High praise for Landcare group

A DEDICATED group of volunteers from the Goonellabah Tucki Landcare group have been recognised for their efforts as part of a year-long program with Lismore City Council.

Council invested $30,000 in 10 landcare groups who collectively contributed $621,700 in-kind value for work improving Lismore’s urban environment over the 12-month period.

The Lismore Urban Landcare report listed Goonellabah Tucki for 65 per cent of the overall contribution.

Group secretary Shaen Springall said they have planted about 50,000 trees into the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Gully over the last five years.

They have extended and widened the existing rainforest corridor by planting into open areas along the walking track.

“We’re only a little group of dedicated volunteers, to achieve so much is fantastic really,” Springall said.

“Our initial funding came from the pockets of our members; now we’re getting better grants with more support from the council.”

Mr Springall said ongoing efforts will keep the group busy for several years.

It is focused on creating biodiversity that will attract more wildlife and birds to the area.

“We’re lucky to have the support of a local commercial nursery who lets us grow our own stuff,” he said.

“Everything we do goes in 200mm pots and are at least a metre before it goes in the ground.

“That helps with canopy cover and allows for less maintenance time.”

Mr Springall said new members are welcome and can spend as little as one hour helping.

The group meets at the site on Saturday mornings at 8am.

“If 20 people turn up for just one hour, that is still 20 hours of work time that we wouldn’t have had,” he said.

“We have a core of 12 and we’ve had people come and help who were with the NDIS.

“Council has been more supportive with landcare groups in general, it’s great that they recognise the value we add.”

You can get in touch with the group at [email protected] or on the Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Incorporated Facebook page.