THOSE recently enjoying a stroll or a run through Gloucester District Park are likely to have noticed heavy machinery in operation on one eroded section of the riverbank.
MidCoast Council has been successful in obtaining a Habitat Action Grant from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The grants are funded from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, which use revenue generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW.
This project is designed to restore a severely degraded section of riverbank along Gloucester River located adjacent to the park.
The cause of the degradation is slumping and undercutting of the riverbank, made much worse by recent flooding.
The project has several objectives, including improving fish habitat with more shade, and the protection of 100 to 150 metres of eroded riverbank.
Part of the plan involves the planting of hundreds of trees and shrubs, which will mostly occur next Autumn.
The Council also hopes that the work will act as a demonstration site to the community about the importance of river restoration works.
“Structural support to the toe of the bank by installing rock groynes and revetment (sloping structures) will provide flow energy dissipation of the waters flow,” said Council’s Nicholas Colman.
“Reshaping the upper bank to a reduced batter will enable revegetation with endemic riparian species, improving canopy connectivity, bank stability and habitat availability, thereby improving water quality and habitat for recreational fish species.
“Gloucester streams are a favoured area for recreational fishers, these works will ensure fishing will continue to be enjoyed.”
This work and its objectives are consistent with the Council’s recently adopted Manning River Estuary and Catchment Management Program.
By John WATTS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
