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Elanora Wetlands
BACKGROUND
The horseshoe-shaped Elanora Wetlands Habitat is actually a section of Schuster Park and is separated from the main park by Tallebudgera Creek. It also partly surrounds the Elanora Water Treatment Plant.
The total area is approximately 20 hectares with the treatment works occupying about 1/3 of the land. The area restored by Elanora Wetlands Bushcare Group is approximately 3 hectares, which is gradually being extended, and is being managed under the Gold Coast City Council Beaches to Bushland Program.
Since the inception of the Elanora Wetlands Bushcare Group, the following has occurred:
- Exotic weeds and trees have been removed or are in the process of being removed/controlled
- An ex-dumpsite has been cleared
- A path has been constructed within the bushcare site
- Most areas have been revegetated with the planting of over 2000 native trees/shrubs/native
- Seed from the native trees is regularly collected by Gecko’s Regen
- NatureSearch has been involved in monitoring the wildlife in the area
- Fox control is being pursued in conjunction with Gold Coast City Council
- Gecko’s Walk with Wildlife team regularly monitors the birdlife by conducting survey walks
AIM
The aim of the group is to restore bushland in the Elanora Wetlands Habitat as near as possible to the original riverine environment.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Exotic trees, shrubs and weeds have been removed or controlled. These have been replaced by native shrubs and grasses indigenous to the area. Interpretive signage has also been erected.
Group members say that a great bonus of being part of the group is the sense of achievement they receive when they see the results of their bushcare activities.
WHO CAN JOIN THE GROUP
There are no joining fees and anyone with a reasonable amount of fitness is welcome to join. However, a responsible adult must accompany all children.
WHEN DOES THE GROUP MEET?
First Tuesday of the month. Work proceeds from 8am until 10am. Then there is a BYO morning tea, which includes a brief planning session in which all those attending are welcome to participate.
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
From the Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, enter Tallebudgera Drive and proceed west. At the end of Tallebudgera Drive, turn right into the bitumen lane and then left under the Pacific Motorway. You will then be directly facing the entrance to Elanora Wetlands.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring a bottle of water and wear solid shoes, a shady hat and sunscreen. The Bushcare Group and Gold Coast City Council provide gloves, tools and other equipment.
MORE INFORMATION
- Tom Fletcher on 07 5598 4145 or email tomjiggs[at]bigpond[dot]com
- Maureen Marsh on 07 5598 7900 or email kingfishermm[at]bigpond[dot]com
- Arthur Woods on 07 5500 4818
