Marino Conservation Park

Mr DIGHTON (Black) (15:10): I rise to speak on the Marino Conservation Park and particularly the work of the Friends of the Marino Conservation Park. The Marino Conservation Park encompasses over 30 hectares of diverse ecosystem, including coastal heath and open grassy woodlands. The park is situated on elevated terrain in Marino and offers spectacular views of the metropolitan coastline all the way down to Semaphore in the north and then to the Fleurieu—to your electorate, sir—in the south. The Marino Rocks Lighthouse is a particularly distinctive landmark for the local area.

The park's vegetation is characterised by two distinctive types: coastal heath and open grassy woodlands featuring species such as drooping sheoak, mallee box and elegant wattle. These habitats support a rich diversity of native plants, including over 130 indigenous species, with more than 40 considered of conservation significance. This biodiversity not only enhances the ecological value of the park but also provides essential resources for native wildlife contributing to the overall health of our environment.

One particular section of the park which adjoins the rail corridor is the coastal heath. This area is eight hectares and is the best example of coastal heath vegetation remaining in the metropolitan area. It was the main reason why it was proclaimed a conservation park. Coastal heath was the predominant vegetation along the metropolitan coastline, but little has survived urbanisation, highlighting the importance of the Marino Conservation Park. At the heart of the park's preservation efforts, of course, is the Friends of Marino Conservation Park—a dedicated group of local residents and volunteers who have been volunteering for over 30 years. Their mission is to protect the park's remnant coastal heath vegetation and facilitate natural vegetation of the areas by controlling invasive species and replanting native flora.

Recently, the Friends of the Marino Conservation Park were successful in obtaining a grant of approximately $14,000 from the Friends of Parks and Nature Grant to support the creation of a buffer zone and broadleaf control around native grasslands within the Marino Conservation Park. I visited them a couple of weeks ago to meet with the committee and discuss how and where the grant will be used. It was a great opportunity to meet with the current president, Adam Spencer, and past presidents Geoff Yeates and Alan Wilson, along with other members of the friends committee and local rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The dedication and service of the friends group—who hold regular bushcare activities, including weed control, direct seeding, seed propagation and the planting and watering of native seedlings—has been critical in preserving and protecting the Marino Conservation Park.

I want to speak briefly on the recent achievements of the Friends of Marino Conservation Park. In 2015, the group established the Botanical Trail development—a trail that loops through the park offering visitors an accessible and informative walking experience.

This trail not only showcases the park's native vegetation but also has educational opportunities about the local ecosystem. Last year, the friends created a community engagement event, Spring, Sausages and Seedlings day, which was booked out due to its popularity. Attendees enjoyed guided walks, learnt about native butterflies, participated in a sausage sizzle and received seedlings to encourage local biodiversity. The friends group also installed new benches along the Botanical Trail, providing comfortable spots for rest and appreciation of the spectacular views that are within the park.

The Marino Conservation Park stands as a key reserve of natural beauty and ecological significance in my community, and I thank and commend the efforts of the Friends of Marino Conservation Park who have been instrumental in preserving and enhancing the sanctuary for current and future generations. Their work exemplifies the significant impact that dedicated community members can have on environmental conservation.