The Essential Energy footprint has established deeper grassroots in the community with funding to eight Landcare groups throughout NSW.

The funding has helped Landcare groups plant trees and shrubs that connect wildlife corridors and encourage biodiversity, along with weed eradication programs and workshops across the state.

In October, Murrumbidgee Landcare in the southern region planted more than 100 trees, while the Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare on the Mid-North Coast held a walk-and-talk day through the local Riparian ecosystem. The Manning Landcare group near Taree conducted activities for its junior land carers.

From left to right: Alex Thompson, Felicity Chittick, Alex Elgayar, Jack Mclaig and Annika Colenso ready to plant native trees near Wagga Wagga.

Murrumbidgee Landcare coordinator Annika Colenso said they connected with community organisations such as Boys to the Bush to plant a variety of native trees such as Grey Box, Yellow Box, Kurrajong and White Cypress Pine.

“We were able to help re-establish local biodiversity at a site known as Brushwood,” Annika said. “We also added to the native vegetation along a bike trail that runs from Coolamon to Ganmain where we’ve helped connect a wildlife corridor, north-west of Wagga Wagga.”

Annika said the planting session has finished for the year, while another is planned for next year with the remaining funds. Using their new revegetation guide, Landcare groups and future Essential Energy projects in the Riverina can select the right plants for their areas, ensuring support for native wildlife.

The funding is part of Essential Energy’s commitment to preserve the natural environment in regional communities. 

Acting Community Relations Manager Southern Karen Murphy said tree and vegetation management is also required to maintain a safe and reliable network.

Murrumbidgee Landcare members planting at Brushwood near Wagga Wagga.

“We’ve been working with industry leaders and the University of Melbourne to proactively update our bushfire risk modelling to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep the community safe,” Karen said.

“The updated modelling has highlighted some areas where there has been a change to bushfire risk, and we’re updating our vegetation management processes as a result.

“In some areas, we will need to remove more vegetation than we have before. We’re doing this to reduce the risk of bushfires and to protect the community and the environment where bushfire risk is high.

“Managing the vegetation that’s growing close to powerlines plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable power and community safety.”

Read more about Essential Energy’s vegetation management.