WILDCARE Inc News Library
Group Reports - Friends of Maatsuyker Island
This article appeared in Wildtimes No.25 on 25th July 2005
FOMI have been busy since our last group report. PWS funded a follow-up weeding program in February, co-ordinated by Southern District Volunteer Co-ordinator Craig Saunders, which continued the work of last November (see WILDTIMES Issue 24). Another Envirofund-supported program will occur in November 2005 (further details in Volunteer Opportunities article in this issue).
FOMI continue to be actively involved in island affairs. We submitted an expression of interest to the Tasmanian Community Fund’s cultural heritage round, to conserve and restore the former lighthouse-keepers' quarters. These quarters are now used for caretakers, volunteer programs, and other community activities encouraged to make use of the facilities. Although unsuccessful, we will try again in TCF’s next general grant round. We have also provided input to PWS’s reserve activity assessment for a proposed wind generator on the island. FOMI supports the installation of renewable energy systems on Maatsuyker Island, but are keen to ensure that these initiatives do not have an adverse impact on our beloved island’s natural and cultural heritage values.
The Maatsuyker caretakers’ changeover in May provided a good excuse for 'old' to meet 'new'. Caretakers Phillipa and Mick (summer) and Rosanna and Nick (autumn) were welcomed from the island with a dinner at Citrus Moon in Kingston. Fiona and Rob returned for a brief stint before current (winter) caretakers Louise and Paul arrived to take over.
Fiona Taylor
