Roundabout refit - Hay Shire and Landcare partner to fix eyesore

Inspecting the roundabout after the partnership announcement are (from left) Hay Shire Council General Manager David Webb, Hay Plains Landcare President Bert Matthews and long-term member Sally Ware, with Co-ordinator Jenny Dwyer. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.

By Krista Schade

Hay Shire Council and Hay Plains Landcare Group have formed a partnership to address the beautification of the South Hay roundabout precinct.

Hay Shire General Manager David Webb said council agreed that the recent attempts to plant out the roundabout and verges had failed, but he was enthusiastic about the new partnership.

“We are not happy with how the site ended up and are keen to work with Landcare towards solutions that will improve the roundabout,” he said.

“We are very appreciative that they have leapt at our suggestion.”

Hay Plains Landcare Group President Bert Matthews said the partnership was an exciting one, that would showcase the work of the group.

“Over the next few months we will be working together to develop a planting plan and species list,” he said.

“The plants will then be propagated at our Native Species Nursery near Hay Gaol, by our members and volunteers.

“The support from Council to establish the nursery has been appreciated, and now Landcare can reciprocate by joining in this project.

“The Hay Plains Landcare Group members have a wide variety of experience, and their knowledge will be invaluable in this project,” Mr Matthews concluded.

Landcare and community volunteers who wish to be part of the beautification project can go along to the weekly ‘Landcare Alive’ sessions being held at the nursery each Thursday 9am to 11am.

Mr Webb and Mr Matthews agree that the collaborative approach will foster a sense of ownership in the precinct and project.

“It’s a major entrance to our town, and we want people to be proud of it,” Mr Webb said.

“The bones of the infrastructure are here.

“The concrete verge means maintenance can be carried out safely, and the gravelled sections allow vehicle access.

“The watering system is installed and it’s pleasing that all this was achieved with grant funding, at no cost to Council.

“All that will benefit our partnership project and we are looking at further grant funding to move it all along.”

It is expected that planting will not commence until the milder months of 2024.

Further information is available by contacting Landcare Co-ordinator Jenny Dwyer haylandcare@gmail.com.