Phone 4342 2070 Fax 4342 2071

2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Resident assistance wanted

 

Gosford Council's bushcare officer Mr Geoff Bakewell has written to residents adjacent to the Hillview St Reserve in Woy Woy seeking their assistance following a recent spate of tree cutting in the reserve.

"It has come to the attention of Council that there have been a significant number of small trees cut down or damaged in Hillview St Reserve.

"This is of concern to both Council and many local residents who frequent the reserve for recreational purposes, or to enjoy this natural area.

"The removal of or damage to young trees in a bushland area poses several problems. "Firstly, the removal of so many young trees results in fewer trees maturing and, in time, replacing the older trees as they die.

"Secondly, the removal of trees reduces the amount of food and structures available to native animals that either live in or visit the reserve.

"If you know of any person damaging plants in this reserve, please inform them of the concerns held by both Council and the community.

"Council, with the assistance of the newly formed Bushcare group, is currently taking several steps to reduce the use of Hillview St Reserve as a dumping site for cars and rubbish, and to remove weeds and maintain the native vegetation.

"Your assistance in these efforts would be greatly appreciated.

"To assist the Bushcare Group and Council to maintain the site please dispose of any garden waste or rubbish responsibly and report any dumping, damage to native plants or illegal activity to the Council rangers."

Council rangers may be contacted by telephone on 4325 8439 and after hours on 1800 680 022.

For more information about the Bushcare group, contact Geoff Bakewell on 4325 8169 Monday to Friday.

Letter, April 4