The group received funding from the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and approval from Bega Valley Shire Council to start rehabilitating the Spenco Lagoon behind Bega Street by removing weeds, planting local native vegetation and planning a walkway around the lagoon between Gipps Street and the Bega River.

“This lagoon is a hidden treasure” Alison Rodway, Project Officer with the BRAWL Group said.

“It is a beautiful, peaceful part of Bega, which many people have never seen. The lagoon is an absolute haven for birdwatchers with 47 species of birds identified in December last year.

“A walkway between the town centre and the river will provide a welcome lunch break for people working in Bega and will be safe for pedestrians who currently can only get to the river by walking along Auckland Street or East Street.

“A walkway around part of Spenco Lagoon will provide the direct and picturesque route between the town centre and the river recommended by the Bega Town Plan.” Alison said.

Work commenced last week with major weed removal undertaken by excavators along the eastern side of the lagoon.

A Conservation Volunteers Australia team then weed matted and planted out an area with 340 wetland plants where the weeds had been removed.

They were joined by Class 5 students from Mumbulla School who helped with planting and cleaned up rubbish around the lagoon.

Further rehabilitation work will be undertaken by local volunteers with the help of a series of Conservation Volunteers Australia teams.

“We are delighted with the enthusiasm of local residents for this project and with the number of volunteers coming forward to do this exciting work,” Alison said.

For further information or to join the rehabilitation efforts, contact Alison Rodway on 6492 0518 or email alirod@acr.net.au