Friday 30 October 2020
WOADY YALOAK PRIMARY ROSS CREEK WETLANDS REHABILITATION GIVEN A BOOST
Ross Creek campus of Woady Yaloak Primary School has completed more works to restore and revitalise its wetlands, part of a long-term vision to upgrade and link it to the Community recreation reserve, thanks to a grant under the 2020 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity program.
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle visited the school to announce the grant and speak with the Principals, students and local Landcare group about their vision to create new recreation opportunities.
Ross Creek campus of Woady Yaloak Primary School will receive a $3,850 grant for weed spraying, plantings and to hold a community planting day next year with Landcare.
The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants fund projects that engage young Victorians in outdoor, hands-on, on-ground projects and environmental learning activities that provide both environmental and educational outcomes, as well as health and wellbeing benefits. Landcare Australia delivers the grants as part of their Junior Landcare program.
This year over 113 projects across Victoria received $409,500 in funding. Successful grant recipients include nurturing bees, establishing Indigenous gardens, nest box building and installation, wetland regeneration, frog ponds, butterfly and sensory gardens, bush tucker trails and many more. The government has allocated over $1.2 million for 350 projects through the grants program since 2018.
In addition Woodmans Hill Secondary College received $3,340 for ‘beginning biodiversity’ to build students interest in the environment.
This program contributes to Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s plan to stop the decline of our native plants and animals and improve our natural environment.
For more www.environment.vic.gov.au/landcare/victorian-junior-landcare-and-biodiversity-grants
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“This is a great example of how our community can work together to create something truly amazing. Connecting the school’s wetland area to the recreation reserve will help kids can get to school safely and create a space for the whole community to enjoy.”
“The school and Landcare have a vision for Ross Creek wetlands that I really support. Connecting the two could include a BMX pump track, walking and riding paths and seating to make it family friendly.”
“These grants help students at the school get involved giving them learning experiences that encourage appreciation and understanding of our natural environment.”
Quote attributable to Corey Pohlner Principal of Woady Yaloak Primary School
“We have a long-term vision to join our Ross Creek Wetlands with the Ross Creek Recreation Reserve to build an area for our school and community to fully utilise and enjoy.”
“There is limited sporting and exercise options in the area, and we want safe, accessible and fun exercise options for our students and the community.”
“Just as important, we care about our local ecosystem and want to help protect our native flora and fauna such as the Growling Grass Frog.”
Quote attributable to Nathan Harris Woady Yaloak Primary School Ross Creek Campus Head
“The Landcare group have done an amazing job with planting and weeding to help restore our wonderful wetlands, and I’m excited about what we can do from here.”
Quote attributable to Tilley B Grade 6 Student
“Working on our wetland will help the environment and encourage our beloved frog to come back.”
Quote attributable to Emerton H Grade 5 student
“A track would be great for exercise instead of going on dangerous roads. The roads are skinny and lots of people are going past in cars. I’m worried there is a chance of someone getting hurt.”
Quote attributable to Keisha B Grade 6 Student
“Tree planting is healthy for the environment as more animals can enjoy a new home. Weeding is good as the track is easier to walk on, clean and it’s easier to see.”
Quote attributable to Liz Charleson Ross Creek Landcare Group member
“The restoration of the school wetland has been an ongoing project with works this year including weed eradication, ground works and the planting of 750 trees, shrubs and grasses, possible due to grants from Corangamite Connected Landscapes, 15 Trees and the Victorian Government.”
“Landcare members individually, completed the planting of trees, shrubs and grasses throughout August and September. The wet season should give the revegetation a great start and help us achieve our long-term vision of creating a beautiful connected landscape for our community to enjoy.”
