By Abbey Cannan
Thanks to a Noosa Council Community and Environment grant of $5,323 the Urban Wildlife Gardens Program in Noosa will continue into 2021.
In expressing their appreciation of the Council Grant, NICA President, Bruce Hallett said that without Council support this important community engagement program couldn’t continue.
“UWG provides a resource and service for urban landowners wishing to enhance urban ecology by using native plants in their gardens,“ Mr Hallett said.
“The program increases members’ understanding of biodiversity values on their property, and promotes enjoyment, raising awareness and facilitating citizen science.“
The continuation of the ’Urban Wildlife Gardens’ program, implemented and managed by NICA engages the urban community living within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, helping them undertake actions to enhance wildlife habitats in their back yards.
The Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc (NICA) also received a Community and Environment grant for $6,818 to re-build the Noosa’s Native Plants website.
NICA Secretary Ms Gillian Studdock said the work will be done by a local website builder, who will migrate the data and functionality of the Noosa’s Native Plants website onto a modern platform with improved access via smart phones, tablets and personal computers. In the process of migration they will incorporate up to date search capacity.
Ms Studdock said the current website was launched over 10 years ago to complement and supplement the information contained in NICA’s botanical publications including Noosa’s Native Plants book.
The website, an important information and education resource is used frequently and freely by members of the public and NRM practitioners throughout Noosa and South East Qld, and incorporates powerful search facilities.
Work on the website will be overseen by NICA volunteer Stephanie Haslam who initiated this fantastic resource. Visit the website at www.noosasnativeplants.com.au/articles/happening-now/.Residents of Noosa Shire can join the Urban Wildlife Gardens Program by paying the one off $30 joining fee. They will then receive a visit to their garden with expert advice on ways to attract native wildlife, as well as free periodic workshops. For more information visit www.noosariver.com.au/urban-wildlife-gardens/.
