Friends of Bungan Incorporated

Project Profile

Issues

The work of Friends of Bungan, in collaboration with Warringah Council, in restoring the natural heritage area has contributed to the improvement and sustainability of the untamed coast on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Project Detail

Friends of Bungan have been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its work in the conservation of the Bungan Beach coastal reserve.

A dedicated band of locals has worked to conserve the dunes and headlands of the Bungan Beach coastal reserve for over 30 years. Originally a committee of Warringah Council local residents actively involved in managing and conserving a 7.5 hectare coastal dune system, Friends of Bungan (FOB) was formed in 1992. Over the past 18 years, Friends of Bungan has dedicated its efforts to restoring and maintaining the natural bushland with its backdrop of dramatic coastal scenery for the residents and numerous visitors alike.

The work of Friends of Bungan, in collaboration with local Council, in restoring the natural heritage area has contributed to the improvement and sustainability of the untamed coast on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Friends of Bungan have played a major role in the conservation and management of the 7.5 hectare Bungan Beach Reserve. Like many reserves bordered by residential development, the bushland, dunes and escarpment of Bungan Beach Reserve are impacted by weed invasion, stormwater run off, damage from informal tracks and dumping of garden waste.  Although it was initially difficult to make inroads into the heavily weed infested reserve, the group has shown tenacity and determination in restoring the natural heritage area which includes the nationally endangered Littoral Rainforest ecological community.

The group works closely with local Council to develop strategies and provide recommendations for activities. The Council has provided ongoing support through its bushcare program and some additional funds for professional bush regeneration, resulting in a substantial improvement in the condition of the reserve in the last 10 years.

Between 30 and 50 families are members of the Friends of Bungan group at any one time.The group has contributed more than 1800 hours of volunteer labour and has continued to encourage broader community involvement through annual newsletters, signage, field days, annual Clean Up Australia Day events and through support of Council initiatives such as ‘Asparagus Fern Out’ days.  The production of a brochure, annual newsletters, signs and field days have educated the communty about the issues and the works required to address them.

With a carefully staged and planned works program, the group has been successful in obtaining six grants and has also contributed significant private sponsorship funds with the total value reaching $348,521.  This allows the group to employ support from professional bush regeneration teams ensuring that primary works are adequately maintained.

With the dedication and ongoing commitment of the Friends of Bungan, the Bungan Beach Reserve will continue to provide a taste of untamed coast right in the heart of Sydney’s northern beaches.

The Friends of Bungan project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Friends of Bungan Beach