NSW Ports, in partnership with Bayside Council and Conservation Volunteers Australia, today launched a three-year project to carry out environmental conservation works at Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany.
The project will engage up to 600 local community members in rehabilitating areas of native vegetation, which provide significant habitat for native fauna.
Sir Joseph Banks Park holds significant environmental importance, with vital fresh water wetlands and remnant Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. It is an asset to the community from a conservation standpoint, but also provides valuable open space for community recreation.
NSW Ports Chief Executive Officer Marika Calfas said NSW Ports was delighted to be partnering with Conservation Volunteers Australia and Bayside Council on this community program.
“As the manager of key State infrastructure assets including Port Botany, NSW Ports takes its social responsibilities seriously, including working with the local community at Port Botany on important sustainability and environmental projects like this.
We look forward to working with Bayside Council and Conservation Volunteers Australia to support local volunteers in the area.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia CEO Phil Harrison said the organisation welcomed the partnership.
“This program will deliver community conservation action over the next three years, enabling us to engage up to 600 people across the course of the program. Volunteers will focus on areas of the park that have been affected by serious environmental degradation, and work to improve the health of these areas. We encourage the entire community to get involved in the program. Caring for your local park, meeting likeminded neighbours and learning new skills proves to be very rewarding for our volunteers.”
NSW Ports currently works with Conservation Volunteers Australia in Wollongong on Green and Golden Bell frog pond maintenance.
Volunteers can register to participate in the Sir Joseph Banks Park Restoration Project by visiting www.conservationvolunteers.com.au or contacting Conservation Volunteers Sydney on 9331 1610.
