Tumut reserve preserves sights and sounds of nature
The Snowy Valleys town of Tumut is reconnecting with nature and promoting cultural inclusivity at the upgraded Tumut Ecology Reserve on the edge of town.
Petaurus Education Group’s Executive Officer Toni Terlich said the local community had been missing a safe, natural space to visit since the region was impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.
“The project proposal came from community consultation and we’ve involved local people in creating this project to provide a real sense of ownership and to help rebuild a sense of connection with the environment after the fires,” Mrs Terlich said.
“Spaces like this are so important to help to boost community livability and the social, physical and psychological well-being of residents.”
The reserve has been given new lease on life as a place for environmental education and cultural celebration, thanks to Petaurus and other volunteers and helping clean up the impact of littering and neglect.
The Brungle Tumut Aboriginal Land Council played a key role in regenerating the site and CEO Coral Bulgar says the site promotes both the study and preservation of native flora and fauna.
“This project will have a lasting impact on the community and the reserve and provides many opportunities for members of the community to become involved, it has really helped to instil a sense of pride in the local Aboriginal community around the reserve,” Mrs Bulgar said.
As well as providing a community space, Petauraus has hosted school field trips where students have joined with Brungle Tumut Aboriginal Land Council members in learning about seed propogation and traditional weaving skills.
The Reserve is an extra special spot for nature lovers, with a dedicated frog pond and listening seat which provides a comfortable option to enjoy a symphony of sound after rain.
It is also home to the endangered Tumut Grevillea with only around one thousand known plants left in the wild, most of which grow along a 6 kilometre stretch of the Goobarragandra River East of Tumut.
Petaurus Education received $145,120 from the NSW Government to conduct revegetation and dam enhancement works, build a yarning circle and fire pit, add seating, and to conduct a series of cultural workshops.
Tumut is a popular stopover for people visiting Kosciuszko National Park and nearby rivers, caves and snowfields, and visitors are encouraged to make a stop at the Ecology Reserve part of their trip.