Tlligerry Habitat Association has been named the best corporate-run tract of crown lands anywhere in the state.
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The hardworking team has previously been a finalist in the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement Awards but has gone one better with a win.
By taking out the NSW Department of Industry, Lands Crown Reserve Trust, Corporate Manager’s Award-category, the association has created an example for others to follow.
“By working hand in hand with the community, including traditional owners of the land, we’ve shown what is possible,” Tlligerry Habitat Association president Fran Corner said.
Tilligerry Habitat of Tanilba Bay manages a nine-hectare flora and fauna reserve with a range of scenic forest, and wetland environments.
Since 1993 their members and volunteers mission has been “Conservation, Rehabilitation, Education and Community”.
What really impressed judges was the association’s efforts to manage the resource through traditional means. In consultation with local Aboriginal bush teams they developed a plan to conduct a cultural burn to release seeds and rejuvenate the flora.
“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to conduct the burn just yet but we still plan to,” Ms Corner said.
“Some bad conditions in September and October meant we had to postpone it.”
The association has in the meantime been busy improving the general presentation of the area. They‘ve re-planted the area with a combination of larger plants and tube-stock. Among others, the site provides habitat for koalas, bandicoots and echidnas.
The association went close last year, when Ms Corner reflected on the tireless efforts of volunteers.