Community views sought on environment initiative

The Dusky Woodswallow is one of the bird species currently under threat in the Mt Lofty region.
Photo by Lynn Pedler.
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Wednesday, 8 October 2008

The University of Adelaide will hold community information days and conduct a phone survey to determine local community attitudes to its vision for a world-class environment initiative.

The project - known as the Woodland Recovery Initiative, based at Glenthorne south of Adelaide - aims to help re-establish native vegetation to 30% of the Mt Lofty region and prevent further species loss in the region.

Without significant and meaningful revegetation programs, scientists predict that climate change will take an even greater toll on species in the Mt Lofty region.

As part of the Woodland Recovery Initiative, the University aims to:

• establish a world-class environment research centre at Glenthorne;
  
• reclaim approximately 100ha of farmland at Glenthorne and reconstruct a suitable habitat that encourages the return of native species;
  
• develop educational programs so that young people are engaged in the project and see it as important to the future of their community;
  
• employ about 30 people - including scientists, technicians, teachers and managers.

To provide enough ongoing funding for the project to succeed over the next 100 years, the University estimates that it will need to establish a $100 million trust fund.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha says the University has received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Woodland Recovery Initiative from key stakeholder groups.

"Since we announced our world-class project in June, the University has been engaging with state, federal and local government bodies, as well as key community and business groups and individuals," Professor McWha says.

"There has been enormous support for the aims of our initiative, which would not only help to strengthen the University's reputation as a leader in environmental research and education but also put South Australia at the forefront of habitat recovery worldwide.

"The next phase of our community consultation is to gauge the broader community support for the initiative and discuss the ways in which our initiative can be achieved."

Detailed information about the Woodland Recovery Initiative and plans for the University's property at Glenthorne are being mailed to residents in the suburbs surrounding Glenthorne this week. A phone survey will seek local community views on the initiative and there will be two Community Information Days, giving the public the opportunity to 'drop in' and discuss the plans in more detail:

Tuesday 14 October - from 3pm to 8pm - TAFE SA O'Halloran Hill Campus, Majors Road, O'Halloran Hill

Saturday 18 October - from 10am to 3pm - TAFE SA O'Halloran Hill Campus, Majors Road, O'Halloran Hill

www.adelaide.edu.au/woodlandrecovery

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