Action needed in

By Bridget Cook
MEMBERS of a Knox environmental group are frustrated that the shortfall for bushland management in Knox remains, with funding left out of the 2009/10 draft budget.
The Friends of Blind Creek Billabong group said with more than 160 hectares of bushland and more than 500 people involved in friends’ groups, four bushland management officers were just not enough.
Spokesperson for the group Fay Rimmer said that with bushland management forgotten in this year’s budget the shortfall remains and they seem to have gone backwards.
“In the past two years Knox has gradually started to make up for the shortfall,” Ms Rimmer said. “However Knox still needs at least two more bushland management officers in the 2009/10 budget, as well as allowance for more equipment for them to be more effective in helping Knox reduce their ecological footprint. They just can’t be efficient with what they have now.”
Bushland management officers are responsible for the management and maintenance of the bushland reserves that remain in Knox. These activities include weed control, mowing and brushcutting, as well as educating residents and working with schools, volunteers and friends’ groups.
Ms Rimmer said as a result of Eastlink 20 per cent of the bushland that remained on Knox was removed.
“The damage that has been done can only be repaired by taking small steps to attempt to replace this asset,” she said. “Every little bit counts. All protecting and planting of indigenous and natural bushland literally in our backyards is beginning to do our bit towards putting the brakes on climate change and global warming.”
Knox City Council director of city development Angelo Kourambas said the council had already made provisions for the employment for one additional staff member.
“As such, a trainee position will be advertised shortly,” she said.
The Friends of Blind Creek Billabong lodged a written submission to council. A submission hearing will be held on Thursday 2 July.