Preserving a jewel in Barossa's crown

The sound of birdsong in Altona CSR Landcare Reserve is music to Elke Wiese’s ears.

The long-serving Landcare volunteer has devoted countless hours to protecting the local habitat at Lyndoch, which features a diverse range of native flora and fauna.

And controlled public access to the 70 hectare reserve means everyone can enjoy the bushland setting, which has an extensive trail network and beautiful views across the Valley.

“We enjoy coming,” said Elke, who volunteers with husband Joerg. “We want to tell people what we’ve done, and what can be done here.

“We want people to come and enjoy the beauty of this, the peace and quiet, the birds twittering – maybe even you see a kangaroo.

A $7500 State Government grant recently awarded to Council will support local volunteers and a dedicated bush carer to continue revegetating Altona.

Mayor Bim Lange said Council truly valued the partnership with volunteers to manage the iconic site.

“Williamstown and Lyndoch Landcare Group volunteers have spent over 20 years working hard to remove threats and increase diversity at Altona, and this funding will help them continue this valuable role,” he said.

“Through revegetation, animal and weed control, we’ll be protecting over 200 species of native plants in the reserve, many of which have national, state or regional conservation status.”

To safeguard the conservation value of Altona, visitors are asked to respect the conditions of entry, including no dogs in the reserve.