THE region’s rivers have received a new-lease of life as landholders and the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA) have restored over 82 kilometres of riverbanks and waterways in the Goulburn and Southern Highlands region in the past 12 months.
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More than 20 landholders have been assisted to restore their riverbanks by fencing off stock and installing alternative watering systems, weed removal and replanting native trees where needed.
“Locally we have worked on projects along the Mulwaree, Wollondilly, Paddys, Tarlo, Upper Nattai rivers and Saltpeter and Black Bobs creeks, said Andrew Doran, Project Officer with the HNCMA.
“Healthy riverbanks contribute to healthy waterways. Good riverbank vegetation which is fenced off from stock ensures riverbanks can carrying out their natural functions of filtering run-off and maintaining bank stability.”
Last week the HNCMA’s Board went on a tour of sites in the Goulburn and Southern Highlands region to inspect projects involving river works, bushland and soil protection.
One site at Brayton Reserve near Marulan highlighted an ongoing partnership between the HNCMA, Department of Lands, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council and the Billyrambija Landcare group.
“The reserve is a popular area for recreation but had severe infestation of Blackberry and of Crack Willows along and within the river channel,” Mr Doran said.
Work first began at the site in 2007 but has continued apace with a combination of work by the local landcare group and weed contractors.
Recently the Billyrambija Landcare Group has been undertaking follow-up weed control to remove thistles, serrated tussock and burn willow debris.
The group is also collecting local native seed and replanting natives into the reserve. “It is through the efforts of community groups like these and landholders across the catchment that we are beginning to see real improvements in our waterways,” Mr Doran said.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority now has a new round of funding for protecting critical bushland, improving degraded land and land management, composting and riverbanks. For more information contact the Goulburn office on 4828 6747.