Volunteers of a Bushcare group in the Shoalhaven have turned their hands to helping injured and orphaned wombats through a unique recycling program.
The Basin Walking Track Bushcare group have started bagging bundles of the bushland weed, known as buffalo grass, from the banks of St Georges Basin before delivering it to the Mudgeroo Animal Refuge and Emu Farm.
The facility at Falls Creek is licensed under Wildlife Rescue South Coast to rescue, rehabilitate and release native animals, and specialises in the care of wombats.
The native marsupials eat lots of grass and love the buffalo grass. The donations from the Bushcare volunteers are helping to feed the many wombats at the refuge.
"Our local volunteers should be proud of the work they're doing, not only in the bush, but now to support the rescue and rehabilitation of our wildlife," said Manager Environmental Services, Dr Michael Roberts.
"It is highly important in the case of wombat rescues, as this species was called the Common wombat up to 2022 and is now known as the Bare-nosed wombat. This is an indication that they are not so common, as their wider population has become fragmentated, they are prone to sarcoptic mange and are often observed as roadkill fatalities.
"It's a wonderful initiative that is having an important and sustainable impact on our local environment and across our community. The relationship these volunteers have fostered also highlights the social benefits of joining groups like Bushcare," he said.
Mudgeroo refuge owner and wildlife carer, Belinda Donovan, said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community.
"We are so grateful for the support of the Bushcare volunteers and appreciate them taking the time to collect and supply us with these bags of grass," Ms Donovan said.
"Our refuge, which is run entirely by volunteers, is currently facing major challenges and this help from the community is crucial in allowing our facility to continue operating," she said.
Buffalo grass is common across the city and all local Bushcare groups are now being encouraged to take part in the innovative initiative.
To join an existing local Bushcare group and to learn about Bushcare activities visit Council's Bushcare page or sign up to receive our 'Bushcare Links' e-newsletter.
