Restoring Fish Habitat in the Central Billabong with our future Environmental Champions
Students, First Nations and environmental groups join forces to plant 900 aquatic fringing plants along 650m of the Billabong Creek in a continued effort to restore native fish populations.
Capacity building - LEP_23-030_LLC006
The issue
The introduction and explosion of the European Carp population in the Billabong Creek has decimated native aquatic plants that are crucial to stabilising banks, filtering water and providing habitat for native fish, birds and insects, resulting in the significant degradation of the waterway over time.
Impressive restoration efforts are being made along the Yanco and Billabong Creek systems and nearby Edward River system by a range of organisations, groups and individuals passionate about rehabilitating these waterways. However, if this great work is to continue the next generation of environmental champions needs to be engaged in looking after the environment around them.
The solution
Long-term, intergenerational restoration efforts are needed to see and maintain real results. Involving local school students who are connected to the waterways in hands-on, interactive activities that have tangible short-term results is an effective way of engaging the next generation in river and creek restoration.
In December 2024 RGA Landcare arranged for students from Deniliquin High School, Conargo Primary School, and Finley High School to participate in two planting days organised by the Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council with involvement from Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Corporation. These days aimed to restore fish habitat in two sections of the Billabong Creek whilst building a community that values the protection and restoration of local rivers and creeks.
The impact
Students, Landcare Coordinators and community volunteers rolled up their sleeves and donned some waders to plant more than 600 sedges, reeds, and rushes along 400m of the Billabong Creek at Conargo, and a further 500 plants along 250m of creek at Jerilderie.
Students learned about biodiversity, the historical and cultural significance of the waterway, and the widespread action and activities involved in restoration efforts. Students shared their own insights and observation on the health of the creek system gained from their own experiences. Some students commented on the impact of water quality on their family’s livestock business, while others shared insights on native fish stocks based on their recreational fishing experience in the creek.
Key facts
- Engaging local youth in on-ground activities and relating it to their interests is key to fostering conservation values and shaping future environmental champions to continue restoration work.