Bringing back the Reeds - Spark Renewables Sponsorship 2024-2025

Jerilderie is an Indigenous word meaning "reedy place," and the project "Bringing back the reeds" is about restoring the reeds and biodiversity of Billabong creek in the Jerilderie township.

Bring back the Reeds is a project sponsored by Spark Renewables and partnered with YACTAC and the Refreshing Rivers Program. The project is about restoring reeds and biodiversity to the Billabong Creek. By reintroducing a variety of reeds including phragmites, cumbungi, and tall spike rush this initiative aims to enhance habitat for local fish species, such as the recently reintroduced eel-tailed catfish, and waterbird, rakali and frog species. Importantly, it will improve the environment for community who deeply care about their creek.

On Wednesday, 11th December 2024, Year 10 students from Finley High School participated in a hands-on planting project along the Billabong Creek in Jerilderie. The students joined teachers, Mr Gary Webb and Mrs Robyn O'Leary for a morning of planting and learning. Led by Andrea Mitchell, YACTAC, and Felicity Liphuyzen, RGA Landcare (Berriquin), the group planted approximately 500 native plants across 250 metres of Billabong creek. The students also had the opportunity of conducting an eDNA test, a cutting-edge method that identifies species living in the creek by analysing environmental DNA. Ant Jones, Many Mobs, joined the event to share insight into the cultural and ecological importance of various plants and their role in sustaining healthy waterways. 

This project was supported by Spark Renewables via the Dinawan Energy Hub Pilot Program.

It was also was made possible through YACTAC and the Refreshing Rivers Program and RGA Landcare.

The group planted about 500 native plants along 250m of the Billabong Creek, opposite The Willows, Jerilderie, NSW.