Published on Friday, 14 May 2021 at 12:46:08 PM
The community led rehabilitation of ‘Rum Jungle’ to remove rubbish and weeds from the area and return it to its natural state continues with the next clean-up scheduled for 23 May.
Over the past two years the community worked closely with the City to clean up the 1.6 hectare triangular strip of Crown Land, located on the west side of Chapman Road just south of Macedonia Drive, that had been heavily impacted by illegally dumping and overrun by the highly invasive African boxthorn plant.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the hard yards to rehabilitate the site were done thanks to the partnership between the community and the City.
“Since May 2019, tonnes of dumped white goods, car bodies and other rubbish have been trucked to the tip and piles of mechanically removed boxthorn plants that would fill 16, eight meter long shipping containers have been destroyed in a controlled burn on the site,” he said.
“We’ve also revegetated the area and are revisiting the site to clean-up any new rubbish that may have found its way into the site and remove any new boxthorn plants.
“We have now entered the conservation phase of the project to keep boxthorn growth in check while keeping an eye on the seedlings and keeping the area rubbish free.”
Project partner Heather Beswick said the site had been transformed since the community got involved.
“Thanks to an amazing effort by locals and the ongoing support of the City and Keep Australia Beautiful Council Rum Jungle is being returned to nature, she said.
“The small steps we have taken together as a team are making a real difference leading to positive change. Thanks for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing everyone again at the next clean up.”
The community clean-up of Rum Jungle will take place from 9am to approximately 11am on Sunday 23 May 2021. Members of the community interested in taking part should wear long sleeves and pants, bring along a hat and water bottle. To thank volunteers for their hard work refreshments will be provided.
Picture Caption: Rum Jungle rubbish bagged by community volunteers during the first clean-up of the site in May 2019.
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