Light on beautiful projects

By Lia Bichel
TWO Casey groups are sharing the spotlight for developing popular educational and environmental projects.
Cannons Creek and Moonlit Sanctuary have both earned spots as finalists in this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities Awards.
The awards recognise communities across metropolitan Melbourne that take action to protect, conserve and enhance their natural and built environments.
Cannons Creek Residents Association and Coast Action Group is a finalist for the Heritage and Culture Award Community Government Partnership Award.
The group implemented Education Reserve signs, made of waste product, at Bonny Watson Reserve and Foreshore Reserve.
The signs contain ecological information on habitats and environment, local walking tracks, flora and fauna, early history of the area, and soil characteristics.
Tracey Perrott spearheaded the project, which involved researching local history, developing a photographic record of local plant and animals, and collating ecological information.
“It’s exciting for not only me and the associations but for the community as well,” Ms Perrott said.
Ms Perrott said the project has generated a lot of interest from residents and tourists.
“A lot of people have come to the reserves and read the signs, which have a lot of interesting information,” she said.
“I think the project has also helped to develop community pride for local residents. It allows them to identify with their surroundings.”
Ms Perrott said she hoped to continue her efforts by implementing another sign and informative brochures.
Pearcedale’s Moonlit Sanctuary is a finalist for the Protection of the Environment Award.
The eco-accredited wildlife sanctuary is home to over 200 animals, including endangered species.
It has recently undergone environmental developments, implementing a fox-proof fence, a bush foods garden and planting of 10,000 indigenous plants and a two-acre wetland.
Director Michael Johnson said the staff at the sanctuary are proud to be nominated but will continue striving to implement more environmental projects.
“It’s a fantastic honour for the park to be nominated, and reflects on what we are trying to do here,” he said.
“We are always trying to do new things, but it’s all a matter of time and money.”
The winner will be announced at the KABV Sustainable Cities Awards night at Melbourne’s RACV Club tomorrow (29 May).
The winner will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Sustainable Cities Awards.