Business students and staff rehabilitate Heathridge land

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Business students and staff rehabilitate Heathridge land

Friday, 03 September 2021

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The opportunity to take part in planting activities or helping rehabilitate a large tract of urban land attracts many ECU students and staff longing to make a difference in our local community. This semester, a group of SBL1100 students, staff and PRME representatives took part in the ongoing partnership with City of Joondalup (CoJ) in Littorina Park, Heathridge.

Both students and staff expressed the opportunity, besides its positive impact on the environment, provided a number of benefits.

“Getting involved with these hands-on activities gives students the chance to pragmatically think about and contribute to the real sustainability concerns we discuss in class. Our words must be followed through by action to have impact” says Dr Fleur Sharafizad lecturer in ECU School of Business and Law (SBL).

Gary Marchioro, who initially developed the idea, further added that the activity results in “an appreciation of the effort involved to maintain our urban landscapes and green zones and work with the CoJ Landscape staff once again”. The rehabilitation involved a quick set of instructions by the CoJ team and the task to rehabilitate an area of approximately 70 square metres of dense vegetation.

The SBL team then set about removal of weeds and careful protection of existing native plants in the area. Digging out and pulling of weeds into large bags provided a good deal of effort and fun for all, with the result of covering a weeded area of 510sqm (square meter) and removing 4m3 (meter cubic) of weeds in total.

“For me personally it was reassuring to work with the students and to be part of a worthwhile project showcasing a commitment to the environment. The students were keen and committed to the project and were discussing topics such as carbon offsetting strategies in their role as students!”, Gary adds.

Also sparking fruitful and confronting conversation during the day was the Virtual Climate Change Countdown Clock, introduced to the group by SBL1100 student Jean-luc McGrath who has recently been recognised for his sustainability efforts through his appointment to ECU’s PRME committee. The Virtual Climate Change Countdown Clock is a real-time clock ticking down to the “Point of No Return” for Climate Change – a further incentive to take action for the climate, now.

Dr Mehran Nejati, Director of PRME and Sustainability at SBL commended students for their sustainability actions.

“Students in ECU School of Business and Law understand that when it comes to climate action, there’s no benefit in waiting. Their contributions to planting trees and maintaining the urban landscapes and vegetations in collaboration with the City of Joondalup help realise the Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)”, Mehran pointed out.

A morning full of physical activity, important discussions, and new friendships, was celebrated with a well-deserved feast of Krispy Kremes.

“I’m sure for those involved in the experience an urban reserve has a whole new meaning now.” Gary finishes.

Are you interested in Sustainability, Climate Change, and how you can help? Don’t miss out on the PRME #ACT4SDGs Industry Public Lecture on Tuesday 28 September. Register here, and read more about the PRME committee.

School of Business and Law