Volunteers Sought to Help Green Murray

In support of World Environment Day, volunteers are being sought to help plant 5,000 seedlings along the banks of the Murray River in Pinjarra, as part of a wider initiative to improve the local waterway and amenity.

Dr Christine Allen, from Greening Australia, and Tom Lerner, from the Shire of Murray, prepare for the Pinjarra Planting in the Park on 15 June.

Families are urged to get involved in the Planting in the Park community event, in Cantwell Park on Saturday 15 June.

The planting day has been made possible through funding from the Alcoa Foundation and Shire of Murray. It is part of Alcoa’s Three Rivers partnership with Greening Australia, which aims to improve the health of the Murray, Serpentine and Harvey rivers.

A free sausage sizzle with a vegetarian option and a bag of native seeds will be given to each family who takes part. A coffee van will also be on site to keep spirits high.

Environment and community information and activities will also be available including a chance to meet Black Cockatoos, learn more about the benefits of planting flora for native birds, and what’s involved with worm farms.

The planting day will be held between 9:00am and 12:30pm. The nearest available parking areas are the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre car park on Camp Road and the Cantwell Park Playground parking area off George Street.

Shire of Murray President Cr. David Bolt encourages community members to ready their green thumbs and support this worthy initiative.

“A community priority and focus area for Murray especially over the next ten years is the protection and enhancement of our environment and it is through collaboration with the community and other stakeholders that we will be most effective in the achievement of this feat,” Cr Bolt said.

“The Three Rivers funding from Alcoa Foundation will go a long way to ensure that this popular park is managed for the future. By planting along the Murray River, we can create habitat and slow erosion of the banks,” Dr. Christine Allen, Greening Australia Senior Project Officer said.

Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said the timing of the event made it a great way to recognise World Environment Day, which will be celebrated three days earlier on 5 June.

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Contact:

Shire of Murray Communications and Marketing Officer Katherine Stevens: (08) 9531 7638; cmo1@murray.wa.gov.au