Collaborating on a better future for Crown Land reserves
Peel Native Flora and Fauna Reserve could soon become an even safer and more enjoyable place for community use thanks to a new project between the NSW Government and Charles Sturt University.
Crown lands is working with Charles Sturt University engineering students on potential future upgrades to improve the reserve while giving the students valuable real-world experience in design and planning.
The 170-hectare reserve, located 15km north of Bathurst, is a local gem and part of a critical network of remnant native vegetation that is supporting the survival of a number of listed threatened species.
The reserve is a drawcard for nature lovers as a home to more than 70 plant and over 84 bird species, including threatened species such as little eagles, gang gang cockatoos, speckled warblers, scarlet robins and diamond firetails who call it home.
The reserve has bush trails through areas of scribbly gums and stringy bark eucalypts and is used for community exercise and as a tourist destination enjoyed for walking, running, horse riding, mountain bike riding, bird watching, or just taking in the views.
Charles Sturt University engineering students are partnering with the volunteer board that manages the reserve to assist with the design of projects to support funding applications to improve the reserve.
These include proposed drainage works to deal with erosion issues following several years of La Nina weather, a proposed viewing platform at the highest point of the reserve, and bench seating in appropriate areas to provide rest stops for visitors while not effecting the natural landscape.
Design works begun recently with the projects expected to be completed by the end of October. The Statutory Land Manager - known as the Peel Native Flora & Fauna Reserve land Manager - consists of local Peel community members as a volunteer board appointed by the NSW Government Minister for Crown Lands.
The Peel Native Flora & Fauna Reserve land manager are appointed for the care, control and management of the Reserve and have partnered with Charles Sturt University to deliver this project.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Crown reserves help protect the environment and are for the community to enjoy so this partnership to improve a Central West gem for future generations is terrific.”
“This is a win-win that gives students the chance to get some fantastic experience early in their studies.” I look forward to seeing their project designs completed and hopefully secure future funding to boost the reserve.”
Peel Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Crown land manager secretary Deborah Munn said:
“This work from the students will be a big help as there are only four volunteers on the Crown Lands management committee who all have fulltime jobs.”
“To be able to have this type of work completed for us and for the future of the reserve is of great
assistance.”
Charles Sturt University engineering lecturer Saeed Shaeri said:
“For our students this is a real-world project that will benefit the community and tourists as well as give students the experience to work on something real so early in their careers.”
“The design work will include a few items such as a detailed design for a car parking space, a potential viewing platform at the highest point of reserve, and signage and poles to assist animals to cross the road safely.”