Leave your legacy on volcanic icons’ landscape

Published on 28 February 2023

Community members passionate about the future of volcanic icons Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf are encouraged to nominate for positions on the management committee.

Three positions are now available on the Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf Management Committee. Two are for a three-year term until March 2026. One position is a casual vacancy with a remaining term of one year until March 2024.

Committee members contribute to the implementation of the Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Management Plan.

Since 1995, the Management Committee and likeminded volunteers have led the rebirth of the mount landscape, left virtually treeless within a few decades of European arrival.

The Leura Volcanic Complex is listed on the National Trust Register of Significant sites. The Traditional Owners were the Leehura clan of the Djargurd Wurrung people.

The committee has overseen the planting of more than 36,000 indigenous trees and 60,000 indigenous grasses with the help of volunteers since 1995 – nearly all trees and wildflowers you see there today.

Chairperson Caroline Duynhoven joined the “hands-on” committee three years ago, inspired by the efforts of past and current volunteers striving to bring new life to the mount landscape.

Walking tracks, signs, the stone-wall entrance, seats, picnic tables and information shelters were developed on the reserves under the committee’s guidance.

She said the walking trails were increasing popular, especially during COVID-19 lockdowns. An increasing number of locals and visitors are using the trails, savouring the environment, the improved biodiversity, flora and fauna and views across the region’s volcanic landscape.

A focus for the committee, she said, was on universal inclusiveness to improve accessibility for all people using the paths, trails and facilities.

“It’s a changing place and it continues to change.”

Central Ward Councillor Laurie Hickey encouraged residents to nominate.

“These are good opportunities to connect with the community and meet like-minded people and make a difference,” Cr Hickey said.

Cr Hickey recalled his childhood exploring the much sparser landscape, peppered with old cypress trees.

He said fabulous educational opportunities and activities had emerged from the rebirth of the mounts. “The committee of management is doing a marvellous job and it’s great to see the community using the facilities.”

The vacant roles involve attending monthly committee meetings as required, assisting with seeking and developing funding applications and sponsorship bids.

Committee members also assist in coordinating, running and promoting committee events, including community planting days, working bees, workshops and other community activities.

Other duties may include developing promotional, recreational and educational resources for use by a range of reserve users, on-ground activities relating to the maintenance and development of the reserves such as weed control, nursery propagation, tree-planting and minor construction works.

Applications for the vacancies close at 5pm on Wednesday, 29 March 2023.

Position descriptions and application forms are available at corangamite.vic.gov.au/MtLeuraCommittee or from the Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown. For further information, please call Environment Projects Officer Roland Herbert at Corangamite Shire on 5593 7100.