Our Local Landcare Groups
Landcare groups encompass Dunecare, Coastcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and any other member groups working on natural resource management (NRM). Landcare groups are well represented in the Clarence Valley and have a strong volunteer and membership base. They are dedicated to conservation using a range of approaches to managing biodiversity.
Follow us on facebook
Angourie Point Dunecare was formed by concerned residents and local surfers in 1989, and as its area of influence grew, it was renamed Angourie Community Coastcare.
ACC’s charter has the following goals:
- Reduce land degradation, primarily by controlling weeds and erosion.
- Enhance wildlife habitat by promoting species diversity.
- Incorporate recreational opportunities whilst respecting the natural and cultural heritage of Angourie.
- Recognise and respect cultural values, past, present, and more recent.
- Promote public awareness and educational opportunities.
- Respect the welfare of the group and its volunteers, and respond responsibly to the desires and concerns of local residents and visitors to the area.
- Liaise closely with Council, NPWS, the Local Land Council, and Envite, and encourage regular onsite activities with representatives thereof.
We became a member group, joining Clarence Landcare when we were involved in its formation (then Clarence Care Coordinating Committee) in 1995. The organisation was formed in order to act as a network linking all the Landcare and Dunecare groups in the mid to lower Clarence Catchment.
Brooms Head Landcare
Brooms Head Landcare was formed in 2011 after a public meeting was held by community members who were concerned about the ongoing degradation of our reserve and its surrounds.
Our group hoped to make a difference in our local environment, and we have to a small degree, after spending many years planting and weeding seen some areas flourishing. Other areas, especially within the holiday park boundary, have gone backward, and we are working towards a resolution to this situation with Clarence Valley Council which manages the park.
Working in a Landcare group has allowed our members to improve our knowledge of local indigenous plants and introduced weeds, and to deal with the impact that rampant tourism has on our delicate coastal environment. Erosion of our dune system is now at a critical point, having impacted not only the holiday park and tourists but also our village. Inundation of the dunal system has impacted our paperbark wetland, which unless action is taken immediately will be lost.
Brooms Head Landcare will continue working to achieve outcomes that are beneficial to our environment and our local community, despite our ongoing issues with the Holiday Park and Council.
Sandon Environmental Alliance (SEA) was incorporated in 2011 with the goal of protecting and improving the environment of the Sandon Village and surrounding Yuraygir National Park. SEA joined Clarence Landcare in 2013. Being part of a larger and Valley-wide enterprise brought us information, support, and knowledge along with a wide network of like-minded environmentalists.
Grafton Landcare
Grafton Landcare is a community group that was formed in August 2023 to preserve and enhance the natural environment in and around Grafton on the North Coast of NSW. Our group is supported by and operates under the guidelines of Clarence Landcare Inc.
Grafton Landcare aims to provide the opportunity for both residents of Grafton and local landholders to be involved with local environmental issues. Grafton Landcare’s key focus areas include:
- Preserve and enhance our native vegetation, especially endangered ecological communities
- Support our native fauna and work towards securing their long-term viability
- Work with local landholders to improve both farming outcomes and biodiversity
- Respect, learn from, and work with local First Nations people
Our first rehabilitation site and base of operations is at Cowans Pond Wetland Reserve. This Crown Land Reserve is located approximately 3km west of South Grafton along the Gwydir Highway. Cowans Pond is used for public recreation with activities such as birdwatching and bushwalking. As the Reserve has a diversity of local flora species it is used for environmental educational purposes by the local TAFE. Weekly working bees are held at the Reserve between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.
Contact our group coordinator via email: antvanharen@gmail.com
Yuraygir Landcare
Yuraygir Landcare is based in Minnie Water where we aim to improve the biodiversity of our little patch. Our group joined Clarence Landcare in 2018 to help sustain the environment in which we live, ensuring the survival of the unique flora of the Northern NSW’s coast and Yuraygir National Park. We aim to create a more interesting, more resilient, and fire-resistant vegetation community, free from weeds. This will also increase the diversity of fauna that utilise the bushland.
The work is always a good social occasion, not too serious and very satisfying. It doesn’t require huge levels of commitment, just when you have a few hours available. It is a great way to be out in the bush and learn about native plants, and weeds and their control. Some of our members also volunteer at the Sandon to Wooli Community Nursery based in Minnie Water.