Lighthouse Beach and Landcare are both feeling lucky, following a grant of $20,000 from the Australian Government.
This Community Action Grant means work can continue on restoration of the beach, which was sandmined then invaded by weeds.
Julie Ho from Port Macquarie Landcare said the Caring For Our Country project will put back resilient coastal vegetation to protect both human assets and wildlife.
“Native vegetation is the best engineering to keep our beaches in good shape,” she said.
“Dunecare volunteers started the recovery work here around 1990. Council was able to get the Bitou under control and there was a major planting event on National Tree Day 2004.
“This project will build on that to make a strong corridor of protective bushland.”
The canopy is improving there and rainforest is developing, with trees like Coast Banksias bringing in the birds.
Mrs Ho said the traditional custodians, the Birpai people, have agreed to help Landcare with bush regeneration.
They will be kept busy controlling Bitou and Lantana (Weeds of National Significance), many vine weeds, and grass weeds that interfere with the growth of bushland.
The project is supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, which looks after the extended Lighthouse Beach bushland reserve. This funding will focus on the section from South Watonga to “Camel Corner”.
School students will also have the chance to participate when it’s time to plant native seedlings that will help defeat the weeds.
“Residents who would like to know more can check Landcare’s website at www.landcareportmac.com.au or come and talk with us when they see a Landcare working bee sign,” Mrs Ho said.
