Students get involved in dune project

More than 80 students from three schools in Rockingham got their hands dirty last week for World Environment Day, revegetating sand dunes along Rockingham beach.

The students from Gilmore College Clontarf Foundation, Baldivis Primary School and Bungaree Primary School spent three hours planting 1200 plants native to the foreshore dunes.

City of Rockingham bushland maintainer Nathan Leslie said five coastal planting days had been held in autumn and winter.

Mr Leslie said the cooler seasons provided optimum soil conditions and good rainfall to give the plants the best chance of survival.

“We installed seedlings of berry saltbush, coast saltbush, coastal wattle and coastal grasses,” he said.

“We have had some good successes over the years with plants installed north of Governor Road Reserve and adjacent to the CBH grain terminal becoming more established.

“Dune revegetation helps combat the effects of some of the more severe weather and high storm tides, which can wash away the sand dunes. The plants help to stabilise the dunes.”

Mr Leslie said the planting days were a good opportunity to educate the next generation about the environment and the importance of coastal dune systems.

Deputy mayor Deb Hamblin congratulated the students who participated in the event.

She said students from Kolbe Catholic College would help plant trees this week.

“Their planting efforts will help to reduce coastal erosion,” Cr Hamblin said.

If your school would like to be involved in a planting day, phone the City on 9528 8508.