Avon Landcare Group recently braved a stormy day to plant over 550 trees along Avon River downstream of the railway bridge.
The planting day held on the afternoon of May 16 was the beginning of a large revegetation program and follows a major rehabilitation program initiated by Dept. of Sustainability and Environment and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. The rehabilitation works are in direct response to local community concerns regarding the degraded waterway.
Last year, DSE commenced work in the area with blackberry eradication works funded by the state government “Good Neighbour Funding” program. This was followed by the removal of other noxious vegetation by the WGCMA. The clean up in this area has paved the way for a new and exciting project, namely the Avon River Heritage Walk which will create a walking/cycling path from Apex Park to the Knob Recreation Reserve. The Heritage Walk is being funded by a “Go for Your Life” funding from the State Government. Avon Landcare Group have undertaken to assist with the revegetation of the project area.
Spokesperson for the group, Roger Woolston said that whilst the continuing dry weather was making tree planting increasingly difficult, the installation of a watering system devised by the group would sustain the plantings. There is a misconception that native flora will grow with little care, however without appropriate initial and follow-up watering, the strike rate of seedlings can be significantly reduced at times of low rainfall.
Avon Landcare Group members and their children were supported by friends and other Landcare groups making this a true community afternoon. The fifteen volunteers were rewarded for their efforts of planting approximately 550 plants in four hours with a barbecue and a chat by the river.
Given the interest expressed by locals regarding the care of this waterway, Avon Landcare would welcome the support and assistance of members of the community as they embark on further work to develop and maintain this site.
If you would like more information about this project or the Avon Landcare Group, please contact Roger on 51456522 or Harry on 51456379.