Mystery Bay Campground’s local school initiative protects endangered species

Bpro’s Mystery Bay Campground team is working with local school students to improve the habitat of the endangered native Glossy Black-Cockatoo as part of a Murrawan-Dhanga native nursery project.

The population of the species is undergoing a moderate to rapid decline, projected at 30% to 50% reduction over three generations (NSW Environment and Heritage).

In response to this growing conservation challenge, Year 9 and 10 students from Narooma High School have joined the Mystery Bay team and Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Environmental Managers to protect the native species, all whilst connecting with their natural surroundings.

Students are participating in a wide range of hands-on activities including tree planting, propagation, seed collection of native plants and tending a nursery at the park.

Pictured in header: Catherine Garratt, Park Manager at Mystery Bay Campground, Year 9 and 10 Narooma High School students and teachers, Eurobodalla Shire Council Officers

Mystery Bay Park Manager Catherine Garratt said the project demonstrates the power of community partnerships in protecting the local environment.

“Our guests are always so thrilled to see these magnificent and endangered birds. It’s a privilege to give back to the local community, support Narooma High School and improve conservation outcomes in Mystery Bay.

“Thank you to Narooma High School for engaging with us to deliver this important initiative that helps young people build awareness and appreciation for their natural environment while protecting the wildlife that make Mystery Bay so special.”

A cultural burn on land adjacent to the campground and associated story sharing has also helped the students develop an appreciation of the role that the black she-oak tree (Allocauarina littoralis) plays in providing a food source for the endangered species.

By planting additional trees to connect the fragmented, mature she-oak trees, vehicle impacts at the site have been reduced and the habitat of the native species has grown.

Mystery Bay is set in native bush, lush with gums, acacias and banksias alongside spectacular cliff headlands and small beaches neighbouring the site.

Currently, 1,000 to 1,043 animal and plant species (plus over 115 ecological communities) face extinction in New South Wales and are officially listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW Government).

Alexia Morgan, General Manager Environment and Sustainability said the initiative reflects Belgravia Leisure’s broader commitment to sustainability and its Environmental Sustainability Statement.

“This initiative is a strong example of environmental stewardship in action. By working with Narooma High School and Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Mystery Bay team is helping restore critical habitat while giving students meaningful, hands-on experience in caring for Country and protecting local biodiversity.

“Furthermore, it demonstrates how local partnerships can deliver lasting benefits for wildlife, young people and the wider community.

“At Belgravia Leisure and Bpro, we recognise the important role we can play by working alongside our contract partners and local communities to reduce our environmental impacts and create positive outcomes for the places in which we operate our venues.” 

To learn more, visit the Mystery Bay website. 

Key facts:

• Mystery Bay Campground partnered with Narooma High School and Eurobodalla Shire Council to deliver the Murrawan-Dhanga Native Nursery Project
• Year 9 and 10 students participate in tree planting, seed collection, native plant propagation and nursery maintenance activities to support the habitat restoration for the endangered Glossy Black-Cockatoo 
• Students learned about the importance of black she-oak trees, a key food source for the species 
• Cultural burning and storytelling activities helped strengthen understanding of Country and environmental stewardship 
• The project combined environmental conservation with hands-on education opportunities for local students 
• The initiative reflected Belgravia Leisure and Bpro’s commitment to sustainability, conservation and positive community partnerships.

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