Corporate Sponsorship for Leda Nature Reserve

A visionary project between the Edison Mission Energy Company, the Town of Kwinana and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), has to led to a boost for conservation in the southern metropolitan area. The project involves the corporate sponsorship by Edison Mission for the CALM managed Leda Nature Reserve in Kwinana.

CALM Executive Director Syd Shea said the project highlighted what could be achieved when the community, government agencies, the private sector and local authorities worked together.

Leda Nature Reserve covers 438 hectares and is gazetted as an A class reserve for the conservation of flora and fauna.

Dr Shea said the reserve was created in December 1994 and is recognised for its wealth and variety of local flora including tuart forest, jarrah/banksia woodlands and wetlands communities.

"The reserve is home to a range of wildlife including mammals like the threatened southern brown bandicoot, the western brush wallaby, the brush tailed possum and the echidna," he said.

Dr Shea said that for many years the reserve bushland had been subject to a range of threats including frequent fire, dieback, damage by off-road vehicles, wood cutting and rubbish dumping.

"The corporate sponsorship of Leda Nature Reserve will help manage and restore the conservation of the reserve and with it the passive recreational uses that if offers the local community of Kwinana," he said.

Dr Shea said the sponsorship agreement involved Edison Mission providing an initial $15,000 with $10,000 for subsequent years. "A consultative committee, comprised of representatives from CALM, Edison Mission, Kwinana Town Council and the community, will be established to manage and administer the sponsorship agreement," he said.

"This committee will determine how sponsorship funds are used and will act as a liaison between community groups.

"Short term priorities include the construction of strategic fencing and gates to control access, rubbish removal, signage, community awareness and educational programs," he said.

"Medium term projects include weed management program, rehabilitation works, nature trails, fauna management and community education."

Dr Shea said Edison Mission's commitment to Leda Nature Reserve highlighted the changing attitude of business towards preserving the environment.

"Edison Mission through this sponsorship has shown itself to be a responsible and committed environmental leader in maintaining Australia's precious lands."

Media contact: Dr Syd Shea on (09) 442 0325; CALM Officer Lyndon Mutter on (09) 405 0700