Branching out to assist Central Coast Zoo

Hunter Water, and one of its project contractors Diona, have banded together to provide foliage and native mulch for wildlife exhibits – by repurposing approximately 20 trees from a construction site to Central Coast Zoo.

As part of delivering the Wyee Sewer Scheme, Hunter Water is constructing a sewerage pumping station on Wyee Road, which requires the removal of trees for the vital asset to be built.

This was seen as an opportunity by the project team, who reached out to Central Coast Zoo to see if it could benefit from receiving some of these trees.

After the zoo expressed interest and appreciation, the team swung into action, collaborating with both the zoo and arborist to mark out limbs and foliage, and organising for other parts of the trees to be mulched.

This was then transported to the zoo; the foliage and limbs have been used in the newly constructed South American aviaries, and the native mulch has been used across the zoo grounds including large beds of mulch for the six African lions to play in. The forks from the trees have even been repurposed in the koala yards in preparation for them arriving at the zoo.

Hunter Water Group Manager Asset Solutions, Justin Watts, said this was a great example of how working with local businesses and the community can provide sustainable benefits.

“Wherever possible, we are committed to retaining or reusing vegetation required for removal during our construction works.

Diona’s Project Manager, Iain Thomas, said the initiative was building on the company’s collaborative work with zoos and animal refuge centres across Australia, and it’s keen to continue the success on this project.

“Delivering our works in an environmentally responsible way is very important to us and we’re constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to reduce our impact and create positive outcomes for our clients and the community.

“This was a wonderful way to not only reuse this vegetation, but also support local business. Thank you and well done to the community engagement teams at Hunter Water and Diona for making this happen,” said Mr Thomas.