A new project removing pest trees and clearing weeds near the confluence of the Waioeka River and Tarawa Creek is a ‘double win’ for the community with new jobs and long term environmental and amenity benefits in the area.
The enhancement project is a collaboration between Ōpōtiki District Council, Department of Conservation and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The initial pest-plant removal is supported by the Provincial Growth Fund and will create jobs as part of the region’s COVID-19 recovery.
Regional Council contractors will begin cutting and stacking unwanted weed trees (mostly privet, willow and woolly nightshade) this week [subs week of 6 July 2020 weather dependant] and the clearing is the first step in the longer-term enhancement project to encourage recreational use and improve the environment for native species within the area.
