Workshop to help restore Brunswick River’s banks

Testing the waters of the community’s commitment to its foreshore, the Leschenault Catchment Council will host a workshop on the banks of the Brunswick River in Kingston.

Property developers Lester Group invited the catchment council to undertake weed control, planting of native seedlings and other environmental restoration activities to improve the ecological values along the river near Kingston Estate.

This work is part of a five-year commitment of the developer’s agreement to develop the land close to the river.

Catchment council senior scientist Chris Howe said it was looking beyond the five-year commitment, to develop community interest in the foreshore area and continue its management.

Mr Howe said the foreshore faced a number of plant pests which outcompeted native species and needed removal and monitoring, including cottonbush, blackberries and a range of non-native grasses.

“It’s about trying to get the right species to establish themselves enough to support wildlife,” Mr Howe said.

A workshop will be held on March 24 from 10am to 11.30am for the community to learn more about the catchment council’s plans and how the community can get involved.

Mr Howe said he hoped that with enough community interest, a lasting group could be developed which could manage the area either as its own group or joining with the Brunswick River Restoration Taskforce.

“This workshop is testing the waters,” he said.

“If there’s some community interest we want to support that however we can.

“The workshop is the first step in that conversation.”

The taskforce will be attending the workshop with its education trailer.

Those who wish to attend are asked to reserve a place for catering purposes by contacting Mr Howe on 9791 4773 by Wednesday, March 21.

Attendees are to meet at 9.45am at the north western point of Waterford Way, Kingston.