Corporate volunteers help to protect coast

19 August 2009

ONE HUNDRED native seedlings have been planted in the Slade Point Reserve through a partnership between Reef Catchments, ANZ and Mackay Regional Council.

Staff from various ANZ branches in Mackay, together with Reef Catchments andMackay Regional Council staff, attended Slade Point Reserve on Tuesday 18 August to plant the seedlings.

Reef Catchments Coastal Coordinator Kerri Woodcock said the work is contributing to the Mackay Coast Project, a partnership between Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council, through funding from the Australian Governments Caring for our Country, State Government, and Mackay Regional Councils Natural Environment Levy.

The Mackay Coast Project is all about working collaboratively with community groups, Council, government agencies, and corporate organisations to protect our coastal environment.

 Were working together to develop and implement local coastal management plans which will see the regions coastal assets protected and maintained into the future.

Providing opportunities for community volunteers to be actively involved in the management of our beaches is a critical part of this process, Ms Woodcock said.

The native seedlings that were planted will provide habitat for wildlife, and play a role in preventing coastline erosion.

ANZ Central Queensland District Manager Warrick Jackson was proud of his teams effort and contribution to the regions coastal environment.

The ANZ corporate volunteer program is a great way for the company to support our local community, and to build morale and teamwork within our staff,he said.

Its important to do what we can to contribute to the environment in our local area, and to have fun doing it.

ANZ staff will return to the Reserve on a regular basis to carry out further tree planting and weed control activities.