Image Gallery: June 2008
Navy flies in to protect bird in need of sanctuary
05 June 2008
The Royal Australian Navy answered a call for help to protect bird life in the Shoalhaven during a special helicopter operation this morning.
The Sea King helicopter from 817 Squadron, based at HMAS Albatross, was asked to transport a tractor and slasher to Numbaa Island, near the mouth of the Shoalhaven River.
Commanding Officer of 817 Squadron, Commander Rob Gagnon, said the equipment was needed on the island to slash areas where regeneration works are to take place and remove weed which was strangling native vegetation.
Local dairy farmers and community groups Riverwatch, Shoalhaven Landcare, Numbaa Landcare Group, the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Lands have teamed up to help improve the biodiversity of Numbaa Island and the Shoalhaven River catchment.
A local grazier is leasing the island, but that arrangement involves sustainably managing the agricultural and environmental values of Numbaa Island. National Landcare Program funding will be used to assist with the construction of a stock proof electric fence, as well as revegetating the northern and south-eastern parts of the Island. Mangroves will be planted on the north-western side of the Island to help control bank erosion.
"This is obviously an unusual type of tasking for Navy, however we were happy to assist when we found out what the project was about, the great outcomes that will be achieved both for the local community and environment, whilst also providing a significant real world training opportunity for our crews" CMDR Gagnon said.
"We are pleased that Navy has been able to help Landcare with this important project."
| 20080605ran8084519_333 Leading Seaman Aircrewman (LSA) Nick Anderson connects the tractor to Sea King Shark 05 with help from British Royal Marine Sergeant Keith Fentiman prior to the tractor being lifted across the Shoalhaven River to Numbaa Island near Nowra NSW. (Date taken: 05 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080605ran8084519_346 Sea King Shark 05 crewed by Lieutenant Commander Tanzi Lea, Lieutenant Ben White and Leading Seaman Bryan Druery transports a tractor across the Shoalhaven River to Numbaa Island near Nowra NSW. (Date taken: 05 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080605ran8084519_361 Sea King Shark 05 crewed by Lieutenant Commander Tanzi Lea, Lieutenant Ben White and Leading Seaman Bryan Druery transports a tractor across the Shoalhaven River to Numbaa Island near Nowra NSW. (Date taken: 05 June 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
