Rocky Creek restoration benefits farmers and fishers

Farmers are stepping up to change land management practices to improve the health of the Richmond River.

One project already completed is a major restoration to a short section of Rocky Creek where OzFish Unlimited, Northern Cooperative Meat Company, Lismore Shire Council and Whian Whian Landcare have delivered an innovative partnership that benefits local cattle production and fish habitat.

OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s only fishing conservation charity, with support from their major partner BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing, jointly funded a project with Lismore City Council’s Landholder Initiative to get cattle out of the creek by installing water troughs in the paddock.

Rocky Creek is renowned to recreational anglers as one of the last areas of the Richmond River that the local wild population of Eastern Cod were found. Pressures like dynamite fishing to feed workers during railway construction between 1905 to 1932, subsequent land clearing and over-fishing meant that by the 1970s, this species was lost in the majority of the Richmond River system.

Rocky Creek is known to be home to Australian Bass, Firetail Gudgeon, and Cox’s Gudgeon are found in the waters around Rocky Creek Dam. They share aquatic habitat with Saw-shelled Turtles, Water Rats, Eastern Water Dragons, and Platypus.

Fencing and revegetation of the creek was also completed in the habitat restoration effort, with Rocky Creek now looking healthier.

Joe Leven Northern Co-operative Meat Co, Member Services said it was a win-win for all.

“This collaborative project demonstrates a very positive relationship between industry, landholders and natural resource management groups. These project outcomes produce a much healthier and sustainable grazing system and has delivered strong environmental benefits. It’s a win-win for the farmer, the cattle and the environment which supports them.

“We have a large percentage of NCMC members farming within the Richmond catchment so we have seized the opportunity to facilitate these projects, environmental stewardship is one of our 4 key pillars of sustainability,” said, Mr Leven.

OzFish’s Director of Habitat Programs, Cassie Price said the work showed the opportunities diverse partnerships across industries can bring for fish and farmers.

“The cattle were using the creek as a direct source of water and that’s not good for them or for other species that use the waterway as their home,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic outcome, the cattle now have an easily accessible water source in the paddock and the creek, can now recover from years of use by cattle that has caused erosion.”

“The fish habitat has been further assisted by revegetation in the bare areas with natives that will shade and protect the creek in years to come.

“When there is good habitat, little erosion, and a healthy ecosystem, industries will flourish, particularly farming and recreational angling. This project has all those elements and is a credit to the local farming community.”

OzFish Unlimited CEO and Founder Craig Copeland hopes the work that’s been done to restore Rocky Creek will continue to be positive for landowners, wildlife, and local people who love the outdoors.

“Our fishers are keen to volunteer their time to improve fishing in their local Richmond River. And our major partner BCF is pleased to be supporting local fish habitat restoration projects like this one. It’s so important that we work together to get the job done.”

OzFish Unlimited, NCMC, Council and Landcare would like to acknowledge the support and contribution of the landowner at this site, without whose care for the river and hard work the project would have not got off the ground.