Western Sydney Airport is calling for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help breathe new life into bushland areas across Penrith.
Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Millett said the project has partnered with Conservation Volunteers Australia and Penrith City Council to identify and protect key areas in need of environmental rehabilitation and conservation across the region.
“These are bushland areas in our local community that are home to many native plants and animals, that have been taken over by invasive weeds and we’re encouraging members of the community to join us in rolling up our sleeves to restore them,” Mr Millett said.
“We’re partnering with Conservation Volunteers Australia to restore these significant wildlife areas of Wallacia and we look forward to working side by side with our local community volunteers and our employees to help conserve these important ecological communities.
“We are building an airport for Western Sydney’s future and a big part of that is being a good neighbour, understanding the local impacts and giving back to our local community and importantly our environment in a really positive way.
“There are regulations around the environmental standards we must meet as we design and build the Airport, but we are always looking for opportunities to go further to ensure the Airport represents a commitment to future generations.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia Sydney Regional Coordinator David Jones said the partnership with Western Sydney Airport was an exciting opportunity to improve the health of the local community and environment.
“Western Sydney contains multiple Threatened Ecological Communities that are in desperate need of restoration, mainly due to the spread of invasive weeds and centuries of urbanisation, which has reduced habitat connectivity and put pressure on threatened species,” Mr Jones said.
“This partnership will provide a valuable opportunity to engage locals in the ecological and social values of the Cumberland Plains and help in its long-term restoration and protection.”
Volunteers are needed for two upcoming projects at Crossman Reserve, Wallacia, on November 29 and Fowler Reserve, Wallacia, on December 11, from 9am to 2pm. All tools, equipment and training will be provided as well as lunch. Register your interest at cvagreatersydney.eventbrite.com
