A bushland protection program will be introduced to the Pacific Palms residents to help eradicate feral weeds and plants.
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The program will be supported through a three-year, $100,000 grant from the State government’s Environmental Trust fund.
"Thanks to (MidCoast) council's environmental special rate we have leverage to obtain grant funding from the NSW government to bring great environmental programs to the MidCoast, natural systems manager, Gerard Tuckerman said.
Council bushcare/coastal catchment support officer, Isabelle Strachan said: "This grant will allow council to extend our Backyard Bushcare program to Pacific Palms.
“Starting in May 2017, the three year community education and engagement program involves helping residents to identify and eradicate weeds from their own gardens.
"We will also provide advice and information to help residents plant native species and establish 'bushland friendly' gardens that benefit native wildlife.
“The program also includes great community events such as 'Weed, Wine and Dine' evenings."
In order to achieve the best possible outcome, council will be targeting weeds in public spaces in conjunction with residents managing their own gardens.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the Pacific Palms community to help protect their beautiful local bushland,” Ms Strachan said.
Approximately 65 per cent of bushland weeds in Australia are garden escapees - plants originally brought in as attractive garden plants which have, through seeds spreading or green waste dumping, jumped the fence and invaded natural areas.
The Backyard Bushcare program is designed to reduce the number of these species escaping from gardens into local bushland.
Pacific Palms residents can get involved as soon as they see Backyard Bushcare events and educational materials being promoted from May 2017.
More information about Backyard Bushcare can be found here: http://midcoast.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Get-Involved#backyardbushcare