Bush Regeneration Project Extended Along Hastings River

Thursday, October 26 2006

The birds are back and native plant species are flourishing as bush regeneration works along the Hastings River receive an additional funding boost.

A partnership project linking Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's water and natural resources divisions with the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and local landholders will inject a further $105,000 into a program that has made significant improvements to the Hastings river bank and biodiversity at Koree Island.

The Koree Island Bush Regeneration Project commenced in 2004 on a parcel of private farmland bordering the Hastings River at Koree Island. Work was soon after extended to include private land around the Koree Island #3 pump station.

As an operating organic farm, the property already had several environmentally sustainable practices in place. Work along a one-kilometre stretch of river bank included the extensive removal of exotic weed species such as privet, lantana and Madeira vine.

"This work has improved water quality, enhanced river bank stability by reducing erosion and improved the biodiversity and ecology of the waterway," Thor Aaso, Natural Resources officer explained.

"Reducing weed infestation has allowed native species to flourish which in turn has attracted more birdlife to the area and provided a more natural habitat for a whole range of animals."

The next round of funding will continue the work along 3.3km of river bank. The program, implemented by a team of bush regenerators, equips landholders with the skills and knowledge needed to maintain the area.