Council applauds bush regeneration efforts across Byron Shire

Published on 12 January 2021

Did you know that 95 hectares, and more than 15 kilometres of river bank, have been restored by Council and community bush regenerators in the last five years?

“The bush restoration work going on in the Byron Shire is amazing and we want to take time to celebrate the passion and dedication of so many people who have made these huge environmental achievements possible,” Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader, Liz Caddick said.

“We would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Landcare groups and landholders in the shire, who spend their weekends and free time working voluntarily, to protect and restore the land.

“As well as the many hours of hard physical work our environmental volunteers put in, they also spend their free time attending training courses, applying for grants and organising events to help educate others,” Ms Caddick said.

In addition, Byron Shire Council’s bush regenerators are currently working to restore 250 ha of Council land and around 4,000 ha of private land in the shire is being managed for conservation, including 123 Land for Wildlife properties and many sites that have been restored by Landcare groups.

“If you’ve ever thought of creating or restoring wildlife habitat on your property, there couldn’t be a better time to get started,” Ms Caddick said.

“With so many Australian species now under threat from habitat loss, climate change, disease and wildfire, every little bit of intact and well managed habitat is important. There is even grant funding available to help landowners restore their property!”

Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environment/Restoring-wildlife-habitat provides tips on how to create habitat, information on grant funding sources and links to other local community organisations that can provide help and support.

“If you’re interested in getting involved, a practical way you can start making a difference to our environment is to join your local Landcare network,” Ms Caddick said.

Brunswick Valley Landcare www.brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au is an umbrella organisation that supports over 30 Landcare groups and other private landholders across the region. Landcare provides members with advice, training and support on restoration, soil health, weed management, regenerative agriculture, project planning and applying for grant funds.

Council is also keen to hear from private landholders interested in restoring wildlife habitat.

Since 2013, Byron Shire Council has facilitated restoration and planting on around 90 properties as part of the Koala connections, Byron Habitat Corridors, North East Hinterland and Koala Food for the Future projects.

Council maintains a database of interested landholders, who we contact as funding for habitat restoration becomes available. If you would like your property added to this database, contact Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Liz Caddick on 6684 3018.

Pictured: Linda Sparrow and Claire Oerlichs from Bangalow Koalas.