Cuttagee Point was an important site historically for Aboriginal people, and then from 1877 was cleared and used for agricultural purposes by European settlers. 

The area became a Crown Reserve about 1980, but, despite some natural regrowth, areas along the headland were largely overgrown with kikuyu and blackberry.

 “Council has been of great assistance, with spraying the dense kikuyu ready for us to plant,” a spokesperson for the group said.

“Council has also treated the blackberry infestations.

”We really noticed the difference when planting in areas where the kikuyu was dead compared to the first area we planted with live kikuyu.

“The dead kikuyu also provides a dense mulch to protect the small seedlings.”

The council has also assisted with watering the plants on a few occasions over the last two summers when it has been particularly dry.

Bermagui Dune Care said the former Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Far South Coast Landcare Association have also been of particular help, by providing advice, support, tools and equipment, as well as sponsoring the group for the funding.

In total, about 370 seedlings have been planted of 17 different species. 

Most have been purchased, but many have also been grown from seed or cuttings, or transplanted, with permission from NPWS and the council.

 “There are still large areas in need of more diversity, so we hope to continue planting over the next few years,” the spokesperson said.