Lynn’s Lines
We heard a great talk last Thursday night by Jillian Keating on the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project (WILSP) –see report below. It was a real eye opener as I had no idea there was so much and so many involved. I think everyone enjoyed hearing all about it and there were lots of questions. Also it was great to be back in the Seahorse Room after the kitchen work was completed.
Please note the new time for our Board meeting this coming Friday the 4th of 5.15pm.
THIS WEEK
Thursday 3rd: No Meeting being the first Thursday of the month
Friday 4th: Board Meeting at 5.15pm (please note later time)
The Week that Was
Wagonga Inlet project explained
Our guest speaker last Thursday was Jillian Keating, the Dept of Primary Industries Fisheries Manager for Threatened Species & Oyster Reef Restoration. She gave us an overview of the fascinating Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline Project which we have watched developing over the last 12 months.
She said the project will transform and restore a section of the Wagonga Inlet shoreline between the Narooma Swimming Centre and Ken Rose Park. The aim is to showcase how nature-based solutions can protect foreshores from erosion and build habitat resilience as opposed to the usual concrete and rock sea walls.
The first phase was the restoration of a native flat oyster reef in the inlet and the first intertidal oyster reef in NSW. They have since been hand seeded with two million young Angasi oysters while wild Sydney oyster spat will settle over time. The oysters will enhance water quality while the reefs provide habitat for marine life and enhance biodiversity. Currently underway is the latest phase involving the removal of a degraded sea wall and the restoration of saltmarsh habitat along 400m of the shoreline.
Jillian explained the project is a collaborative effort between NSW Dept of Primary Industries, Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Nature Conservancy Australia, and the Australian Government through the Reef Builder Initiative and Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council. She said the Project will be closely monitored over coming years, noting it is occurring in a ‘contemporary environment’ compared with pre-settlement.
Jillian said it was great to get so much positive feedback from our members which she has since passed onto the rest of the team. She said if anyone was interested in being involved as a community volunteer, please contact James Caffery at Council (4474 1310).
Chamber president praises Rotary
At Narooma Chamber of Commerce’s recent AGM, outgoing President Dr Jenny Munro thanked Narooma Rotarians for their support of local businesses through the monthly Business Networking Breakfasts with “impressive speakers”. She also mentioned our monthly markets and the Duck Race as special community events.
Out and About
From Moruya Rotary
We are still waiting to hear from Moruya Rotary about when they would like to host our great Cinders Trivia Challenge. Meanwhile they are practising… their bulletin editor reports he ran a short quiz which was well received except for some argument on the age of horses. Maybe we should also go into training…
Our Tertiary Scholars
Apologies for not including something about our Tertiary Scholars in last week’s Beacon. All three Scholars completed this year’s first semester with very pleasing results.
Special mention of Raichel Brodie’s recent success. In addition to our Rotary Tertiary Scholarship, Raichel was also awarded the 2022 London Alumni Scholarship valued at $8,000 p.a. for up to five years to assist with educational and living expenses. This scholarship was established by ANU alumni living in the UK and supports students experiencing financial hardship in completing their undergraduate degree at ANU. Raichel is pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). Congratulations Raichel!
Congratulations to Narooma Golf Club
Narooma Golf Course has been ranked by Golf Australia magazine as NSW’s number one public-access course in recognition of its breathtaking scenery and excellent sport. Golf Australia editor Brendan James says, “It’s a badge of honour now to say you’ve played this great course”. Well done Dominique and team!
NEXT THURSDAY 10th August
Club Assembly 6 for 6.30 at the Golf Club. See you then.