A four-year weed control project was launched with a working bee in the Melaleuca Wetlands.
Healthy Land and Water, Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare and Redland City Council will be working together on the Protecting Threatened Species and Restoring Ramsar values project, as part of the Healthy Land and Water Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland Project.
The Coochiemudlo Island Project will employ innovative chemical-free weeding techniques including saturated steam and hand removal methods to remove a range of weeds from the wetlands. This will prevent them from leaching through the soils of the island and into the groundwater and Moreton Bay.
Healthy Land and Water chief executive Julie McLellan said: "Wetlands played an important role in providing habitat, protecting our shores from erosion, absorbing pollutants and improving water quality."
Deputy mayor Lance Hewlett said he was thrilled that the project was not using "potentially toxic, harmful chemicals".
Member of Parliament for Redland Kim Richards added, "it is encouraging to see how dedicated volunteers are in their efforts to protect the wetlands. The partnerships forged by Coastcare, Healthy Land and Water, and all levels of government will ensure we work together to protect and preserve the unique coastal environments of Coochiemudlo Island."
If you would like to help Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare rehabilitate the island's coastal environment and wetlands, contact Coastcare on coochiecoastcare@gmail.com.
