The Mornington Peninsula will receive an environmental boost when the Balcombe & Moorooduc Landcare Group officially launch its group at a public barbeque at Bertuch’s farm, Moorooduc on Sunday April 27.
The Balcombe & Moorooduc Landcare Group formed at the end of last year in response to the need to manage and improve the landscapes south of Frankston, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Moorooduc and in Mount Martha.
The natural resources in this area include the Balcombe and Moorooduc Plains and the Balcombe, Devil Bend and Tuerong Creeks. The group’s plans include the management of these natural resources while also providing information to landholders hoping to run more sustainable, productive farms and properties.
“The advantage of a group like Balcombe & Moorooduc Landcare is they can become a local resource that can enable greater access to support and information for landholders. Group members have the opportunity to increase skills and knowledge about land management, share knowledge and successes on their properties and can work together to achieve better results. PPWCMA’s Landcare Coordinator for the region Sarah Canham said.”
Existing environmental issues and past practices continue to pose a threat to the natural resources in the area. Pest plants such as gorse continue to threaten natural environments and the extensive removal of native vegetation is impacting on land productivity and has dramatically reduced the local habitat and biodiversity found in the area.
The work of Balcombe & Moorooduc Landcare Group will complement the efforts of neighbouring groups such as the Balcombe and Estuary Working Group (BERG), and the Century Drive Habitat Link Group who are enhancing the environmental values of public remnant vegetation areas and natural waterways.
The Balcombe & Moorooduc Landcare Group Committee would like to invite all local residents along to their first public event that will officially launch the group. All residents, whether farmers, lifestyle property owners or residents are welcome to come along and join the day.
Landcare is a grass roots movement that brings neighbours together to learn, identify, address and coordinate works that cannot be tackled or resolved alone. Landcare encourages good land stewardship and aims to improve the productivity of the land now and in the future.
Landcare is about local volunteers and landholders working together on community projects or issues and helping to protect and enhance the local area. By participating in Landcare activities people can meet their neighbours, learn new skills, increase their knowledge, and make a real difference to their local community.
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