Weed warriors seek

By Paul Pickering
HILLS conservationists are appealing for public support in a bid to protect an embattled corridor of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
The Friends of Ferny Creek group is calling for private landowners in the Upwey corridor to enlist themselves in a war against the environmental weeds and water pollution that threaten to ravage the vital link between the Ferntree Gully and Sherbrooke units of the park.
Project convener Bill Incoll says the area of remnant bushland provides significant habitat for wildlife such as swamp wallabies, echidnas, wombats, lyrebirds and other rare bird species, while also enabling wildlife to move safely from one part of the park to another.
“The natural values of the landscape have been significantly compromised through decades of neglect,” Mr Incoll said. “But it’s not beyond help by any means. There is a lot that residents can do to help.”
While the Friends of Ferny Creek group has made progress in eradicating weeds and promoting native vegetation in the corridor since taking on the project in 2003, Mr Incoll believes a wider community effort is needed to make a real difference.
“For this project to succeed we need to get everyone working towards a common goal,” he said.
In recognition of the importance of the conservation initiative, the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Parks Victoria have also thrown their collective weight behind the Friends group.
The shire’s Water and Resources coordinator, Rachel Murphy, echoed Mr Incoll’s sentiments, saying: “It’s critical to get the private landholders in the area on board, because some of the major threats to bushland areas are coming from inappropriate plants and the presence of weeds in backyards.”
But, as Mr Incoll acknowledges, many residents don’t know which plants cause the problems or how to manage them.
In response to this, the Friends of Ferny Creek group is offering its time and vast knowledge to private landowners along the corridor.
Mr Incoll says his group is happy to pay confused residents a visit and suggest how they can tailor their properties to complement the local bushland.
Residents can enlist their help by contacting him on 9756 6977.