Restoring Riparian areas
Restoring Riparian areas
Rehabilitating a riparian area along the Buckinbah Creek, south of Yeoval, NSW.
Capacity to Deliver -
LP14-006
The issue
Little River Landcare (LRLC) had identified a reduction in water quality flowing into local waterways. Through a partnership with the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers program, Little River Landcare identified a riparian zone that needed rehabilitation works on a section of the Buckinbah Creek. The restoration site was situated on the creek side of council sewage ponds on a private property south of Yeoval. This site had low levels of riparian vegetation variation which in turn lowered the ability of natural filtration of contaminated water running into the creek. Without an adequate buffer zone, poor water quality with increased nutrient levels continued to flow into the Buckinbah Creek.
The solution
Expert advice on water movement through the landscape was sought through engagement with Cabonne Council, Hydrology Expert Allan Nicholson, NSW DPIE and local excavator contractors for the scope of works along the Buckinbah Creek. This enabled the best use of projects resources to improve water quality at this site. 500 trees and shrubs have been planted. A barrier (contour bank) between the plantings and the Buckinbah creek will divert the water away from the landholders’ dam; used as a livestock water source. The newly established riparian zone is being fenced limiting livestock accessability to the revegetated area.
The impact
Primary environmental benefits of these works will include filtration of overland runoff and slowing water flow rate. Secondary environmental benefits include long term stabilisation of creek banks, reduced erosion potential, improved water quality and improved biodiversity. The benefits of these riparian works will persist and amplify over time as the vegetative component becomes more established.
Engaging with landholders around the issue of water quality in the catchment and helping them with management strategies to reduce the impact of nutrient and sediment loads flowing into local water systems was another significant outcome of this process.
Key facts
- An area of significant riparian degradation had been identified within Little River catchment
- Partnering with the Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers program gave LRLC an opportunity to rehabilitate this area with tree planting, fencing and contour bank construction
- Riparian buffers have been developed to intercept and trap sediments and filter nutrients leached in passing groundwater
- This project supported landholders through a low cost process to rehabilitate a riparian site with diverse vegetation, fencing and earth works that would contribute to improved water quality flowing into the Buckinbah Creek.