Collaboration for Conservation – 500 Trees Planted at Queens Lake Nature Reserve
Community plants 500 koala food trees including Tallowwood, Grey Gum, Bloodwood and Turpentine!
Community Participation - LEP_23_033_LLC_HLI_06
The issue
On Sunday, 23 February, the Greater Port Macquarie-Hastings community came together to take part in a successful tree planting event at Queens Lake Nature Reserve. This initiative was part of the Southern Arm Trunk Main (SATM) offset planting project, a collaboration between Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC), Hastings Landcare, and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
As Libby Jude, Ranger at NPWS, explains, "The planting area is within a large block recently acquired by the Crown and added to Queens Lake Nature Reserve. The area was cleared by the previous owner, so it provided the perfect opportunity for revegetation to rehabilitate the cleared area and improve the continuity and quality of prime koala habitat. Queens Lake Nature Reserve is a declared Asset of Intergenerational Significance for the protection of koala populations and their habitat."
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The solution
Over 33 volunteers joined us on the day, dedicating their time and energy to this meaningful environmental action. It was a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community comes together for a common cause. As Hastings Landcare puts it, “There is nothing better than bringing the community together to take local environmental action. It empowers people, connects people, and leaves people feeling positive about the future. At Hastings Landcare, we endeavour to ensure that every individual, group, and organisation is supported in their efforts to improve the environment in our region.”
In addition to the planting, volunteers were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, provided by Rotary. Their support made the event even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Gavin Sharp, Project Manager at PMHC, emphasised the significance of the initiative:
“This collaboration with Hastings Landcare and NPWS is a great example of how we can come together as a community to make a real difference. By delivering vital infrastructure through the SATM project and complementing it with offset planting at Queens Lake Reserve, we are ensuring our region's growth is underpinned by sustainable, environmentally responsible development.”
The impact
500 koala food trees planted
Over 90% tree survival 3 months on
Hectares added (and restored) to the Queens Lake Nature Reserve
Over 33 volunteers aged between 5 and 80
Partnership between Hastings Landcare, Port Macquarie Hastings Council & National Parks & Wildlife Service
Key facts
- Queens Lake Nature Reserve is declared Asset of Intergenerational Significance for the protection of koala populations and their habitat.
- Trees were provided by Port Macquarie Landcare Nursery
- Koalas are listed as Threatened Species in NSW
- Landcare is open to everyone!