The Narrabri Lake Advisory Committee has secured a $10,000 grant from the State Government to implement a planting plan for native trees, shrubs and grasses on the parklands surrounding the lake.
Preparations have begun and planting will commence in April when the weather conditions are suitable.
“Securing the grant to implement the planting plan is a big step in the right direction to make the Lake and the surrounding parklands a shady, pleasant environment for use by residents and visitors into the future,” said deputy mayor Cr Cathy Redding.
The NSW Department of Primary Industry has provided the funding for 20 hectares of revegetation and regeneration including establishment of approximately 1000 native trees, shrubs and native grasses. Weed control, monitoring and maintenance are also part of the project.
“The Narrabri Lake Advisory Committee has worked solidly over the past four years to develop a Plan of Management over the Lake identifying future development and improvements,” Cr Redding said.
“That planning is now realising results with a number of projects receiving grant funding and gaining momentum including the Exercise Stations to be installed by the Narrabri Rotary Club, the Skate Park project being championed by the Narrabri West Development Committee Inc., and various projects being driven by Council’s Lake Advisory Committee.”
Council has qualified horticulturalists on its Parks and Gardens staff who are looking forward to the opportunity to use their skills and experience.
Steffi Lilliebridge, and her son Tom, are also excited about improvements planned for the lake, as they visit the spot regularly for exercise and leisure.
“Narrabri has this beautiful asset so why not make it more people friendly, I’ll definitely be visiting the lake more once the improvements have been made,” she said.
“It’s great that the Rotary Club is putting in the exercise stations, I know a lot of people are keen to see that happen.
“It’ll all come together once the lake is full again, it seems to have really dried up quickly in the last week, so hopefully there is some rain on the way.”
And residents who are interested in volunteering to help with planting during April 2015 are encouraged to contact the council.