Conservation works to assist the critically endangered Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest will continue, after Council secured more than $14,000 in NSW Government funding.

Council has actively worked on the restoration of the plant community under the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program since 2017, receiving $99,000 in grant funding. Works completed so far include:

• Installation of temporary and permanent fencing around the project site;
• Seed collection and propagation of plants for the site;
• Establishment of a bushcare group for the site and work to plant and maintain the site by staff and volunteers;
• Primary and secondary weed control by contractors;
• Rabbit control; and
• Removal of dumped rubbish and litter.

The latest funding requires Council to focus conservation efforts within Spring Farm Reserve and May Gibbs Rise until 31 July 2021.

Conservation works to be undertaken with the funding include:

• Continuing to work with the local Bushcare group to undertake additional planting;
• Educating Council staff and the community on the value and importance of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and the types of activities that can have negative impacts on this threatened ecological community;
• Monitoring and manage plantings;
• Providing supplementary water as required to ensure the survival of new plants;
• Undertaking primary and secondary weed control;
• Undertaking rabbit control; and
• Removal of rubbish and garden waste.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said it was important to continue preserving natural landscapes in the Camden area.

“We are all lucky to be living amongst such fantastic natural areas and it is our responsibility to actively manage and restore ecological communities, in particular those that are critically endangered such as the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest,” Cr Fedeli said.

“This funding will allow Council to work towards additional planting, weed management, rabbit control and rubbish removal in Spring Farm Reserve and May Gibbs Rise in Spring Farm.

“I thank the NSW Government for their funding and support.”