Community planting day at Lyneham wetlands

Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, is encouraging the community to get involved in a planting day at the Lyneham wetlands this Sunday 4 December 2011.

"The Lyneham wetlands planting day is a significant opportunity to support our urban waterways with dryland native plants that will provide habitat for insects, lizards and birds," Mr Corbell said. "The wetlands will improve water quality, provide flood protection and enhance the aquatic and terrestrial habitat of Sullivans Creek."

The community will assist to plant locally occurring native grasses including Poa labillardieri, Themeda australis, Lomandra and Dianella revoluta. Plants will be protected from marauding ducks with cardboard tree guards.

"Large logs harvested from trees on-site will be placed in mulched shrub beds. These logs become home to a wide range of insects which in turn provide food for many native birds."

Mr Corbell said the nearby Dickson wetlands, planted by over 200 community members at a planting day in June 2011, were flourishing with small plants tripling in size and local residents actively maintaining and monitoring the site.

Construction started on the Lyneham wetland in September 2010 with work to be finished early in the New Year.

"Wetlands carers supported by the ACT Government play an important role in caring for the local environment. Not only do they help plant the wetlands, they participate in volunteer programs, like Waterwatch and Frogwatch," Mr Corbell said.

"I encourage the community to come along for a great day and help to support our wonderful waterways."

Participants should wear enclosed shoes and all tools will be provided with a barbeque to follow.

To register, please visit call 02 6207 5520 or email edwina.robinson@act.gov.au

More information about the Lyneham Wetland is available from www.environment.act.gov.au/water/constructed_wetlands