Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on July 12, 2012, 08:12:22 PM
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Improving native fish habitat in the Hunter River
11 Jul 2012
More than 125 trees removed to make way for mining will be given a second lease of life improving fish habitat and river bank stability in the Hunter River, near Branxton.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Conservation Manager, Kylie Russell, said the work is part of a unique collaboration between DPI, Coal & Allied and Wyndham Estate Winery, using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust.
“Logs, generously provided by Coal & Allied’s Mount Thorley Warkworth mine, will be used to construct log jams, or ‘fish hotels’, which will stabilise eroding river banks and enhance fish habitat for native species in a part of the Hunter River that runs through Wyndham Estate,” Ms Russell said.
“The structures are designed to withstand large floods and give native fish like bass and mullet a better fighting chance against pest species such as carp.”
Mount Thorley Warkworth General Manager Operations Cam Halfpenny said Coal & Allied is always proud to support local communities and environmental projects.
“As mine operations progress, logs are usually collected, mulched and incorporated into topsoils for use in rehabilitation area plantings, but in this case they’re being put to a different use that also delivers positive environmental outcomes,” Mr Halfpenny said.
“The ironbark and spotted gum logs are the right size and variety for this project and we hope they will create substantial areas for native fish species to live and breed in safety.”
Wyndham Estate Manager, Stephen Guilbaud-Oulton, said the project is an integral aspect of the vineyards commitment to the environment.
“This project is an important part of the way we work in our community and complements our efforts to preserve and record the rich heritage of this important winemaking estate,” Mr Guilbaud-Oulton said.
“We have also started to replant native flora along the river and our local team’s agricultural skills allow us to improve and maintain the overall health of the river and the surrounding land.”