Council staff have been working in partnership with communities across the city since early 2008 as part of the Private Property Stream Restoration Pilot Projects. The aim is to involve private property owners in protecting and enhancing streams on their private land. The project is expanding with additional site in the Birkenhead-Northcote area and a focus on the Little Shoal Bay stream and Le Roys Bush reserve.
As with previous sites, council is working intensively with a couple of key targeted groups of property owners who have a stream on their private property, to help them to improve the environment where the stream flows over their private land. This involves looking at how stormwater is managed on site; removing and controlling pest plants; planting natives; controlling animal pests where necessary and generally minimising impacts on the stream and bush environment.
Already in 2010, huge amounts of weeds have been treated or cleared from the area, rubbish has been removed and the first couple of thousand native plants and trees have been planted. Council is working in partnership with the Le Roys Bush Management Committee to install a series of environmental interpretation panels in Le Roys Bush reserve to inform reserve users about key environmental features of the area.
This work will have many benefits. Natural streams are a better way of managing rain run-off. These streams also act as filters, purifying the water as it moves down towards the sea. So our work here will mean cleaner beach water at Little Shoal Bay beach, and less flooding and erosion. It will create a more natural habitat for native fish, insects and birds. And will ultimately mean a better environment for everyone to enjoy.
Council will not only be partnering with local residents, but also with the Le Roys Bush / Little Shoal Bay Management Committee who have worked tirelessly in the area over a number of years to protect and enhance the bush, stream and wetland.
This project is part of a long-term programme right across North Shore City to improve the stream and stormwater systems, which will in turn improve our environment and lifestyle. It’s the naturally smarter thing to do.
Want to know more? Email your question to lsbstream@northshorecity.govt.nz
