Shepparton’s
Red Gum floodplain forest is benefiting from the hard work of environmental
trainees.
Ten
young people are being employed under the Regional Environment Employment
Program (REEP) to remove weeds at Jordan’s
Bend, a large patch of native bush alongside the
Goulburn River at the north end of town. The project started in late December last
year and will continue through until about April this year.
Jordan’s Bend provides important habitat for many
species of native plants and animals including Squirrel Gliders, Yellow Footed
Antechinus, Chocolate Wattle Bats and large old Red Gums.
It
is also a popular spot to exercise with many people using the walking and
cycling track that meanders through the Red Gums along the river bank.
In
recent years the bush has become inundated with weeds including blackberry,
briar rose and numerous exotic creeper species.
Garden
plants are also a problem and owners of adjoining properties are being urged to
curtail their plants from escaping into the bush. The general public is also
warned not to dump garden clippings and waste in the bush.
Goulburn
Broken Catchment Management Authority River Health Strategic Manager Wayne Tennant said “weeds could out-compete native
vegetation upsetting the ecological balance and reducing habitat and food
sources for native species”.
The
project is a joint effort by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, the
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the Greater Shepparton City
Council and Mission Australia which co-ordinates the REEP program. DSE is providing
funding for the project through the Healthy Rivers Program.
The
project is part of the larger River Connect project, a major initiative to
improve the condition of the Goulburn
River and its surrounds
between Shepparton and Mooroopna and raise awareness about the vital role of
the river as the lifeblood of the communities.
Vince
Cafari of Mission Australia
said the ten trainees were doing a great job to remove many of the weeds by
hand. Spot spraying is also being undertaken where necessary.
“It
is tremendous to see the commitment of these young people to hard work in hot
conditions,’’ Vince said.
Release ends
For
more information telephone Wayne Tennant
on 58 201100 or Vince Cafari on 58315803.