Rehabilitation work at Hepburn Heights to start soon

10/8/93

Perimeter fencing and rehabilitation work will begin early next week on the 21-hectare conservation area set aside for preservation under the Hepburn Heights Structure Plan.

The work will be completed under the supervision of a management committee established by Lands Minister George Cash to develop a blueprint to protect the area's native flora and fauna.

Mr Cash said that under the management plan, which had now been finalised:

·         the reserve would be given 'A' Class status for conservation and vested in an appropriate authority;

·         perimeter fencing to the reserve would be installed as a priority, using treated pine logs and chain mesh;

·         a revegetation program would be undertaken in degraded areas, including eradication of weeds and fungal diseases;

·         firebreaks and access tracks would be established;

·         rubbish and car bodies would be removed from the site;

·         signs would be erected at entrances to the reserve and at sites of special interest; and - 

·         rubbish bins would be provided at each perimeter access point.

"LandCorp has agreed to contribute $82,000 towards these works," Mr Cash said.

"The need for perimeter fencing is very urgent and a fencing contractor has been appointed to undertake this task, at a cost of approximately $30,000.

"The balance of LandCorp's funds will be used for the construction of walk trails, signs, provision of rubbish bins, weed removal and planting native species in degraded areas."

Mr Cash said community involvement in the project would ensure the area's preservation.

He said the Friends of Hepburn and Pinnaroo Bushlands had endorsed the management plan and agreed to be involved in maintenance of the reserve.

"Community support for the continuing maintenance of the area is needed to ensure it is protected, as well as to help reduce the cost to the responsible authority," Mr Cash said.

The Friends of Hepburn and Pinnaroo Bushlands group is organising a Community Clean-Up Day for the reserve area.  People wanting to be involved in the clean-up should telephone Sarah Gilfillan-Gray on 448 9270 or 401 3612.

Media contact: Narelle Cant 222 9595