Friday 30th Sept we cooked a BBQ Lunch for the Landcare group.
They were planting trees etc in Fernbach Rd off Duffields Rd....
Volunteers who assisted were Myself, Lesley, John Oswald and Rhonda.
Organised by Rhonda!
Michael Reed
Thank you received from the Torquay District Landcare Group
Last Thursday was a beautiful day, and there was hope that Friday would follow the same pattern of, low wind and clearing skies.
The day through had other plans and the wind blew and the clouds looked like they threatened rain. Fortunately, we did not have to contend with rain, but the wind kept the air temperature cool.
The team was out at the VACSAL (Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd) out at Fernbachs Lane west off Duffields Road. The site is challenging as it drops down to Duffields Road and Spring Creek, but oh those views across Torquay and Jan Juc to the ocean!
Being off public land the preparation for the site really relies on TDLG and others being organised, and the start of any planting is a little haphazard as equipment is laid out and tasks distributed.
On this occasion TDLG was working with Graeme Stockton, and a few members from SANE, and Jan Juc Coast action, alongside the staff from Boardriders.
This by the way is the 15th year TDLG (TLG) and Boardriders (Quiksilver) have worked together on local revegetation projects and in that time, we have planted over 12,00 seedlings, along the Spring Creek corridor.
The project this year was more varied
- Re-planting any trees that have gone missing (the vast majority of these due to grazing pressure)
- Planting some understorey species and guarding
- Double guarding all plants. At present they are all single-guarded with either a core flute tree guard or a wire-mesh tree guard.
- Locating and marking all visible rabbit warrens with a flagged stake to assist with fumigation in the following weeks.
- Cutting and painting stumps of invasive woody weeds (namely Boneseed, Italian Buckthorn). Most of these things are in flower now so easy identification.
One of the species to be planted was the Bellarine Yellow Gum (first described in the 1990’s) which is endemic to Spring Creek, and the Bellarine peninsula. This is a particularly important tree in that it is the only local eucalyptus to flower in winter, making it a vital food source for nectar feeding birds and insects.
The plan is to eventually revegetate this upper section of the Spring Creek and create a wildlife corridor, that might encourage the return of not often seen fauna in particular the koala.
Working with the team at Boardriders is always inspiring as they are keen to get their hands dirty and contribute.
This was succinctly put by one staff member
“I especially loved that there is different task for different people, no one being locked into one task and loved that everyone there is doing it for the greater good. I loved the vibe, chat, and most of all getting into the dirt with the weeds and poison. While the hill was not a highlight of the day the view was breathtaking and if you forgot why, you were here the view reminded you why”
With the groups in action there would be plenty of chatter, but that climb up the hill for morning tea certainly tested the muscles/endurance. Then there was carrying up all the equipment when the time came to finish and gather for lunch.
TDLG has been very fortunate this year to work with Torquay Rotary and once again we had the advantage of a very well-equipped catering trailer, and some very enthusiastic and capable Rotary members. This was certainly appreciated as the base site was exposed, and not having to juggle all the aspects of the catering took the pressure of TDLG members. Thank you Rotary in particular Rhonda, Lesley, Mike and John.
Events like this require the contribution from many, and this goes beyond the volunteers.
Thank you to Bakers Delight, Bells Bakery, Coles, and Peach’s for your support in providing supplies for the morning tea and lunch. Having well fed participants, is an important component of the day, and provides the opportunity to celebrate our achievements.
Thank you to Graeme for your organisation and planning for the day.
Thank you to Boardriders in particular Eve for your continued dedication and enthusiasm in ensuring these projects are an annual event.
Another successful project, and this concludes our 2022 schedule under the theme, ’The small things within the big picture’ part of the CCMA, Victorian Government grant scheme.
Our year concludes with our AGM on Thursday 17th November at the Moriac Community Centre. More details on this event to be announced.
Thank you to everyone
Best wishes from
Your TDLG Committee.
___________
