UPDATE: The newly formed Waterlily Park Landcare Group in Ocean Shores is making significant strides in combating invasive weeds and enhancing local biodiversity. Established in March 2023, the group is actively working to restore the park’s natural beauty and is urgently calling for community involvement.
Members, led by Ian Barker, have been diligently removing non-native species such as Singapore daisy and Indian hawthorn while reintroducing native plants to improve the park’s ecosystem. “Our group consists of about a dozen dedicated community members, with five meeting weekly to tackle these issues,” said Barker.
The Landcare Group collaborates closely with the Byron Shire Council (BSC), receiving vital support from the Yallakool Landcare Group and the Brunswick Valley Landcare Group. “The assistance from BSC has been tremendous, particularly in clearing weeds and developing practical techniques for bush regeneration,” Barker added.
In a critical development, the team has partnered with the BSC drainage unit to clear the pond area at the Orana Road drainage point, which allows for the installation of booms to prevent blockages caused by salvinia. “BSC is currently discussing solutions for managing salvinia and parrot’s feather weeds in the pond,” Barker noted.
The group emphasizes that maintaining Waterlily Park is a continuous effort and actively invites more community members to participate. “We want to encourage anyone interested to join us or simply come for a chat on Wednesday mornings between 8 AM and 10 AM,” Barker urged. For those looking for more information, they can contact the group at [email protected].
As the Waterlily Park Landcare Group works tirelessly to restore the park, their efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in local environmental initiatives. The stakes are high for the park’s biodiversity, and every hand counts in this ongoing battle against invasive species. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the group continues their vital work.
