said.
To find out more about the natural areas in the Bundaberg Region, including locations, facilities, walking tracks and points of interest, click here.
