Community unites to combat invasive weeds on Tomaree’s One Mile headland

NEARLY 30 volunteers gathered on Tomaree’s One Mile headland last Saturday to continue the fight against invasive weeds threatening the coastal landscape.

The event brought together outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, and even dad-and-daughter teams in an effort to remove bitou bush and lantana.

“Our environment is everybody’s responsibility, and our motto at the National Parks Association (NPA) is protecting nature through community action,” President of the NPA (Hunter Region) John Simpson said.

It marked the fifth such community event on the headland in the past 18 months, organised by the Friends of Tomaree National Park in partnership with the Australian Climbing Association (ACA) NSW and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Friends of Tomaree coordinator Sue Olsson described Saturday as a milestone in the project.

“Each event people have worked downhill from the Tomaree Coastal Walk while climbers worked upward from the rocky shores below.

“We were really excited when on Saturday we met in the middle, so a substantial part of the headland’s westward end is now clear of major weeds.

“And when we meet again in a few months we’ll clear more moving eastward,” Sue said.

Another highlight was the two dad-daughter teams participating for the first time.

“It was wonderful to see young people so engaged in protecting the environment they’re inheriting,” Sue said.

Anthony, a keen climber and ACA representative, said his daughter’s involvement made the experience even more meaningful.

“We love being outside together and making a positive difference to our environment.

“It was a good way to start the school holidays.”

Those interested in joining future events can contact the Friends of Tomaree National Park at via emal tomaree-np-friends@npansw.org.au or ecops.au/fotnp.

By Cosette DE LORENZO