Positive signs for the environment

For Kim, educating the community is vital to the survival of rare, vulnerable and endangered species, both flora and fauna. And with her background in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native animals back into their habitats, she’s seen firsthand the importance of maintaining balanced ecosystems.

“I found when I was looking for sites to release the animals, a lot of our native vegetation was disappearing. I thought I need to do something!”

That experience led her to a 15-year career at The Barossa Council where she has committed to doing exactly that. From working in the field assisting landholders and primary producers, to chatting to visitors in her role based at the Barossa Bushgardens, Kim welcomes the opportunity to answer questions about the environment and Council’s extensive Roadside Vegetation Management Plan.

“Community education is what we’re all about - talking to people and getting kids inspired,” Kim said.

“My big passion is getting people connecting with nature, helping them find something - whether it’s a plant or animal, a bee or a bug. And, once they value that, they might consider what it needs to survive.”

Almost 100 blue marker sites are now registered in the region in which five state-listed native plant species and 22 regionally threatened species grow, again highlighting the value of roadside vegetation.

“It provides habitat for birds, animals, reptiles and a lot of the smaller organisms like fungi, bacteria, and algae - things we don’t really see, and it also helps reduce erosion off the roads,” Kim said.

As more blue marker signs appear, Kim hopes people will also take note of what a healthy ecosystem looks like, admire its beauty and appreciate the importance of maintaining all the structural layers to keep them functioning.

“I feel that the more people know, the more they care,” she said.

“And it’s our responsibility to make sure that we share that knowledge.”­­