Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Smiths Lake fragile environment protected
A population boom in the small village of Smiths Lake threatened the fragile local environment, so residents and Great Lakes Council teamed up to tackle the issue.
The Smiths Lake Landcare Group worked hard to protect foreshore plants along a section of Smiths Lake and to raise general community awareness.
Funding
In 2004 the group received more than $6,000 from the Australian Government to carry out the project. This funding was matched by Great Lakes Council, which also provided in-kind support to the group by managing activities.
Activities
"This area has seen a real boom in population and there was a concern seachangers moving in from the city would lack knowledge in things like managing their gardens, pools or pets," Great Lakes Council Project Manager Isabelle Strachan said.
"A number of council reserves back onto residential properties, and we often see people mowing their lawns and tossing the clippings over the back fence, which causes a huge problem with weeds invading bushland.
"Domestic animal management is also a concern, with some pets being allowed to roam and attack wildlife, especially as we have a number of endangered species like koalas, squirrel gliders and Feather-Tailed Gliders."
Before they could begin educating the public, the group needed to find out people's awareness, so a survey went out to about 100 residents. Another survey will be conducted once the project is completed to find out if attitudes have changed.
And with the help of the Great Lakes Environmental Association, Smiths Lake Landcare volunteers worked to remove lantana, bitou bush and garden escapees like asparagus fern and fishbone ferns, which they replaced with 300 native trees.
Achievements
"We also held four community field days focused on weed awareness and bushland-friendly gardening, companion animal management and stormwater management, with walks and talks on the foreshores and Waterwatch training," Isabelle said.
"We held one of the field days at the market, so were able to reach the broader community. We had about 100 people coming through our stall, where we had weed specimens to help people identify them."
An information kit on sustainable living is being printed, including a localised identikit of common garden weed escapees, information on fertiliser and pesticide use and on planting native gardens.
"With the help of Smiths Lake Landcare, these will be distributed to every resident," Isabelle said.
"We've produced them in a way that the information can be adapted and rolled out to all the other villages, so eventually, a much greater area will benefit."
More information
- Isabelle Strachan, Great Lakes Council: (02) 6591 7222 or isabelle.strachan@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
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