Help us protect - Lake Macquarie City Council
Transcription
Help us protect - Lake Macquarie City Council
Help us protect Murrays Beach Information for residents – April 2016 Set within the surroundings of Wallarah National Park on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie and only a short stroll to the ocean, Murrays Beach provides a picturesque holiday lifestyle every day of the year. What makes living at Murrays Beach so unique? The natural bushland setting provides residents and visitors to Murrays Beach an abundance of bushwalks, nature trails and opportunities to engage with the local wildlife. Why do we need to protect the natural bushland and foreshores areas? The development of the North Wallarah Peninsula was approved by Lake Macquarie City Council, with conditions outlined in a Lakeside Plan of Management. This Plan identifies appropriate uses of the land, together with management actions to be undertaken by Council, Stockland and the Community Association. As shown in the map right, the Plan covers two specific areas – the Lakeside Reserve and Habitat Corridor. These two areas are of high ecological, Aboriginal heritage, cultural and scenic value to our City, and as result, activities such as mowing are restricted or prohibited in these areas. Be a good bushland neighbour Natural bushland and foreshore areas provide important habitat for native wildlife and recreational space for our community. Help protect natural areas in Lake Mac City Leave the bush in its natural state Observe the no-mow markers and signage, and don’t expand your lawn or garden into the bush or ‘improve’ the bushland area by planting. Rocks and fallen branches provide homes for native animals, while flowers and seeds ensure that plants will reproduce. Removing these without permission can harm the animals and plants that live in the bushland area. Bring native plants back into your backyard Join Council’s free Backyard Habitat for Wildlife Program and bring the bushland back into your backyard. Receive two free native plants, discounts at local nurseries, fact sheets on native gardening and access to workshops. Sign up online at www.lakemac.com.au Plant native plant species where possible and avoid planting weeds or plants that will spread to adjacent bushland. Volunteer for your health and the environment Improve your health and well-being, meet new people and look after your local environment. Register your interest in creating a Landcare group for Murrays Beach on 4921 0392. Dispose responsibly It may be out of sight, out of mind, but dumping garden waste and lawn clippings over the back fence will damage our bushland. It spreads weeds, creates fire hazards, smothers native plants and can even change the soil nutrient levels to favour weed growth. Use your green waste bin to dispose of garden waste responsibly. Report illegal dumping to the Hunter-Central Coast RID Squad by email, RID@lakemac.nsw.gov.au, or call the Environment Line on 131 555. Tread lightly in our bushland Many of our native plants and insects are sensitive and can easily be damaged or destroyed by careless trampling. Try to stay on formed tracks, this prevents erosion and minimises the spread of weeds, and always take any rubbish away with you.