Supporting Groups to achieve their goals

Taking Action -

LLCI019-006

The issue

The Deniliquin Lagoons Restoration Project was initiated in 2011 and with support has increased in capacity in recent months. The project is a community partnership to rehabilitate the lagoons system within Deniliquin to support more natural wetland flora and fauna (including a threatened population of southern pygmy perch), act as an educational area for schools and visitors, and build partnerships between local government schools and the community.Considerable works have already been completed on 3 of the lagoons in the system including removal of pest fish species, silt removal, bank shaping, planting of native plants, building of a bird hide and educational area and habitat installation for native fish.Project cost to date have been in excess of $300,000 with funding being provide from the Edward River Council, Murray Local Land Services and grants sought by community groups such as Yarkuwa, the Edward Wakool Angling Association and the Deniliquin RSL Fishing Club. In-kind support (including volunteer labour hours) has been provided by community members, community groups and the Edward River Council.

The solution

Erika Heffer, Local Landcare Coordinator and Jeanette Crewe, Local Landcare Coordinator have offered support to the group and seen excellent results over the last 12 months.

A school engagement plan for Deniliquin High School (DHS) has been initiated and subject to funding will continue into the future.

The outcomes of the engagement plan being:

Maintenance of the lagoons
Community ownership of the natural resource
Education about the importance of wetlands
Education about the wetland Flora and fauna.

The impact

The Landcare Coordinator met with and developed an ongoing relationship with the Deniliquin Lagoons Committee. These partnerships are increasing the community’s resilience and capacity to achieve the groups’ diverse priorities.