The push to tackle a growing fireweed problem around Tilba and southern Narooma has received a boost with the incorporation of the new Tilba Landcare group.
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Leading the charge is Robert Dunn who himself has been picking the noxious weed from not only his own property near Dignam’s Creek but also from neighbours’ properties and even along roadsides.
The new Tilba Landcare group has already had several meetings to discuss administration matters and also how to move forward against the dreaded fireweed.
Interested parties so far have included land owners and community members including Harry Bate, Nic Dibden, Pat Waddell, Ailsa LePage, Merrick Willcocks, David Oliphant, Julie Dibden, Sue Croft and Ray McCarthy, Jan and Warren Coates, Ken Doust, Cheryl Blessington and others.
The Constitution of the Association would be the standard model available for the adoption of all associations and the Landcare group’s particular objective, according to Mr Dunn, would be "the coordination of efforts to control or eradicate fireweed within the area defined by the New South Wales government's land services map of the Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba areas as well as from south Narooma, including the Old Highway, the Scenic Road and the Old South Coast Road and areas in between.”
The groups coordinating activities would include overseeing community efforts, including weed picking on both public and private lands with the assistance of the Federal Government's work for the dole and Green Army projects.
The introduction of sheep and goats and pasture management generally in the area would be another possible activity, as well as the seeking of Landcare Grants from Federal and State governments.
“We can also encourage efforts of government and scientific groups to find a biological solution,” he said.
Apart from proceeding to register an incorporated association, he said he would now seek council and government recognition of the group towards the carrying out of these objects.
”Let me emphasise that our main object is to try and coordinate the government effort at all levels – grants and labour schemes available – as our own volunteer labour is extremely limited and must be put to maximum use as organisers or coordinators,” Mr Dunn said.
Anyone interested in finding out more or joining the Tilba Landcare group, should contact Mr Dunn on 4473 7853.
