Bombo Outlook Landcare

Site Description

Residents of Minnamurra St, Kiama had approached council about the state of an area of land adjacent to their properties over a number of years. The area of land was overgrown with weeds and was a nesting site for rats and other vermin. In response to local agitation, the council would remove the weeds through the use of heavy machinery, but no revegetation was suggested by council or residents. This of course would further promote the growth of weeds.

After this cycle had repeated itself numerous times the then Mayor suggested that the residents form a Landcare group. The residents did this and nine years ago formed the Bombo Outlook Landcare Group.

The formation of a Landcare group was an important step in beautifying an originally ugly area. In conjunction with Kiama Council, Landcare and Coastcare grants, the group were able to use funding and generous council support to increase the biodiversity of a local council area. The Landcare group cleaned up the area and planted native trees, shrubs and grasses. The council also helped by regularly supplying the plants and mulch, by building an access track and by removing the piles of green rubbish.

By forming a Landcare group, the residents were able to have more input into the council's management of the land. Instead of the ground being sporadically left exposed and barren through slashing, the council respected the efforts of Bombo Outlook Landcare and adjusted their maintenance accordingly. In fact, this year the council have altered the drainage of a storm water drain. This was an expensive exercise that was needed because during times of high rainfall the runoff would wash away plants and soil that eventually drained into Spring Creek and then into Bombo beach.

To date, Bombo Outlook Landcare has improved about 75% of the area that they work on. The results have been amazing. The rats have gone and the birds have come back. The area is now a beautiful place to spend sometime in and Bower Birds and many other native species have been spotted amongst the established native plants. Due to the fact that a nearby road has presented dangers to pedestrians from falling rocks, council have constructed a walkway that guides pedestrians through the Bombo Outlook regeneration area and then into the centre of town.

Initially, Bombo Outlook Landcare was a group of concerned residents but that quickly changed into being a group of close friends and neighbours. The residents spend time at one another's houses and their children have assisted in promoting a sustainable environment.   

Meeting Times 

Bombo Outlook Landcare holds a couple of working bees a year. The members get a great deal of personal satisfaction in seeing the results of their labours and will continue to work at the site. They have created a beautiful area that anyone can enjoy.

 

 

 

 

To view Google aerial map of site click here.