A new project working on Lake Sambell in Beechworth is set to re-invigorate the community to help restore and maintain the popular reserve.

Indigo Shire Council Mayor Cr Peter Graham said one of the major projects was weed removal and revegetation along the southern banks of the lake.

He said the Green Corps team would be actively involving various community groups such as the Lake Sambell Committee of Management, Beechworth Landcare, Lions and Rotary.

“Before the works began within the Lake Sambell reserve in 1999 the area was inaccessible, heavily invested with woody weeds and it was difficult for the community to take pride in the reserve,” he said.

“Now the reserve is a highly used and popular area but still requires enormous amounts of maintenance and volunteer time.

“It is hoped this project will help to re-invigorate the community’s involvement in the area and increase their pride in the reserve.”

The Lake Sambell Interpretive Trail and Community Engagement Program is supported by Indigo Shire and is a Job Futures and Greening Australia initiative.

Green Corps projects are funded by the Commonwealth Government and are managed by Job Futures and Greening Australia Victoria.

Cr Graham said this launch was a great opportunity to join the local community in welcoming the Green Corps team, to hear about the project and to offer support to the team.

He said it was great there would now be the on-ground and continual presence of the Green Corps team at the Lake Sambell Reserve.

The Green Corps team will also benefit from the project as they will acquire knowledge about the Reserve’s bird life, bush revegetation and revegetation techniques.

It will also give the participants exposure to a different working environment and strive to enhance the communication skills of the team.

The launch will be held on Wednesday May 17 at the Beechworth Town Hall, Ford St at 5pm.

For further information please contact Stephen Durie on 0428 540 943.