Fresh look for Wonga foreshore
Environment
Wildlife carers Dave and Connie Pinson began their campaign in 2017 to plant 500,000 trees in the Douglas Shire by 2030 and are well on their way to achieving that goal.
And this week a patch of weeds has made way for more than 500 native trees at Wonga Beach.
Douglas Shire Council and Daintree Life were joined by volunteers at the end of Janbal Street to increase foreshore vegetation in the area. The project, which was funded under Council’s Community Grant program, saw Daintree Life organise a community planting day south of the Daintree River for the first time.
The organisation has now planted more than 12,500 trees in the Douglas Shire.
“What we have done today here at Wonga Beach is tackle this area where the weed was taller than me only literally a few day’s ago.
“In this patch we had 14 people planting which consisted of volunteers, Council staff, Connie and myself. We planted 525 trees, in exactly 60 minutes.
“There is a whole range of species here today but all of them belong here on this beach foreshore. Grown and supplied by Gaylene Sheather (Nursery Technician)and crew at the council nursery,” said Pinson.
Foreshore vegetation repaired
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the community planting saw important foreshore vegetation repaired and expanded.
“Our workers helped Daintree Life and their team knock down weeds, dig out 525 holes and plant many native trees to bring a fresh look to the foreshore area.
“We have all seen the amazing work Daintree Life have done north of the river to rehabilitate rainforest, so it was great to see that now being extended into Wonga Beach,” said Kerr.
Daintree Life, which was founded by wildlife carers Dave and Connie Pinson, is working with Council to identify sites for re-planting such unused service roads and roadside reserves covered in exotic weeds.
Pinson said some trees they first planted were already eight metres tall.
“Putting trees back helps increase the habitat for the wildlife around and it’s better for the community,” he said.