Dargues Mine Enforceable Undertakings Remediation Program Site Report
Ongoing monitoring of restoration works at Lot 1 DP 1222637, Araluen, NSW
Introduction and Summary
The commencement of restoration works has been undertaken by Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group (UDCLG) as a part of a Remediation Enforceable Undertakings Program required by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in association with Dargues Gold Mine, and funded by Aurelia Metals Limited. This report provides an overview of the restoration works, outlines a proposed monitoring program, and includes baseline preliminary monitoring data.
Site Location
The project site is within the Upper Deua River catchment and is located c. 9km south-east and downstream of the Dargues Reef Goldmine and c. 250m north of the confluence of Majors Creek and Araluen Creek. Araluen Creek flows c. 12km southwards into Deua River.
Project Description
The project is the partial restoration of the Southern Escarpment River Oak Forest associated with Majors Creek and Araluen Creek for the purposes of improving water quality, stabilising the stream bed and riparian zone, enhancing aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and improving visual amenity of the locality.
A complete floristic and structural restoration was beyond the scope and resources of the project, and work is limited to re-establishing the dominant overstorey tree species and selected shrub species associated with Southern Escarpment River Oak Forest.
Monitoring and Reporting
Regular monitoring of the project will be undertaken to measure elements such as plant survival and growth rate, impacts and emerging threats (e.g. marsupial grazing, insect damage, flooding etc.), management and maintenance requirements etc.
The full report from June 2025 can be found here.
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Interim report presented at the July meeting
The project site was inspected on 2nd May 2025 by Greg Stone, Tracey Armstrong and Peter Sweedman. The following was noted:
• Several tree guards had been disturbed by animals (likely wombats and kangaroos) but had been re-erected by the landholders.
• Browsing of some plants by marsupials had occurred, but the plants remained alive.
• < 5 plants had died.
Following this inspection:
1. The site was subjected to two high rainfall events, which had no negative impact on the plantings.
2. The site was subjected to several heavy frosts, including three consecutive -3o frosts. According to weather records and anecdotal evidence, frosts of such intensity and duration are unusual for Araluen.
The site was inspected on 18th July 2025 by Greg Stone, Tracey Armstrong and Peter Sweedman. The following was noted:
• A high percentage of River She Oak, Blackwood, Black Wattle and Forest Red Gum have survived, however many appear to have grazed by small rabbits.
• A high percentage of Tree Violet and Sweet Bursaria have survived and have not been grazed.
• Approximately 50% of Hazel Pomaderris have survived.
• All Sandpaper Fig, Coffee Bush and Poison Peach have been killed by frost.
• A total of c. 133 plants have been killed by frost.
Action
Greg, Tracey and Peter are currently considering options for the next stage of re-planting, protection etc. and will report to UDCLG in the near future.