Everyone benefits from the Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads revegetation project

There were many helping hands and subsequent pats on backs after seeing the results of a recent collaboration between Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads, Shoalhaven council and the local community to rejuvenate the Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads coastal area with native revegetation. As part of the Stormwater Management works, the revitalisation of the sand dune area also incorporated fixing the towns stormwater headwalls, upgrading the stormwater runoff into the swale and installing rock scour protection to minimise erosion and sediment running into the Shoalhaven River .

The project has been a great success with the area looking lush and healthy – ready for the upcoming school holidays.

This amazing revegetation project was accomplished by a professional group of workers and volunteers, including Noel Schnider of the Shoalhaven Bushcare group and Peter Swanson from the Shoalhaven Council Natural Areas team, who removed invasive plants of the area such as lantana, stinking roger and tobacco bush.

Once stripped of these intrusive plants, Jervis Bay Landscaping, with Troy Pryor at the helm, set to work, meticulously planning the logistics of the planting task and taking great pride in working to ensure the survival of the plants for many years to come.

The majority of the planting was donated by Council with Kerry Thompson from the Council’s Natural Areas team generously playing a big part in this and was also on hand to offer her great insight and advice to the project. The rest of the plants were purchased through the local native nursery – Wirin Wirra Nursery. Over 100 plants were planted throughout the sand dune bank area. The natives used were Bangalay, Coast Banksia, Lilly Pilly, Swamp Oak, Weeping Grass, and Kangaroo Grass hardy plants which ensure the sustainable longevity of this coastal sand dune area.

Not only does the area look fantastic, appealing to locals and visitors alike, but it also contributes to a healthy local ecosystem and protects the native wildlife.

Holiday Haven’s Works and Projects Officer Connor Burke and his manager Darrell Merange were instrumental in bringing this project together. The team was grateful to also have help from Beau Seaton, Park Manager at Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads and his employee Dale Macey who were a big asset in helping with the logistics of all the materials and supplies and assisting with the tree planting.

Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads is ready to welcome you to enjoy this beautiful space.