Mount Gambier City Council will continue working with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation to remove pest weeds and plants after the awarding of a $50,000 Limestone Coast Landscape Board Grassroots Grant.

Council’s management plan within the Marist Park, Oaks and Rook Walk aims to maintain the existing landscape character by preserving the open landscape of the oval, managing the historic Oaks, improving links to the Sugar Loaf Precinct and improving existing conditions through the removal of pest weeds and plants.

The ongoing management of the precinct has been supported by funding for the third consecutive year of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Grassroots Grant funding, first awarded to the council in 2020/21.

Council’s Engineering Technical Officer Sinaway Georgiou said the works were essential to ensure that gains made in the removal of pest weeds and plants over the last two years were not lost by the re-germination of invasive pest species and to ensure that revegetation and native species successfully established.

“Revegetation will help suppress the regrowth and reoccurrence of pest weeds and plants and minimise erosion,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Given the historical and cultural significance of the area, the City of Mount Gambier is continuing to work with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation to assist with the planting and maintenance of the native grasses.

“The City of Mount Gambier Reconciliation Action Plan advances the involvement of First Nations people in various projects.

“This collaborative project also reaffirms the Limestone Coast Landscape Board’s commitment to enhance further the respectful and strong relationships developed across the region.”

Acknowledging the contribution of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Mr Georgiou said the Grassroots Grant enabled council to implement actions that would protect the heritage landscape values of the area.

“Council recognises that as part of the ongoing commitment to the Crater Lakes Conservation Management Plan, pest weeds and plants require ongoing maintenance and a long-term commitment, and this grant funding enables us to allocate funds to commit to the work required,” he said.

“The partnership with Limestone Coast Landscape Board on this project has set clear environmental goals and outcomes and is strengthening partnerships in the community through input from local schools and traditional landowners.”