Healthy Creeks and Healthy Cattle
Healthy Creeks and Healthy Cattle
Excluding stock access, alleviating stream bank erosion, regenerating native riparian vegetation and fish habitat to Back and Boundary Creek’s in the Upper Richmond River catchment.
Taking Action -
LLCI033-033
The issue
These creek banks were suffering sections of moderate to major bank erosion and slumping as a result of decades of cattle grazing to the water’s edge. This stock access was also impacting the condition of the remaining native vegetation and restricting any natural regeneration to re-establish in exposed sites and unsurprisingly making a muck of the water. After a few more serious bites in the bank as a result of Cyclone Debbie damage, Darryl decided it was time to turn it all around.
The solution
With the support of BRRVLN’s Local Landcare Coordinator Darryl achieved a Habitat Action Grant from NSW Department of Primary Industries. This funding enabled 1.65 km of fencing and 4 off-stream watering points to be installed to exclude cattle from a 3 hectares riparian area. Perennial weeds including the dreaded Cats Claw vine were treated and the natural regeneration of the stream bank vegetation was aided on a little more through gap plantings of 300 trees. The total project exceeded a value of $33,000 with the grant of $15,890 and the landholder more than matching this investment.
The impact
Just 12 months has been sufficient to see a significant improvement to the creek bank condition and the stock are content with their new easy to access water source. Water quality is showing improvement with the removal of the faecal nutrients and reduced turbidity. Without doubt, the fish, turtles, freshwaters crays will all have a healthy revival in this patch in the coming years. Working side by side with a skilled bush regenerator Darryl is now feeling confident of ensuring the weeds continue to be kept at bay and is working with neighbours to prevent re-infestation from upstream sources.
Key facts
- 1.65 km of creek bank protected from fencing
- 4 off-stream watering points for cattle
- 300 new trees in the ground