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LANDCARE Port Macquarie Landcare President resident
U P D AT E
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Environmmental Trust Grant
Country Group Country Wholesale Wholesale Group Country Wholesale Groups prides itself on having the widest selection of makes and models to suit any budget. Also, if we do not have the vehicle you are looking for, we can easily locate the vehicle you want very quickly. Our comprehensive range of pre-owned cars, 4WDs, commercial vehicles allow us to cater for all your motoring needs. Stephen Rae: Director. Stephen has vast experience in supplying some of Australia’s leading Motor Dealerships. This experience assists him in ‘hand picking’ the right vehicle for your needs. Stephen believes people BUY cars – they don’t get SOLD them. His passion for trading means that he feels he is a great example of the old saying: “If you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life!” Sarah Burch: Administration/Sales.
Sarah joined CWG straight from school. Bright and bubbly, Sarah has multiple roles at CWG – assistant to Director, sales, administration, approaches every task with enthusiasm. Sarah is a valued team member and looks forward to assisting you with your enquiries. Tanya Gallen: Reception. Tanya enjoys meeting new people and assisting them with their motoring needs. With multiple roles, including reception and administration, Tanya has her hands full, but thrives under pressure and looks forward to meeting you and handling your enquiries.
Healthy arteries are important, and ours are getting better every day! I’m talking about the arteries of Port Macquarie – about Wright’s Creek and Yarranabee Creek, which pulse through the township.
Shaun Kemp: Detailer. Shaun is part of the detailing team at CWG. A very capable young man who has become an excellent motor detailer. Keen to undertake any challenge, Shaun believes if the job is worth doing, it is worth doing right!
ow lucky we are to be able to return these creeks to health, thanks to an Environmental Trust grant of $250,000.
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to reduce fuel and to open up emergency access.
These funds are coming over six years, provided we can work well and meet their high standards.
We consolidate that work, and we go beyond it, into the bushland to do hand weeding. Sometimes we bring in mulch and native seedlings to suppress weeds on the edges.
One reason for the grant is that we’ll be saving Endangered Ecological Communities: Lowland Subtropical Rainforest, Swamp Oak Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest.
Occasionally we hire contractors to remove stubborn weeds with machines such as a tritter or a bobcat, where this delivers the best value for money.
This can already be seen from Waniora Parkway, where Landcare removed Lantana along Yarranabee Creek, downstream from our project at The Lilypond.
For some tasks, professional Bush Regenerators are contracted, and we also get help from Council’s own expert team of regenerators.
Original rainforest is also being restored downstream from our Landcare project at Timber Ridge, the top of Wright’s Creek.
Already we are well on the way to our firstyear targets. Volunteers have contributed 2,700 hours, while contractors have done about 550 hours.
We have started by removing weeds at the top of each catchment, which avoids the problem of reinfestation from upstream. This means we are using resources in the most efficient way and regenerating the bushland faster. The flowing arteries are now nurturing the right plants there. This change makes a world of difference to the resident wildlife. It also changes the environment for human neighbours. Talking with them and encouraging their participation is part of our commitment. Getting the best value from the Environmental Trust grant takes co-operation and good timing. This is a big project with many contributors, so all the activities are guided by qualified Council staff. Our volunteers start regeneration work right after Council has put in an Asset Protection Zone for bushfire management. In the APZ, weeds and encroachments are removed
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Up to now, we have weeded 18.3 hectares, and revegetated 3,485 square metres with 2,182 native plants. Gradually we’re replacing foreign plants with native plants adapted to this climate especially fire-retardant rainforest plants that reduce the risk of fire. As they grow into dense rainforest, these plants sequester carbon and stabilise the creek environment. This means strength and resilience for the arteries. But it’s necessary to unclog these arteries by removing the dumped rubbish that we find almost everywhere. This means more work and more hazards, not just for us, but for the wildlife too. We are counting on you to help change the way people treat our bushland and to understand that we all get benefits from a healthy environment. Contributed by Julie Ho.