Restoring Floodplain Health to the Richmond River
February 2014
Funded by the North Coast Local Land Services, WetlandCare Australia is working in partnership with Richmond River County Council and NSW Department of Primary Industries to implement priority management actions at six key sites within the Richmond River Estuary.
The Richmond River Estuary has a large catchment including the towns of Lismore, Casino, and Ballina in northern NSW. The Estuary is highly valued by the community for primary production, tourism and recreation as well as supporting a rich biodiversity and environmental function. The system is under pressure from past and existing development, catchment disturbance and hydrological modification, land use management and large-scale vegetation changes.
This project is engaging the local community through workshops and field days and is working with landholders in the catchment to undertake restoration works. Sites include the Wilson’s River, Bungawalbin and East Ballina.
Works will include floodplain infrastructure modifications to retain surface and groundwater levels and restore natural hydrology. This will reduce acid sulphate events and will increase pasture productivity for farmers. The project will also undertake riparian zone regeneration to improve riverbank habitat and reduce erosion. The project works will help to recover water quality in the Richmond River and improve fish habitat.
Major outcomes of the project include improving drainage systems over 200 ha, restoring riparian and floodplain wetland vegetation over 10 ha, and enhancing wetland habitat connectivity over 50 ha.
Further information about the project can be found here or by contacting Eli Dutton, Senior Project Officer, elidutton@wetlandcare.com.au.
Engaging the local community in floodplain management activities at a field day at Sandy Creek in Richmond River Estuary.
Photo: WetlandCare Australia
