A restoration project aimed at reducing erosion and improving fish habitats at Bungawalbin Creek, south of Lismore, has been completed.
Bungawalbin Creek is popular for kayaking and canoeing, and offers a 24-kilometre paddling trail with abundant birdlife and wildlife.
Rous County Council (Rous) said in a media release the $158,000 project used natural materials to rehabilitate 200 meters of creek bank, using a hybrid mix of rock, timber structures and revegetation.
Rous said, ‘These works aim to halt erosion and are helping to restore the site using natural, environmentally sensitive materials’.
‘The restoration works will ultimately improve fish habitat and the ecological condition of the waterway, according to Chrisy Clay, Rural Flood Mitigation Manager at Rous.
‘Bungawalbin Creek is a significant waterway in Richmond Valley, known for its ecological importance,’ Chrisy Clay said.
‘We have taken a soft-engineering design that mimics the natural environment and complements the creek’s rich riparian habitat.
‘By stabilising the creek banks and re-establishing native vegetation, we are protecting water quality while also supporting habitats for fish and other native species.
‘The project included native plantings and fencing to exclude cattle from entering the riparian zone – creating a crucial buffer that supports vegetation, stabilises the bank, and improves habitat.
‘Importantly, strengthening the creek bank will help protect the site during extreme weather events in the future.”
Rous General Manager Phillip Rudd said projects like this play an important role in improving the long-term health and resilience of local waterways.
‘This project is a great example of how thoughtful approaches to restoration works can deliver environmental benefits,’ Phillip Rudd said.
‘Rous will continue to work collaboratively with project stakeholders and monitor the site, to evaluate the long-term success of the works.
‘We are grateful to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting projects in our region that significantly enhance fish habitat, water quality, and fish passage opportunities within NSW coastal catchments.’
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