The Elliott Heads community will be rolling up its sleeves this weekend, digging into an ongoing weeding project to preserve the coastline and protect dune vegetation.
The Elliott Heads Dune Weed Management program is being managed by Bundaberg Regional Council’s natural areas and land protection teams and will continue until December 2021.
To support the program, a community weeding event will be held from 8-10 am on Saturday, 5 December.
Divisional representative Cr Tanya McLoughlin said it was an opportunity for residents to get hands on in their local environment.
“The coastline at Elliott Heads and the river mouth area is one of the most popular destinations in the region for its picturesque sandy beaches and ideal swimming conditions,” Cr McLoughlin said.
“Council’s natural areas team has been monitoring the presence of environmental and common weeds on the dunes and has developed a strategy to manage the spread.
“These weeds are outcompeting native vegetation along the dunes.
“This vegetation not only provides a habitat for native animals but helps to prevent dune erosion.”
Cr McLoughlin said local residents had already expressed their support for the dune weed management program and were keen to see the area preserved.
“This is the community’s chance to get hands on with this project and support our environment.”
Some of the weeds found in the dune are suspected to be garden escapees.
“Another way that residents can support this initiative is to keep their own yards free from weeds.
“Council will even supply free replacement trees in exchange for the removal of some targeted weed species as part of the plant swap program.”
While this activity will involve hand weeding, the mechanical removal of weeds has already been underway in recent weeks to remove larger environmental weeds.
Impact Community Services volunteers have also been supporting the dune weed management program by providing trainees to assist with weeding days.
Cr McLoughlin said the community would be invited to have more input into the overall program including future revegetation planting days.
Elliott Heads Community weeding:
Saturday, 5 December
8am to 10am
Meet at dune access ELL04 – closest to the kiosk
Pre-registration is not essential but participants are asked to wear closed in shoes, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Participants should also bring gardening gloves and drinking water.
For more see the Facebook event.
For more information about plant swap and the species the program targets, head to bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
