Wetland Management
Improved Management of Wetlands within the Lismore Council area
Contributor: Nick Stephens
NRM PROJECTS OFFICER
Lismore City Council
PO Box 23A Lismore 2480
ph: 6625 0565
mob: 0439 795 512
Case Study
Lismore Council is implementing a Northern River Catchment Management Authority funded project for the conservation and protection of significant wetlands in the Pelican Creek and East Coraki areas. These two areas are not well studied, but form important linkages between the more recognised Bungawalbin and Tuckean catchments of the Richmond River. They are situated in the coastal floodplain of Lismore LGA, which is home to a number of wetland types listed as endangered ecological communities (EEC’s) including Freshwater Wetlands, Swamp Sclerophyll Forest and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest.
The project involves the development of site management plans for the two areas and the implementation of on-ground works to protect and rehabilitate wetland areas. On- ground works include riparian fencing, fencing of remnants and corridors, bush regeneration (weeding & plantings etc), provision of off creek watering (pumps, tanks, troughs), and restoration of natural drainage & hydrology.
Benefits for agriculture business
Initially, the program assists the landholder through the free supply of fencing & weeding. In the longer term there is an anticipated increase in primary production due to shelterbelt effects (up to 30% primary production increase over a distance 12X height of the trees plus improved heard health), reduction in the loss of cattle from bogging, drowning and escape, and easier monitoring and mustering.
Farms in this program can market themselves as environmentally friendly.
Benefits for the environment
The environmental gains are improved water quality and terrestrial and aquatic habitat, decreased erosion (retention of soil, nutrients, organic matter, paddocks) and improved community attitude to farming.
Partners
Lismore Council is receiving assistance from WetlandCare Australia staff in Ballina during initial site assessments and the development of landholder agreements. The Council is well placed to identify particular vegetation remnants, and to initiate discussions and develop a work program with the landholders.
The project is being delivered in conjunction with an EnvironmentalTrust grant to restore and protect lowland rainforest on the floodplain in the same area.
Want to Join?
Lismore council has $38,000 available to assist landholders within its local government area with weed removal, tree planting and fencing around wetlands. Contact Nick Stephens at Lismore Council for further information.
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