Landcare Illawarra

Jerrara Wetlands & Rainforest Landcare

Community engagement and the start of a new Landcare group

Capacity building - LEP23-014-LLC07-3

The issue

Jerrara Dam Reserve is an underutilised 54-hectare public reserve in the Kiama Council area. It was the site of a dam decommissioned in the 1950s. Small pockets of native vegetation have since been regenerated through grants, including a multi-species arboretum. The reserve is popular with birdwatchers, with 179 species recorded.

The reserve includes remnants of two threatened flora species, Illawarra Zieria (Zieria granulata) and Illawarra Socketwood (Daphnandra johnsonii). The area is mapped as Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, an Endangered Ecological Community.

However, invasive weeds from historic farming, garden escapes and illegal dumping dominate extensive areas. The existing Plan of Management, written in 1996, is outdated, and Council has limited NRM resources.

The Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA) expressed concern that the site would fall further into disrepair and potentially be considered for sale. Their immediate priority was advocating for an updated Plan of Management.

The solution

Landcare Illawarra engaged with JVRRA about establishing a new Landcare group at the reserve to demonstrate community commitment and strengthen the case for investment. A successful Landcare group already operates in the nearby town.

In February 2025, Landcare held a community meeting with presentations from local user groups, followed by a guided site walk. Community members registered their interest in forming a new Landcare group.

In October, Jerrara Reserve was selected as the site for the annual NCC Picnic for Nature. The program featured guided walks with plant and bird experts and was promoted widely as a free community event. A long lead-in period allowed strong media engagement, including interviews with local ABC Radio and coverage in the local newspaper. Councillors and Council’s Communications team supported promotion

The impact

Thirty community members, including key stakeholders such as the RFS and WIRES, attended the initial meeting. The Picnic for Nature attracted 146 registrations, with all guided walks at capacity. Local Councillors and the newly elected State MP attended events, engaging informally with the community.

Twelve residents have now committed to joining working bees for a new Landcare group starting in early 2026. A local resident has volunteered to lead the group, and Landcare Illawarra will prepare a work plan and run initial training sessions.

Author: Meredith Hall

Key facts

  • Landcare Illawarra partnered with a local residents’ association to highlight the value of an underutilised, weed-affected public reserve.
  • Community engagement included a public meeting, site tours, and a Picnic for Nature featuring bird and plant ID walks, citizen science activities, and a visit to the proposed Landcare site.
  • The community now feels supported by Landcare Illawarra and is strongly committed to establishing a new group.