The Bathurst Urban Drainage Reserve Vegetation Link is a programme conducted by Bathurst Regional Council, as part of the Bathurst - Orange - Dubbo Alliance project "Inspiring and Integrating Change'.  This project, funded by the the NSW Government through the Environmental Trust is designed to "Inspire an understanding of and commitment to sustainability through innovative on-ground works and community engagement".

The local community is now invitied to participate in tree planting days in February 2012!

Where:

Llanarth, Sat 18 February: Drainage reserve between Eglinton Rd & Evernden Rd, Llanarth. (Planting site off Evernden Rd).

When: 9.00am 2.00pm 

What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, gloves, snack & drinking water.

Food: A sausage sizzle will be provided at 12.00pm, or you can bring your own lunch.

How to get there: See the maps attached above.

More information: Call Council's Environment Section on 6333 6511.

The vegetation link programme is specifically designed to improve water quality, increase aquatic and riparian habitat and increase community awareness in regards to environmental issues in the urban context.

The Vegetation Link project identified 11 key urban drainage reserves that have been historically modified, and though still act as seasonal watercourses, have lost much of their habitat and ecological values.  The vegetation link project will revegetate sections of these drainage reserves so that there will be improved habitat connectivity for native animals, improved filtering of urban water by aquatic plants and reduced erosion as well as improving the aesthetics and amenity of the area.

The first part of the Vegetation Link project was completed in December 2010, with the development of the revegetation plan  and revegetation report  by consultants, Applied Ecology.

The next step of the project has been the engagement of Australian Wetlands Pty Ltd to to commence planting more than 25,000 native seedlings at five of the drainage reserves.  As part of the planting phase, local residents, school students and community groups are encouraged to participate through planting days.  Information is updated on the Council website and in the local media. The planting is expected to be completed by February 2012 witht he community encouraged to attend ongoing volunteer days at the sites. 

For more information on this project, please call Council's Environment Section on 6333 6511.