As a member of the local community the Newcastle Port Corporation helps local environmental causes where appropriate and possible.
Conservation Volunteers Australia - Nobbys beach Project
The battle to remove invasive bitou bush along Nobbys Beach has taken a big leap forward thanks to a conservation program sponsored by Newcastle Port Corporation.
A $10,000 sponsorship for the Hunter Branch of Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) resulted in removal of bitou bush along Nobbys Beach and regeneration of areas by planting native species.
Groups of CVA Better Earth volunteers undertook the program which linked with work already undertaken by Nobbys Dunecare Group and that planned by Newcastle City Council in its Coastcare program.
Corporation CEO, Gary Webb, said the Newcastle Coastline Management Plan recognised the invasive nature and prolific growth of bitou bush which was threatening the biodiversity of the coastline.
"Bitou bush has created a monoculture by taking over native vegetation and altering habitat utilised by native fauna," he said.
"Providing $10,000 in sponsorship for CVA has gone a long way in progressing work already completed by Nobbys Dunecare which has been working at weekends."
The CVA volunteers linked with Newcastle City Council's project in implementing the Newcastle Coastline Management Plan on Nobbys Beach to focus on dune stabilisation, construction of wind fences and improved access.
The sponsorship is the second project between Newcastle Port Corporation and CVA. More than 200 volunteer days at Stockton Beach last year saw nearly 15,000 square metres of land weeded and replanted.
More information about Conservation Volunteers Australia can be gained from its website: www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
Moving towards harmony
The Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Project has restored a 750 hectare site for fisheries and other wildlife habitat to the north of the working port while creating educational and recreational opportunities.
Salt marsh has been restored in an attempt to reverse the decline in migratory and other bird life that needs this environment in order to survive. Tidal flows are being reinstated to Hexham Swamp in an attempt to reverse degradation of fragile ecosystems.
The Project also aims to educate people about living and working in harmony with the natural environment. The 'City Farm' project aims to show how farming can be carried out in an ecologically sustainable way. A jetty has been constrcuted to link the city farm with tourism operators, and the Newcastle Port Corporation is proud to have supported the project by providing some financial assistance in building the jetty.
www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au/kooragang/
Keeping Newcastle Clean
Newcastle Port Corporation is a strong supporter of the annual Clean Up Australia Day which is held in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in March each year.
Increasing focus on clean waterways means it is only fitting that the Corporation support the local effort which is organised by Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Councils.
newcastle.infohunt.nsw.gov.au/council/cleanup
