On The Land
29 November, 2024
Riparian restoration projects chosen
FOUR projects aimed at restoring riparian areas on private land with funding from the Reef Guardian Councils program have been selected by Tablelands Regional Council.
The council was successful in attracting grant funding for the projects which were announced last month.
The council will work closely with eligible landholders to provide technical support, practical assistance and contracted labour to deliver projects and initiatives which directly align to outcomes of the Reef Guardian Council Action Plan.
Selection for the sites was carried out through an Expressions of Interest process, followed by invitations to apply, with applications then selected on merit.
The following four sites were chosen:
Middle Creek (tributary of Mazlin Creek, Barron catchment)
The applicant has developed a detailed land biodiversity and biosecurity plan and has already carried out major landscape repair work on the property, in particular weed management, erosion control, fencing and plantings.
The proposed area is large and its restoration will have a significant impact on water quality. Applicant proposed contributions include labour, tractor, mulcher, mini excavator, spray equipment, mulch.
Beatrice River (Johnstone catchment)
The applicant has started revegetation on their property and aims to bridge a 1.7km gap in the rainforest along the river.
They have changed land management practices and removed cattle from the riparian area through fencing, however, slope causes topsoil to wash off in in the not-yet revegetated areas. Fencing has already been completed, and the applicant can contribute with a spray unit.
This project site is in Mamu country with Mamu rangers trained and available for revegetation projects.
Tributary to North Johnstone River, Johnstone Catchment
This is a combined application lodged by two neighbours. Both have done extensive weed management but require assistance with controlling remaining weedy vegetation.
Some fences have been installed, but additional fencing will be required. Both property owners seek to provide habitat for all native fauna and to stop erosion.
The applicants can assist with excavator with various attachments, and with documenting the progress with drone footage.
Tributary to Imrie Creek (Johnstone Catchment)
This is a combined application lodged for five properties along the creek (four directly connected). Three properties require some weed management, two have only pasture grass.
Some fencing is required to protect new plants. All property owners desire revegetation to stop erosion and to increase biodiversity, with an estimated combined area of 1.3ha available. The property owners can contribute to project in various ways, such as ripping, weed management, use of machinery, and fencing.
