The NSW Government grants are being provided by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).

$23,100 has been secured by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) to control weeds at Windang Reserve.

The funding will assist Wollongong City Council, as the Crown Land Manager of Windang Reserve, to control Bitou Bush at the northern and southern ends of Windang Reserve.

A further $11,000 will be provided to Wollongong City Council to control weeds at Wiseman Park to conserve and enhance the Illawarra Lowland Grassy Woodland Endangered Ecological Community there.

The project will target Asparagus Weeds, Madeira Vine, Lantana, Blackberry, Fireweed and Cat's Claw Creeper, which pose a threat by forming dense stands, suppressing native plants, and growing into the tree canopy.

Bushcare volunteers will get training from professional bush regenerators as part of the project to protect the recreation area that connects to the Fairy Creek Shared Pathway.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“It’s fantastic that $34,100 has been allocated to protect local reserves from dangerous weeds including Windang Reserve and Wiseman Park at Gwynneville.

“Crown reserves support community health and well-being by providing public land for recreation and for community organisations and facilities. It is vital we control weeds to protect native plants and animals and keep reserves healthy and functional.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“There are thousands of reserves across the state managed by Crown Land, community boards and local councils.

“These Wollongong grants are part of $14.578 million being offered By the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund statewide to support 144 projects.

“These projects will benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.”