Planting the seed for positive partnerships
More than 700 seedlings were planted at Blue Bay and Daly Heads recently to help stabilise the dunes and prevent further disturbance to the existing vegetation.
The planting day south of Corny Point was a collaborative effort between Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, District Council of Yorke Peninsula, Point Pearce community members, the Green Army and local landowners.
Species included coastal daisy bush Olearia axillaris, drooping sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata and coastal cushion bush Leucophyta brownii, and fencing was installed to protect the dune habitat.
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Community Ranger Rebecca Brown said it was rewarding to see the enthusiasm everyone showed for getting all of the plants in on the day.
"It was hugely valuable to have Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation assisting and contributing on the day and helping us understand the site’s cultural significance," Ms Brown said.
"The Green Army were fantastic and efficient, I look forward to working with them on future environmental projects.
"The 700 trees will go a long way in protecting the beautiful dune environment and increase enjoyment for visitors."
The dunes along Yorke Peninsula beaches are an intricate and fragile ecosystem, and many contain sites of cultural significance to the Narungga people.
The planting day attracted excellent support from both the Narungga community and the non-Aboriginal community, with 30 people in attendance.
Local volunteer Letitia Dahl-helm, who attended the planting day with her daughter Naida, said that she enjoyed being involved in an activity that helps to protect the delicate coastal environment in a place that they both love to visit.
"Quenten Agius welcomed us to Country and shared his Dreaming stories before we got into the important work of planting, which certainly increased our understanding of how important the area is to the Narungga people," Ms Dahl-helm said.
"The Green Army team were a great bunch of people to work with and I was really impressed by how quickly they got the job done, and a job well done too.
"We look forward to keeping an eye on the growth of the plants, particularly the special one Naida planted."
The sites will be monitored to see how the plants are surviving, and regular checks will be done on the new fencing. Maintaining work like this will ensure long lasting protection of these areas.
Completing environmental projects in partnerships like this is a positive step towards the ongoing collaborative management of coastal dune systems.
This event was funded by the Australian Government Biofund and supported by Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation.
For further information about future planting days and other ways to become involved in protecting our local environment, please contact Natural Resources Northern and Yorke on 8841 3444 or visit http://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ny/get-involved/volunteering
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