Many hands helping Hospital Hill
Many hands helping Hospital Hill
A new group tackles an old problem
Reaching Out -
LLCI033-004
The issue
Murwillumbah, in the scenic and biodiverse Tweed valley, had no Landcare group. Meanwhile Murwillumbah’s iconic Hospital Hill had a significant 10 hectare remnant of dry sclerophyll forest, home to hilltopping butterflies, was being degraded by environmental weeds including Camphor Laurel. The site had had previous failed restoration attempts - which were due in part to the extent of the weed issue and the terrain. So when Tweed Landcare Inc was approached by local residents to form Hospital Hill Landcare there were some reservations.
The solution
Tweed Landcare Inc discussed the proposal with the landowner Tweed Shire Council (Council). Due to the history of failed restoration attempts there were some additional considerations to ensure that this effort was successful. To navigate these concerns some extra requirements were added to the existing Care Group Procedures Manual (which outlines the process for forming a care group on Council land). These were:
- a minimum of 4 volunteers committed to the site for at least 5 years,
- initially limiting group activities to a small (0.5 hectare) site with only moderate weed impacts and easy access, and
- engaging qualified bush regenerators to undertake some primary weed control.
Meeting these additional requirements removed the barriers to forming a group.
The impact
Every town needs an active Landcare group. The group has been up and running since March 2017. Since their first day had to be postponed due to major flooding- which did not impact the site but had significant and ongoing impacts on our community. Since the monthly group working bees have been attended by at least 6 volunteers. This group has brought together a committed group of people that were looking for an meaningful way to contribute to their community. It is important to always finish with a cuppa and a chat.
Key facts
- 1 new local landcare group
- 14 new landcare volunteers
- 1 Site Plan
- 0.25 hectares of primary bush regeneration