An enthusiastic group of Year 9 students spent the morning removing the last patch of Bitou Bush, at the Byron Shire Chemical Free Landcare (BSCFL) site, on the south end of New Brighton Beach last week. Geared up with gloves and loppers, they spent the morning enthusiastically removing the plant from the dunes, leaving behind only chopped branches for mulch.
BSCFL volunteers were under pressure to finish the work by June 30, the date set by Rous County Council who enforce the Biosecurity Act. "We are so pleased it is done and there was no need to spray," said project coordinator Nadia de Souza Pietramale. Ellen White, the project mentor, spoke with the students about the history of this coastal area, and explained how this plant became a problem after sand mining when it was used as a sand stabiliser on the dunes.
"It felt satisfying doing something good for the community," said Tas. “It was great fun and good to be doing something selfless," added Molly.
Nadia de Souza Pietramale and Sandra Brain
BSCFL volunteers were under pressure to finish the work by June 30, the date set by Rous County Council who enforce the Biosecurity Act. "We are so pleased it is done and there was no need to spray," said project coordinator Nadia de Souza Pietramale. Ellen White, the project mentor, spoke with the students about the history of this coastal area, and explained how this plant became a problem after sand mining when it was used as a sand stabiliser on the dunes.
"It felt satisfying doing something good for the community," said Tas. “It was great fun and good to be doing something selfless," added Molly.
Nadia de Souza Pietramale and Sandra Brain