Protect, Conserve and Restore
Gecko’s Bushcare Groups care for three areas-Elanora Wetlands, Nicoll Scrub and Tarrabora Reserve.
Our Teams restore the vegetation within each site back to it’s natural vegetation type and improve the habitat for the native wildlife. The Bushcare groups also provide learning opportunities in natural bushland restoration while strengthening relationships within the community.
Elanora Wetlands
The horseshoe-shaped Elanora Wetlands Habitat is actually a 20 hectare section of Schuster Park, separated from the main park by Tallebudgera Treatment Plant, which occupies about one-third of the land. The total area is approximately 20 hectares with the treatment works occupying about 1/3 of the land. This team has made remarkable progress with rehabilitation which has resulted in more than 60 bird species calling it home as well as other animals such as native sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and common tree snakes (Dendrelaphis punctulastus) being seen on regular occasions. A butterfly-friendly garden has been established within the wetlands area and can be seen by walking along the trail, with some interpretive signage along the way.
The Elanora Bushcare Group was established in February 2000 and the group aim to achieve the following outcomes:
- Restore and expand remaining native vegetation by controlling weeds
- Repair riparian vegetation including its structure, integrity and diversity
- Improve habitat opportunities for local landholders in ‘bush restoration’
- Improve the amenity of the park as a focal point in the community
- Strengthen relationships in the community.
The group meets every first Tuesday of the month from Feb – Nov from 8 am – 10 am.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and pants, sunscreen, hat and some water.
Nicoll Scrub
Nicoll Scrub, (Because of damage by Cyclone Debbie this area is temporarily closed).
It is a National reserve in the Currumbin Valley and has been nominated for the special status of Scientific Reserve. It contains vegetation of such significance that only scientists may enter. The Bushcare group weed and revegetate the important buffer zone around the National Park.
Tarrabora Reserve
Tarrabora Reserve is a small vegetated area on the north bank of Currumbin Estuary that was saved from development in 1979. It stands as a testimony to the determination of the Gold Coast community to unite, to protect and nurture our precious natural environment. It is a special place for the community because of its history and its unique leafy beach setting.
The Reserve is under the management of the City of Gold Coast (NAMU) with the following Aims:
- Restore remaining vegetation and improve the health of this area
- Improve habitat diversity
- Protect the intertidal zone from erosion
- Promote opportunities for the natural regeneration of local endemic species
- Provide learning opportunities for the community in ‘natural areas restoration
The group meets every second Saturday of the month from Feb – Nov from 8 am – 10 am.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirt, pants, sunscreen, hat and some water.
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For more information and to get involved
We are always looking for new volunteers to join us at our bushcare days so if you would like to join in please contact the person below for the relevant area or phone the Gecko office for more details.
Elanora and Schuster Park areas:
Tom Fletcher:Â tomjiggs@bigpond.com
Tarrabora area:
Gina Ygoa:Â ginaygoa@gmail.com
Further information on the City of Gold Coast, Beaches to Bushland Volunteer Landcare Program can be found here.
Gold Coast Catchment Association (now called Watergum)Â
Helping the Community to help the Environment.
Watergum is the umbrella organisation for community groups who are involved in the hands on restoration, maintenance and protection of the Gold Coast’s natural areas. Their website available here can connect you with many groups around the Coast and Hinterland involved in bushcare and looking for volunteers to get involved.
