BUSHCARE

THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SHOALHAVEN IS VERY SPECIAL . . .

Bushcare Groups are a way of bringing together the resources of Council and the community to better manage this valuable asset.

Shoalhaven City Council invites you to join or form a Bushcare Group which will carry out restoration work on Council managed land.

Bushcare Groups can be involved in such activities as:

	Bush regeneration / restoration
	Sand dune stabilisation
	Erosion Control
	Track maintenance / construction
	Erection of protective fencing

A number of landcare, dunecare, Council Committees and other community groups are already working on Council managed land.  These groups are encouraged to register as Bushcare Groups to ensure insurance cover, other Council support and the coordination of voluntary environmental work.

Council's Commitment

Council is committed to protecting and enhancing the Natural Environment of our City.  Council will provide:

	Materials such as plants, herbicides, mulch, gloves and other materials (within budget constraints).
	Personal accident insurance for volunteers up to the age of 80 and public liability insurance for approved bushcare activities.
	Technical Support – Council's Natural Areas Officer, Pieta Laing, and the Landcare Technical Coordinator, Eric Zarrella, are available to give advice and assistance to Bushcare Groups with respect to project planning and funding submissions, as well as assistance with 'on the ground' work and advice on the best techniques to use.
	Newsletters, Networking and Educational Opportunities – Council will provide newsletters to groups advising them of coming events, grant applications and details of successful projects.
	It is also intended to provide a forum for educational talks on topics such as:

Bush regeneration methods Planting techniques Project  planning Funding opportunities Coastal processes Bitou Bush Bushfire hazard reduction

Planning Your Project

Under the Local Government Act, 1993, it is an offence to work on public land without permission.

Before permission is given to carry out work on public land, Bushcare Groups must submit a plan or outline of the works which are intended to be carried out.  A written plan also helps to explain the group's activities to visitors, new members and funding bodies.  A sketch map is a good visual way of communicating what is to occur.

Larger projects may need to undergo a process of public consultation before approval is given.

All Bushcare volunteers are encouraged to undergo appropriate training such as a bush regeneration course or the safe use and handling of herbicides.  It is recommended that at least one member of each Bushcare Group is appropriately trained.

For further Information you can send an email using the link below or get in touch with...                 Shoalhaven Bushcare Coordinator                 Shoalhaven City Council                 PO Box 42, Nowra                 Bridge Road, Nowra 2541                 Phone:  (02) 4429 3592