Community input sought for Don Reserve

Devonport City Council is seeking community input on management priorities of the ecologically significant Don Reserve.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said Council developed a management plan for the reserve in 2015, which is due for review.

Cr Rockliff said during the past six years there have been several infrastructure improvements to support community recreation activities, plus a huge effort by volunteers such as the Friends of Don Reserve to improve biodiversity health.

“As one of two major bushland reserves in Devonport, Council is focussed on conserving the Don Reserve, which is home to more than 200 known flora and fauna species, including 75 bird and 23 mammal species,” Cr Rockliff said.

“Threatened vegetation communities and animal species listed under Tasmanian and Federal legislation include Eucalyptus ovata forest (Black gum), Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Central North Burrowing Crayfish, and the Swift Parrot.

“The Friends of Don Reserve work every fortnight in the reserve, with the assistance of Council, planting trees, collecting litter and other activities aimed at minimising human impact on biodiversity health. They are largely the eyes and ears of Council.”

The Friends of Don Reserve volunteer Anne, Lucadou-Wells said the main ongoing issues occurring in the reserve include littering, formation of illegal walking and bike tracks, removal or degradation of native plants and the impact of irresponsible dog ownership.

“The reserve supports a range of ecosystem services and is used regularly and often by locals and visitors for a range of activities from exercising to photography to geocaching and educational purposes,” Ms Lucadou-Wells said.

“Devonport is fortunate to have this riparian remnant right on their doorstep.  Protection of biodiversity should be given the highest priority.”

Fellow volunteer with the Friends of Don Reserve June Hilder, wants the reserve to be treasured by the local community for its important natural values.

“I encourage reserve visitors and interested community members to complete our short three-minute survey to help Council plan for the best way to conserve the Reserve’s biodiversity while addressing the practical day-to-day needs and impacts of visitors,” Ms Hilder said.

The Don Reserve community survey closes at 5pm on Monday, 17 January 2022 and can be completed online through Speak Up Devonport ^[1] via Council’s website.
A hard copy is also available at Council reception or by contacting Council at [email protected] ^[2] or calling 03 6424 0511.

Photo: Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff (far left) with Friends of the Don Reserve members June Hilder and Tony Lucadou-Wells, and Devonport City Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Phil Hrstich.

ENDS