The Erskine community met recently in an effort to preserve their local park and safeguard it from potential fires.
The busy-bee was formed by Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup and the Department of Parks and Wildlife after the community expressed concerns about the Len Howard Conservation Park at a local meeting.
Dawseville MP Zak Kirkup said about 60 people had attended the meeting.
“A lot of residential properties back-up on this park so it is important that the fire-risk is managed,” he said.
About 20 residents showed up at the first busy-bee on Wednesday, January 17, with rakes in tow, to do their part for the park.
Erskine resident Ron Turner said he thought the community group was a necessity to maintain the “neglected” park.
“We live close to the reserve and there’s a lot of dead branches and trees and debris that are a fire risk,” he said.
“It’s a big problem because its ongoing...every year leaves, grass and branches accumulate.
“No-one seems to be taking them away. I just wonder what would happen if a fire went through the whole lot. It would take a lot of animals and take a lot of birds.”
Mr Turner said the animals in the park also needed to be considered.
“I’m also concerned about preserving the habitat for the birds and the animals,” he said.
“There’s a little patch of blue wrens down there and the ospreys have a couple of nests.”
For information on the next busy-bee contact Zak Kirkup’s office on 9534 3200.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
