ARMIDALE Urban Rivercare Group (AURG) and UNE Landcare’s rehabilitation works on Dumaresq Creek over winter will be inconspicuous.
Work will be going on, but by local bush regeneration contractors preparing for spring planting.
The next working bee will be in September. Spokesperson for AURG, Angus Adair expressed much gratitude for the efforts put in by the local community during the summer-autumn program earlier this year.
“We have had a great response from the Armidale community over the last 12 months and from the UNE community during our recent planting program along the creek opposite the UNE Sports Centre.
“We have enjoyed immensely meeting and working with so many international students from UNE.”
New plantings of native species extend from the Elm Avenue bridge on the southern bank to the goat track bridge, and then on the north side of the creek for another 300 metres to the west.
“This will be transformational,” UNE Landcare spokesperson Ellen Nyberg said.
“On behalf of all the UNE community I would like to express our thanks to the many people who helped with this project.”
Angus Adair has quoted some facts and figures about the Dumaresq Creek rehabilitation work since last spring.
“AURG hosted or participated in 11 events since September 2012, had more than 440 people attend those events and planted around 8746 native plants along the banks of Dumaresq Creek,” he said.
As well as the growing volunteer support from the community Angus acknowledged the huge support for AURG from Southern New England Landcare (SNELC). In addition, Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) provide funding that supports maintenance work among the plantings by local bush regeneration contractors, and the provision of mulch by ADC – Waste Services.
Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club provides regular catering support at working bees. Armidale Bowling Club provides some administrative support to AURG as well as organising their own planting events. Bunnings also provide good support through access to materials and tools.
Mr Adair said he expected the community volunteer base to continue to grow as local people see Dumaresq Creek plantings thrive.
“The thing about creek care is that as well as being good for the creek and local wildlife, it’s good for the volunteers too, and the wider community,” he said.
A planning meeting for the spring program will be held in July. All Armidale residents are welcome. Information about Armidale Urban Rivercare Group can be found at the SNELC office and website and on Facebook. The planning meeting details will be posted closer to the date.
