Another ​National Tree Day event that OHCG contributed to was the Activate Tree Planting Great Southern 2024, Takalarup. As part of the Healthy Estuaries WA program, OHCG was able to provide expertise, resources and our new Rural Event Toolbox. This family-friendly tree-planting event features live music and is supported by a community of volunteers.They planted and placed tree guards for around 6000 local endemic species at the Knuckey's property (OHCG members) near the Kalgan River just east of the Porongurup Range. It was great to have this Activate tree planting in our catchment. Thank you to all the many people and businesses that made such a unique event possible. Well done Rhian Thomas (Wren) envisioning and coordinating such a huge endeavour. This support was provided as part of the Healthy Estuaries WA Program- a state government Royalties for Regions program that aims to improve the health of the South West estuaries.

If you'd like to express interest in revegetating some of your property next year, please submit your interest here: www.ohcg.org.au/eoi-revegetation-and-fencing- opportunity.html. If you'd be interested in helping us at a planting day sign up here: www.ohcg.org.au/planting-day-volunteer.html
 
We have many iconic and unique trees and natural locations in the Oyster Harbour Catchment area. However, our environment and trees have been impacted with approximately 70% of our native vegetation cleared. Australia’s environment was reported in the 2021 State of the Environment Report as “poor and deteriorating”. Clearing of native vegetation is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as heritage and biodiversity decline. Land clearing has been implicated in the listing of 60% of Australia’s threatened species under the EPBC Act. Clearing also leads to processes that degrade soils such as erosion, salinisation, loss of organic matter and depleted fertility.
 
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and our community have been fostering a more sustainable use of our natural resources for more than 30 years including the strategic planting of native trees to limit this detrimental impact of land clearing. We average 10-15 ha revegetated a year in partnership with local farmers and other stakeholders.
 
We recognise that significant events such as National Tree Day are a great annual opportunity to encourage individuals, families, schools, community groups, and businesses to come together and get their hands dirty for a good cause.
 
Since its inception in 1996, National Tree Day has continued to gain momentum Australia- wide inspiring thousands of Australians to participate. As a result, 27 million trees have been planted by 5 million volunteers over the last 28 years (www.treeday.planetark.org). It provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to connect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. Tree planting fosters a sense of community bringing people together to work towards a shared goal.

Media release and photos were provided by Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Project Officer, Bruce Radys. 

A new scientific monitoring boat, named “Paarndi” by the local community, was launched in Albany/ Kinjarling this morning after being voted on by more than 200 community members. Denmark local, 11-year-old Leeuwin, suggested the name, which is a Noongar word for Black Bream.   

As Leeuwin highlighted, “Paarndi stay in the estuary for their entire lives” making it the perfect name for a boat who will spend most of its life in our estuaries. 

Leeuwin was sure to include other fun facts about bream in his submission including how they can live up to 30 years, have strong teeth that can break clams and crabs and can live in fresh or salty water. 
Paarndi was one of four finalists selected by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in the naming process and Leeuwin has secured the opportunity to join scientists on a trip to monitor Oyster Harbour/Miaritch or Wilson Inlet/Nullaki/. 

The boat will be used by the department’s Healthy Estuaries WA program to track the condition of Oyster Harbour/Miaritch, Wilson Inlet/ Nullaki, and surrounding South Coast estuaries. 
 
The vessel is an upgrade from its predecessor, which is retiring after 35 years of service. 

The boat was constructed in Albany/Kinjarling, drawing on local expertise and supporting regional businesses. 

Senior Project Officer, Bruce Radys said, "We all love Oyster Harbour, but spare a thought for DWER water quality monitoring staff who have to carry out monitoring throughout the year in all kinds of conditions (It Albany - not always sunny). The new boat 'Paarndi' should make life on the harbour a little easier, helping to continue gathering essential water quality information to monitor and manage Oyster Harbour, Wilson Inlet and other South Coast water bodies. Congratulations to Leeuwin for submitting such a great name."

Insights from the estuary water quality monitoring are available on the Healthy Estuaries WA Facebook page and website estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au. Community members can also hear from scientists about the health of their local estuary at annual science forum events. 
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Healthy Estuaries WA is a State Government program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.