Fish benefit in Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater catchments

[Member]

Fish benefit in Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater catchments
14 Nov 2012 - NSW DPI

Four hectares of trees, shrubs and groundcovers have been planted and 2.5 kilometres of fencing erected as part of a major project to improve fish habitat in the Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater catchments.

“The creek bank revegetation and erosion control works were conducted as part of the highly successful Environmental Trust funded Fish Friendly Farms in the Tweed project,” said NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Conservation Manager, Scott Nichols.

“Creek frontage on 10 properties along Cobaki, Piggabeen, Duroby and Bilambil Creeks has been rehabilitated with major benefits for the fish populations and river health.

“These actions will go a long way to improving aquatic health issues identified through the Tweed Shire Council’s Ecosystem Health monitoring program.

“Fish need stable and vegetated riverbanks to provide feed, shelter, stable water temperatures and good water quality.”

The Fish Friendly Farms in the Tweed project spent over $57,000 on fencing and revegetation activities in addition to developing farm management plans and geomorphic assessments for properties within the Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater catchments.

Mr Nichols said that although the Fish Friendly Farms in the Tweed Environmental Trust funded project has now closed, those landholders who missed out can apply for funding through the Council’s River Health Improvement program.

“There is still a lot of work to be done throughout the Cobaki and Terranora Broadwater catchments to continue improving water quality and protecting these valuable areas for the future,” he said.

“It is with the cooperation of landholders like those who took part in the Fish Friendly Farms in the Tweed project that we can make these important changes.”

DPI and Tweed Shire Council would like to thank those landholders involved and let others know there are still opportunities available.

“If you have creek frontage you can improve waterway health and fish habitat, as well as improving farm productivity,”
Mr Nichols said.

“Installing off-stream water points, fencing riverbanks and replacing lost plants can improve stock management around waterways and reduce the loss of precious riverbank soils.

“Impacts from wind, heat and cold stress in crops and livestock can also be eased by establishing healthy riparian zones and providing adequate natural protection.”

For more information about future funding, contact: Tom Alletson (Tweed Shire Council) on 02 6670 2577
For information on the Fish Friendly Farms in the Tweed project, contact Scott Nichols (DPI) on 02 6626 1396