The council has teamed up with the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) to start a tree-planting exercise on a Barden Ridge property owned by Sutherland Council. The project has already seen 300 native trees planted across the site, as well as a further 100 native grass and shrub plantings provided by the council.
Mayor of Sutherland Shire Carmelo Pesce said the idea for Operation Marsupial came about after a chance meeting between WIRES volunteers and council staff, while the volunteers were collecting tree cuttings used to feed wildlife that were injured and in their care. He added:
“Council staff have really gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver a long-term solution to an ongoing need identified by local WIRES volunteers, one that will bolster their efforts to look after sick and injured wildlife.”
Projects such as this often receive coverage in brochure printing campaigns promoting causes that seek to help animals in need.
The Mayor said Operation Marsupial was also believed to be the first of its type to be undertaken in New South Wales, and it is hoped the joint initiative will inspire other councils to introduce native shrub and wildlife tree planting projects.