Adelaide seniors and unemployed volunteers tackling toxic weeds at Taperoo beach
A volunteer group who protect the sands at Taperoo from ‘smothering’ weeds is set to represent SA at the National Landcare awards.
Celebrating Coastcare Week (Dec 2 – 8), Taperoo Dunes Group have been working for four years between Strathfield and Wandana Terrace weeding, planting native plants, collecting rubbish, and documenting birds, native plants and animals.
Winning the Virgin Coastcare Award at the recent SA Landcare Awards, the group – ranging from 40-80 years-old – focus their efforts on tackling the destructive Euphorbia and Coastal Galenia weeds.
‘Both are incredible destructive,’ said group spokesperson Melanie Little. ‘They take over and smother the entire dunes and towards the beach if we let them. They basically had taken over until we stepped in four years ago and made a big difference.’
Tackling a large patch of Coastal Galenia and treating it with weedkill
Members meet at the site religiously, every Monday at 9am. And while largely senior members involved, those looking for work also participate while seeking employment. ‘They don’t stay long but it gives them something to be a part of while looking for work.’
Running December 2 – 8, Coastcare Week celebrates community volunteer groups made up of everyday Australians who care passionately about the protection and management of our coastal and marine environments.
And marking Coastcare Week, Taperoo Dunes Group is the perfect representation of the Coastcare spirit. ‘For us, every week is Coastcare Week,’ Melanie said.
The Weed Warriors with Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan
Thousands of volunteers from across the country form more than 500 Coastcare groups and, alongside their Landcare peers, put into action long-term, practical solutions in their local areas to look after and improve our natural resources. And Landcare Australia supports, promotes and raises funds for the Coastcare group movement across Australia.
Meanwhile Taperoo Dunes Group will go on to represent SA at the National Landcare Awards next year. Proud award sponsors Virgin Australia commended the group on their outstanding accomplishments.
‘Virgin Australia is proud to celebrate the important work of community groups across Australia that protect and preserve our marine environments,’ said Andrew Sellick, Virgin Australia General Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility.
‘Taperoo Dunes Group has significantly contributed to the protection of biodiversity of Adelaide’s LeFevre Peninsula. Through their tireless work, they have helped safeguard a significant coastal environment and we’re incredibly proud to help shine a light on their important efforts.’
