Lake Macquarie has a strong reputation as a city that cares for and works hard to preserve its environment, something due in no small measure to the enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers in our community.
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Since 2008, council has worked in partnership with local Landcare groups to manage hundreds of environmentally sensitive sites around the city. There are more than 200 Landcare groups in Lake Macquarie who maintain and restore the natural environment through planting, weeding, rubbish clearing and many other activities. Last year, Landcare volunteers collectively devoted nearly 19,000 hours to the substantial task of caring for our environment, weeding about 15 hectares of land across the city and establishing nearly 12,000 new plants. Our Landcare groups are supported by the Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Centre, at Teralba, which provides plants, mulch and tools but is also a base for training, access to information and other important services such as assistance with grant applications.
Council has been undertaking an upgrade of the Landcare Resource Centre, and I will have the pleasure of opening the first stage, a new and improved nursery, on Saturday. It will also be a great opportunity to meet and thank some of the many volunteers who provide such and invaluable service to our city. If you would like to get involved with Landcare, or find out more about our Lake Macquarie groups and projects, visit: lakemacquarielandcare.org.
Toronto transformation
It is wonderful to see the Toronto main street looking so good as work on Stage 6 of the eight-stage Toronto Streetscape Master Plan draws to a close. Stage 6 of the $4.1 million project involved the beautification and upgrading of pedestrian and outdoor eating facilities along the lower part of The Boulevarde, which with its proximity and views to the lake is a popular spot for dining and relaxation. Locals and visitors are now enjoying the benefits of new footpaths, stairs and kerbing, decked dining areas, new street furniture, improved lighting and landscaping and better street accessibility. Work began on Monday on the final two stages of the upgrade, concentrated at the top end of The Boulevarde nearest to the Cary Street intersection, and the transformative project is expected to be completed by April.
- PHOTO: Cr Kay Fraser and Landcare volunteer Don Roach.
