Burnie residents caring for their creeks

11 November 2024 | A group of enthusiastic Burnie residents and stakeholders showed up at a recent Caring for Creeks workshop, demonstrating their passion for protecting our urban waterways and restoring riparian areas.

The workshop kicked off with presentations from local experts Phil Hrstich, Tania Imlach, Claire Jinnette and Fiona Marshall, who shared their knowledge and inspired everyone to be more involved with caring for our unique urban waterways. Landcare Tasmania project manager Anna Minchin spoke about how to get involved with Landcare, the benefits of community working together and how to join your local group. 

SPEAKERS 

Phil Hrstich – Burnie City Council NRM Officer

  • Phil talked about projects happening along the various creeks in Burnie and how community members can get involved. 

Tania Imlach - Alexander Creek Landcare

  • Tania spends a lot of time in and around Burnie's creeks. She shared with us her work with Alexander Creek Landcare as well as her contract work tackling weeds in Burnie's riparian areas. 

Fiona Marshall - Riparian Expert

  • Now retired, Fiona was Cradle Coast NRM's Biodiversity Program Manager. Fiona has extensive on-ground experience in soil erosion, river management, river erosion works, property planning, and community engagement. Fiona spoke about maintaining healthy riparian areas to support the unique creatures that live in our creeks.

Claire Jinnette - Cradle Coast NRM Community Engagement Officer

  • Claire explained how Cradle Coast NRM operates in the North West and the types of projects they undertake, including sustainable agriculture initiatives, water and biodiversity projects, community engagement projects and funding rounds targeting specific issues, such as weeds and invasive species.

Fiona Marshall speaking with workshop participants about her experience in managing riparian areas. Photo: Landcare Tasmania.

To complete the day, the group headed outside to the sunshine to learn more about local riparian projects along Shorewell Creek.


  

This workshop is part of Landcare Tasmania's Landscape Restoration and Community Outreach programs, and is funded by the State Government's Landcare Action Grants Round 7 and Burnie City Council, with support from NRM Cradle Coast Authority.