Getting to know the Namoi River
(http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/447767/Namoi-Muldoon-Townsend.jpg)
Tim Muldoon from Whitehaven Coal presenting a $10,000 cheque to DPI Conservation Manager, Anthony Townsend, on the banks of the Namoi River.
05 Nov 2012 - NSW DPI
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries staff will survey a 13 kilometre stretch of the Namoi River that fronts the Vickery South mining operation, to capture information about the quality of the local environment, thanks to funding from Whitehaven Coal Limited.
Details collected along the river will focus on riverbank condition, the location of weeds and the presence of in-stream habitat, including aquatic vegetation, logs (snags) and the riverbed profile.
The Namoi mapping exercise has been supported by a $10,000 contribution from Whitehaven Coal Limited.
DPI Conservation Manager, Anthony Townsend, said following completion of the initial section the Department hopes to continue the journey down the Namoi, working with Whitehaven and additional stakeholders to map further sections of the Namoi Demonstration Reach.
"Additional mapping will help staff develop priority projects with landholders along the 150 kilometre reach between Gunnedah to Narrabri," Mr Townsend said.
"It is hoped that the entire demonstration reach will eventually be mapped, providing comprehensive information to guide the rehabilitation and protection of this important waterway.
"There has already been a huge response from landholders along the reach to undertake tree planting, fencing and weed control, and it’s great to have the support of Whitehaven Coal for this project and to help improve the health of the local environment."
Whitehaven Executive General Manager Corporate Services, Lance Muir, said the information obtained in the survey will be used to guide Whitehaven in the future management and rehabilitation of the river and adjacent land.
"This is a great opportunity for Whitehaven to get involved in a significant local project on our own land and we are looking forward to improving river health and helping to bring back native fish," Mr Muir said.
Funding for on-ground works along the Namoi Demonstration Reach is supported through the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Biodiversity Fund.
For more information relating to this program contact Milly Hobson on (02) 6763 1206 or visit the DPI Expression of interest Rehabilitation of riparian habitat along the Namoi River web page.