A community land care group that cares for and revegetates the beautiful Bungala River
Background
The Friends of Bungala River Group was created following a working Group established between the District Council of Yankalilla (DCY), Fleurieu Landscape & Environment Centre (FLEC) and the Yankalilla Residents Association (YDRA).
History of Bungala
In 2010 a Bungala River Estuary Action Plan was developed, and, in that report, it identified several major threats to the river and its surrounds, including:
- Poor water quality
- Sedimentation and erosion
- Estuary entrance and artificial river mouth opening
- Agriculture and rural development
- Pest plants and animals
- Urban development
- Climate change
As the Bungala Park in Normanville is owned by the District Council of Yankalilla, in 2022 the community came together to form a FRIENDS action group to rehabilitate the riparian zones located within the park.
Aims of the Group
The original Group aimed to bring together information regarding improving the condition of the Bungala River and the riparian areas. The group found many past reports detailing the problems and possible remedies to improve the river and set about using existing information to create a detailed Vision Statement and action plan.
In June 2022, an open meeting was called and from there, Friends of Bungala River was formed. The Group is still closely associated with DCY, YDRA & FLEC.
Vision of the Group:
To create community-driven environmental management of the Bungala River and Salt Creek with ongoing maintenance and planning of the area to create a visually appealing and functional area for the community to enjoy.
This will be achieved by:
- undertake plantings of native trees
- and ongoing maintenance to ensure the best possible outcomes from these plantings.
- removal of feral and invasive species.
- Promote native biodiversity.
- removal of litter.
- assist Council in planning the overall park area to best suit resident’s needs.
- create a community connection within the area.
- involve families in the restoration of a natural area through education about biodiversity.
Community Nursery
Our group works closely with the Fleurieu Coastal Community Nursery to obtain the native plants that are locally sourced, ensuring plant species that grow best in this area and support the existing ecologies.
Working Bees
Friends of Bungala River hold regular working bees on the third Friday or Saturday of each month (alternating). Everyone is welcome.
Email us at fobr@flec.com.au for more information or go to the Fleurieu Environment Centre office in Normanville.
We provide equipment, training, refreshments, and a warm welcome !
Keep an eye on our Facebook Group to see what is planned.
See our latest report and Action Plans YDRA Presentation
