Imagine the Hinterland without its wonderful patchwork of forest, farms, large properties and beautiful gardens. Even worse, imagine the Glasshouse Mountains poking up from amongst a sea of houses. Imagine any of our coastal views without some forested landscape in the foreground. The natural landscape is very important to our tourist industry and many businesses depend on it.
We all do our bit towards protecting and enhancing the landscape within the boundaries of our own properties. Many residents also do their bit in public places and make a considerable contribution towards looking after our broader landscape. Barung and other community groups with a focus on natural resource management and the environment help in these endeavours by supplying plants, arranging planting events and providing expertise.
Maleny’s Boardwalk, an enhanced patch of forest at the Showground, the northern entrance to Maleny, riparian vegetation along Walker’s Creek and many other sites have benefited from the hard work and dedication of local residents. Montville locals and Barung members are presently working to make Russell Family Park behind Montville a more appealing and attractive area for residents and tourists alike to enjoy.
There is a great sense of satisfaction some years on in seeing what one has had a hand in creating grow into a place for others to enjoy. It is all part of being a community. Those of us who regularly visit the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens will be aware that the driving force behind the development of those wonderful gardens was and still is, a voluntary group of “Friends”. An excellent example of the creation of a very valuable asset to the whole of the Sunshine Coast.
It really is a great feeling to be part of enhancing the environment we enjoy and which brings the tourism which supports much of the local economy. Contact your local group, push new ideas, and join us.
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