Bega Valley Shire Council officially launched the ‘Green Shoots’ campaign with a community working bee at Tathra Beach.
The working bee, held in partnership with Tathra Landcare, the Far South Coast Landcare Association and Tathra Beachside Caravan Park resulted in the planting of 300 native plants in fire affected sections of the coastal dunes adjacent to Tathra Beachside Caravan Park.
The plant community on the dunes plays an important role in protecting the beach from erosion caused by coastal storms and wind by locking up the sand and providing a protective buffer to the caravan park and other infrastructure. It is also provides important habitat for many native birds and animals.
With the bushfire recovery phase now in full swing, the time has come to commence the restoration of natural areas in and around Tathra that were adversely impacted during the disaster – the ‘Green Shoots’ campaign aims to do this.
Council’s Environmental Management Officer, Michael Fiedler, said a large number of people have expressed an interest in assisting with the rebuilding and restoration of Tathra and council hopes that ‘Green Shoots’ will give them something tangible to contribute to.
“In so many ways it is the pristine natural environment that provides our Shire with its identity and as a result we see this campaign as a very important aspect of the recovery process.
“Further events and opportunities will evolve as we assess the damage of our natural areas and open them up to the public.”