STUDENTS from Karuah Public School joined local Landcare volunteers on Wednesday 24 September to rehabilitate the riverside slope above Longworth Park – just in time for the summer rush.
The volunteer working bee was made possible by a Love Water Grant via Hunter Water.
The group was one of 19 within Hunter Water’s service footprint to be awarded a share of $125,000 in funding to support water-saving and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Hunter Water Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement Emma Berry, said the program continues to strengthen community resilience and environmental awareness.
“Hunter Water received 76 applications, totalling $620,945 in requested funding, from schools, early childhood centres, not-for-profits, and local councils.
“This incredible interest shows the commitment of our local communities to protect our most valuable resource—water. “These projects, from rainwater harvesting systems to educational gardens and upgraded water infrastructure, will deliver lasting benefits across the Lower Hunter.”
The program is now in its seventh year, and offers one-off funding of up to $10,000 for projects that promote water conservation and efficiency, as well as those that incorporate education, environmental stewardship, or sustainability outcomes.
“The Karuah Landcare Group chose the Longworth Park project to reduce weeds and provide native vegetation landscaping,” Landcare volunteer Cheryl Crotty told News Of The Area.
“We have also been assisted by Port Stephens Council with supply of some of the plants, and Litoria Ecological Restoration Service with expertise, labour, and equipment.
“The classes came down in groups and together we planted approximately 2500 native plants.
“We managed to plant out the whole area we had prepared (in April we removed all the weeds, and then spread mulch on the site over the last few weeks).”
The project will help link the pathway between Longworth Park and the Boat Ramp by bringing cohesion between previous plantings at Memorial Park, the boat ramp area, and Longworth Park, dramatically improving the aesthetics of the Karuah River foreshore.
Local fauna will benefit from the increased foraging opportunities once the plants mature.
“We were thrilled to be invited once again by our local Landcare Group, led by Cheryl and Aaron Crotty, to take part in this fantastic community initiative,” Karuah Public School Principal Toni Lyle told NOTA.
“This event offered our students a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the environment… while also providing a rich, hands-on learning experience.
“Many of our students went home inspired to continue planting in their own gardens – they’ve well and truly caught the planting bug.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
