City Secures Crucial Grant for the War on Weeds
The City of Kalamunda has successfully obtained a Community Stewardship Grant from the State Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program for the removal of 13.6 Ha of Genista, a weed of national significance, from several roadside verges and nature reserves in the Kalamunda, Lesmurdie and Forrestfield areas.
The $13,213 grant will help the City cover the costs of the project including weed removal and community education.
Mayor Margaret Thomas said the City is committed to tackling invasive weeds. “Some people might think Genista looks quite pretty, unfortunately it is also highly invasive and taking over our natural bushland areas.”
“With the help of this grant we can start to address the Genista problem head on and continue to deliver on our promise to protect local biodiversity and conservation and provide community engagement and education in environmental management.”
“The grant was secured with support from the Friends of Jorgensen Park so I would also like to thank them for their part in helping to acquire this vital funding. I encourage everyone in the community to get involved with a friends group near you!”
Locals are encouraged to also remove genista on their properties. Residents can hand pull or dig out small seedlings ensuring removal of all roots.
The City’s Friends Group program assists several volunteer groups who work in partnership with the City to manage their local bushland reserve. It includes individual Friends Groups who assist the City in the maintenance of City-vested Local Natural Areas, and larger Catchment Groups that look after particular landscapes and tend to cross vestings and tenure.
This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
More Information
For more information, please contact the City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.
For more information on the State Government’s NRM Program, visit www.wa.gov.au