Kids move on weeds

MORE than 50 local primary school students learnt about threatened species and the risks they face from noxious weeds, this week.
It was part of the Discovering Biodiversity Community Day, hosted by council’s Heritage Park Bushland Care Group.
The group received a $15,000 grant from SUEZ, a waste and water management company, towards weed management.
Fifty-two enthusiastic Good Shepherd Lutheran College Grade 5 students worked with volunteers to help rid Heritage Park of more than 70 bags of Singapore Daisy.
Council’s community partnerships officer Kylie Gordon said the students learned about the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and Glossy Black Cockatoos and how weeds such as Singapore Daisy can negatively impact these and other threatened species.
“The day would not have been possible without Heritage Park Bushland Care Group and its tireless leader Joan who applied for the SUEZ Community Grant, with support from NICA,” Ms Gordon said.
The Bushland Care Group is one of 18 across Noosa Shire that make up council’s Community Bushland Care Program.
The students learnt about flying-foxes and they met Lyn Boston from Bat Rescue Inc. who brought Phoebe the flying-fox along to meet the students.
The SUEZ Community Grants program provides funding for community groups to improve the quality of their local environment, educate communities about sustainability and improve local health and well-being.
“Joan and her team have eradicated Singapore Daisy in parts of Heritage Park. They do a tremendous job keeping our natural areas weed free, as do all of our Bushland Care Groups,” Ms Gordon said.
“It was great to see volunteers and students working side by side enjoying healthy, outdoor work enhancing the environment while learning about biodiversity and helping to preserve our threatened native wildlife.”
To volunteer with Noosa’s Bushland Care Groups, visit: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/volunteering.