Projects
The Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council (USLC) welcomed the opportunity to work with Upper Deua Catchment Landcare on this project, engaging three project officers over the course of the project.
UDCLG’s 2020 application to the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund was successful and the group received $290,000 to implement sediment control strategies in the Araluen Creek below the Neringla Bridge to its confluence with the Deua River. The lengthy drought, extreme bushfires and sixteen major flooding events in the past 3 years had created such high levels of damage that only major efforts could be employed to stabilise the Araluen Creek and its tributaries.
This project focused on 13 sites along the Araluen Creek and it's tributaries, with each site needing special erosion control measures. From paddock head-cuts, to bank blow-outs, washed out creek crossings and fallen trees - the following provides a summary of each site, as well as some before and after pictures of the earthworks and structures installed.
The Araluen Valley catchment is a unique and dynamic environment. Upper Deua Landcare aim to increase understanding of the area and implement strategies and works that support the installation of erosion controls, management of weed infestations and the rehabilitation of degraded areas due to bushfire and severe flooding. The in-stream works undertaken will support the creek into the future and ensure the Valley is in good condition to meet some of the undoubted challenges that climate change will throw at us.
The project was initiated after the 2019-20 bushfires burnt around the Araluen Valley. Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group obtained the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience grant in May 2021. However, Covid-19, several severe rain events, floods and landslides meant delay after delay. Three years later, we are all very relieved with the successful completion of the project.
A series of engaging workshops have been held in conjunction with the Araluen Creek Restoration Project and run in partnership with the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council.
Here are some interesting facts about what was achieved over the course of the Project.
Cath Harrison was employed as the Upper Deua Landcare Community Liaison Officer. She was engaged by the Committee to support project delivery on the ground. This role involved producing the monthly newsletters, liaising with stakeholders, preparing media releases and in general keeping on top of all aspects of the project.
A key component of the Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group’s (UDCLG) Araluen Creek Restoration Project is controlling weeds and a Weed Management Plan was prepared in 2021. The survey assessed weeds along the Araluen Creek riparian zone from Bridge to Bridge (refer map below). This included presence, abundance, and classification of weed species within individual properties. Ninety-one sites were assessed. The report included recommendations for eradication, control and remediation of the various weeds.
In the early months of the project, Upper Deua Catchment Landcare reached out to the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council - the umbrella group which offers support to Landcare groups across the district - seeking support to deliver some of the community engagement aspects of the project.
In May 2021, Upper Deua Catchment Landcare embarked on a large-scale erosion control project along the Araluen Creek. This page provides a summary of all the key documents and steps taken by the group to complete the project - from engaging landholders and project officers, to conducting a Review of Environmental Factors, as well as the relevant grant and funding agreements.
In October 2023, Upper Deua Catchment Landcare engaged a 3-man team from Apical to spend 4 days in the Araluen Valley working on weed control on private properties. UDCLG subsidised the work on a $/$ basis, offering landholders Apical's services for either a half or full day. The work was completed with a significant positive response from all landowners involved, with appreciation for both the professional approach of the Apical team and also the pertinent site-by-site feedback received. The below provides a run sheet or summary of the weed control measures undertaken at each site as part of the project.
Management of weeds is important for Araluen Creek because of the impact of weeds on the natural environment and on agricultural production. Current major weeds in the area are African Boxthorn, Broad-leaved Privet, Small-leaved Privet, Blackberry and Madeira Vine. Weeds are being tackled by Research, Prevention, Physical removal, Chemicals, ongoing vigilance and a holistic approach with custodians, landowners, government agencies working together.