Unitywater has partnered with Hinterland Bush Links to deliver a year-long restoration program in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, supporting volunteers in removing invasive weeds and restoring native bushland. The first session took place on a 13-hectare property in Reesville, west of Maleny, marking the launch of the initiative.
The program is delivered through Hinterland Bush Links’ volunteer-led Roving Restorers initiative and supported by Unitywater’s Healthy and Thriving Community Grants program. Over the next 12 months, nine sessions will remove weeds and plant around 900 native trees.
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Unitywater Executive Manager, Strategic Engagement, Joshua Zugajev, said the Unitywater hinterland bush restoration partnership will help strengthen habitat corridors across the region.
“Unitywater is proud to support Hinterland Bush Links’ Roving Restorers program to help regenerate bushland and restore corridors for our unique flora and fauna, which rely on bushland canopies to move around with more protection,” Zugajev said.
He said the program has a strong community focus.
“Our grant will also support Hinterland Bush Links to expand their land management and restoration engagement, as well as two educational sessions designed to empower the local community with the knowledge and tools needed to care for bushland on their properties.”
How the Unitywater hinterland bush restoration program supports ecology
Hinterland Bush Links Manager Aleisha Keating said controlling invasive species is essential to the region’s ecological health. She said reducing privet, exotic grasses and other weeds allows native species to regenerate and improves overall habitat quality.
Keating said the Sunshine Coast Hinterland supports a wide range of wildlife.
“The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is home to some amazing wildlife like wallabies, koalas, greater gliders, powerful owls, glossy black cockatoos, echidnas, carpet pythons and tree snakes,” she said.
She said the Unitywater hinterland bush restoration initiative is helping both the environment and the community.
“Unitywater’s support helps our Roving Restorers program continue making strides in bushland regeneration and has also become a great way for passionate members of our community to gather, connect and spend time being active outdoors.”
Building long-term community participation in bushland care
The grant will also support education sessions to help landholders improve their own bushland restoration efforts. The program aims to build long-term ecological literacy across the region while restoring bushland that supports healthy catchments and native fauna.
Unitywater said the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting community-led environmental projects that protect local ecosystems. More information on the Healthy and Thriving Community Grants program is available through Unitywater’s website.