"The community work team has already been involved in planting, painting, firewood gathering and site clean ups and there are plans to widen the scope of work to include decommissioning old fence lines and pest trapping."
But Wayne says it's not simply a case of utilising the offenders to supply more hands.
"We want the teams to be really engaged and to learn about the environmental values at the site," he says.
"We're also ensuring there are some skills training — so if we have fencing to decommission when it's replaced, we want the tradie to show them fencing as an employment skill. It's the same with painting — we'll bring in a trades trainer to show them the proper gear to use for the job.
"We've already had one of our Rangers talk to the team about Puwheto or Spotless Crake, which is an important indicator for the health of the biodiversity there. "
Corrections Central Regional Commissioner Terry Buffery says meaningful projects like this help offenders with their rehabilitation and reintegration.
"This is an opportunity that provides offenders with education and skill development to equip them for future employment while giving them a chance to make a contribution to their community," he says.
"We understand the importance of environmental sustainability and are incredibly proud to be working alongside DOC to help restore and maintain this site."
