Water skiers will have plenty of shade to keep them sheltered from the sun at Moree Water Park by June 2020, with 7,000 trees to be planted over that time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The trees will be planted thanks to a $29,500 grant from the federal government for new revegetation projects that directly help recover threatened ecological communities or threatened species.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was in Moree on Friday to announce the funding for a partnership between the Moree Water Ski Club, Moree Plains Shire Council, Joblink Plus and the Work for the Dole program.
Moree Water Ski Club president James von Drehnen said the aim is to create a nature reserve within the 50 hectare Moree Water Park by planting thousands of native trees and shrubs over the coming years.
READ MORE: ’World-class’ park
“The idea is to create a nature reserve, interconnecting the stock routes and open grass areas,” he said.
“We’ll be using a number of endangered species of trees that are at risk. Carolyn at the Fork and Spade and John Mailler from the Bush Nursery have been great help.
“This grant gives us money for materials and maintaining the trees. It’s very exciting.”
The club has already planted 1,500 native trees, most under drip irrigation.
Mr Coulton said the club aims to focus on tree and native shrub species that will further support native birds and reptiles, particularly those attracted by the adjoining man-made lakes.
“Many people in the Electorate of Parkes are passionate about the environment and keen to help restore habitat that is threatened or supports threatened species,” he said.
“This Coalition government investment will help this fantastic project to deliver real outcomes, further securing the future of Australia’s unique landscape and its threatened native species.
“I look forward to seeing the benefits this project will bring to our local community, native species and our environment as a whole.”
Mr von Drehnen said the project is all about establishing the groundwork of the park.
With the help of Joblink Plus’ Work for the Dole program, the club has recently completed the first of 10 shelters to be built throughout the park, and are working on finishing the barbecue area.
Next on the agenda is to build Mehi Beach, as well as install a solar-powered automatic gate, pending successful grant funding.
In the next few months solar power will be installed to the roof of the shelter, which will be used to run the blending and irrigation system.
The first of the 7,000 trees will be planted next year once the irrigation system is installed and the weather is cooler.
Delivered under the third and final round of the 20 Million Trees Program, the project will help see the Coalition government deliver on its commitment to plant 20 million trees across Australia by 2020.