Historic 'Tank Stream' Brought Back to Life Through Local Landcare and Council Partnership (2025)

On the 25^th of May 2025, Bonny Hills Landcare Group in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) and Hastings Landcare, held a very successful planting day at the culturally, historically and environmentally significant Tank Stream, Bartlett Reserve Bonny Hills. Over 35 volunteers helped plant 300 shrubs and ground covers as part of Stage One of the revegetation project.

Tank Stream History

Tank Stream holds a special place in the village’s story. Replenished by a natural spring, the stream once served as a crucial water source for local Indigenous groups and early European settlers, including explorer John Oxley. A reservoir was later constructed downstream at the cliff-face to supply fresh water. The area is also linked to the official opening of Bonny Hills’ original post office and telephone exchange on 1st November 1948, just across from the stream’s source. “This is about more than just planting natives,” said a Bonny Hills Landcare spokesperson. “It’s about reviving an important part of our natural and cultural heritage while also creating a vital wildlife corridor.”

The Planting Day

Tank Stream was overgrown and choked by exotic grasses and weeds. The Bonny Hills Landcare Group and PMHC prepared the site by controlling overgrown exotic grasses and weeds. Bonny Hills Representative Ross Smith says, “PMHC have been a great help with site preparation and purchasing the plants.” Landcare work on many council managed reserves removing weeds and rubbish, as well as planting local native species.

On the day, 35 volunteers helped plant out a whole host of native groundcovers, shrubs and grasses that will attract insects, birds, reptiles and other wildlife, as well as prevents erosion. Hastings Landcare’s Robyn Camozzato says, “we planted a diversity of native plants including dianella, conjevoi, lomandra, callistemon and native ginger”. All the plants were grown from locally sourced seed at the Port Macquarie Landcare Nursery which is open to the public every Monday morning.

Community planting days are a fantastic initiative that bring the community together to restore the local environment, including culturally and historically significant sites. PMHC representative says, “it is great that council can support such worthwhile events that bring the community together to enhance the local environment as well as cultural and historical sites.” Landcare runs regular community planting days. If you are interested in attending contact Hastings Landcare.

Future

As well as their regular working bees, the Bonny Hills Landcare Group plans to maintain the planting area as a part of their regular working bees. When the planting is established, the group will extend the weed control and planting of natives right up to the road. If you are interested in getting involved with Landcare please contact Hastings Landcare.