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Galgabba Point gets a helping hand
Galgabba Point at Swansea is home to many threatened animal and plant species, but seven years ago it was being used as an unofficial rubbish dump. Its continued degradation was not something Sharon McCarthy was willing to watch.
So she gave up her full-time job, set up the Galgabba Point Landcare group and began working towards saving this significant eight-hectare bush area.
"The area contains an endangered ecological community, and threatened species, but it was being strangled by weeds, abused and regularly burnt, and the wetland had been backfilled with rubbish," Sharon said.
Funding
With infestations of coral trees, lantana, madeira, morning glory, bitou bush and a whole range of wasteland weeds, the task at first seemed impossible - but patience and determination was the key.
And in 2005 the Australian Government provided Galgabba Point Landcare with more than $20,000 to help them along.
The group also received support from Lake Macquarie Landcare, Lake Macquarie Council, Retravision in Swansea who provided cardboard boxes for mulching, the Central Coast Tree Recycling and Chipping Service and the Novacastrian Tree Service.
Activities
Before any work could start, the group spent a year investigating the best ways to protect the forest, wetlands and mangroves, establishing a management plan with the help of the Community Environmental Network.
"We knocked on every door to find out how the community felt, and to get their support," Sharon said.
Achievements
"Once we removed the coral trees, it was like a blind was pulled up and a magical world revealed. It's absolutely spectacular.
"Now the Swamp Wallabies are back, we've got Sugar Gliders and Feather-Tailed Gliders, and the birdlife that has come back is amazing - we've seen Powerful Owls and Sea Eagles. It's a fascinating place.
"I'm just so proud of what the team has achieved. We've planted thousands of plants, starting with three people in our group, which now gets up to 24 people working four to five days per week."
The group are determined for as many people as possible to be part of this living corridor, and have not only encouraged community members, they have worked closely with developers to ensure wildlife is not forgotten.
"I try to teach people about why you need the environment in your own backyard, and what they can do," said Sharon. "So many people have said they didn't think it was possible, but we've saved an area that many generations will now be able to enjoy."
More information
- Sharon McCarthy, Galgabba Point Landcare Coordinator: (02) 4971 5402
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