Shellharbour’s local grey-headed flying-fox colonies will benefit from a $160,000 grant from the New South Wales Government’s Environmental Trust, thanks to Council’s Environment Team.
The funding will assist in the planting and long-term establishment of 30,000 new plants throughout Blackbutt Forest and Croom Reserve. The vegetation will provide a food source for the colonies and will be distanced from nearby residences to minimise noise disturbance.
Shellharbour City Council will partner with the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative to deliver the project, assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust, and in association with Local Government NSW.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said the project would reduce conflict with residents.
“The new vegetation will provide a food source away from housing and divert them from fruit trees in contentious areas,” Mayor Homer said.
“This project will also provide an opportunity to involve the community in tree planting, education events and more.”
