Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Thursday I had the privilege of launching the Morning Bay bush regeneration project in my electorate of Mackellar. Funded by the federal government under its $1 billion National Landcare Program, this project in my electorate is a continuation of eight years of progressive work on bush regeneration on Pittwater's lower western shore. The project involves the removal of noxious weeds, particularly asparagus fern, which acts as a mat and prevents the sunshine coming through. It affects, particularly, the spotted gums which grow on that part of the western shore.

Participants in the program will have the unique opportunity of staying overnight at the Pittwater youth hostel, which overlooks the beautiful bay. Experience has shown that those who stay overnight become better involved in bushcare and in understanding the land management questions that are at hand. This program will bring a diversity of people who are participants to be a part of the bushcare program. It is very important to expose more and more people to the need for bushcare and regeneration, so that we can save the pristine surrounds of our beautiful Pittwater. I would like to congratulate Mr Michael Doherty, manager of Pittwater youth hostel, Pittwater Council and the Greater Sydney Local Land Services on making these projects become a reality. We received $38,000 for the projects.