Farmers make room for fish

Volunteers from the Australia’s fishing conservation charity, OzFish Unlimited, have teamed up with landowners, Tweed  Landcare and Tweed Shire Council to plant  two thousand native trees for native fish along the banks of Johansen Creek, south of Murwillumbah.  

In assisting the landholders, OzFish volunteers planted 600 native trees and shrubs along the banks of the creek located on Woodland Valley Farm.

The native plantings will protect the bank from future erosion, filter runoff following heavy rain, regulate water temperature by providing shade and create a source of food for the native fish populations through attracting insects to the water’s edge.

Originally a dairy farm that had experienced depleted and compacted soils, the owners Fabian and Jodie always wanted to see the farm return to a more sustainable and healthy state.

“The vegetation between land and river, commonly termed as the riparian zone, is vital to the health of our waterways,” said Fabian.

“We started with relocating the stock from the creek, putting temporary electric fences that can be moved around with our rotational grazing practices and not disturb the riparian zone of the creek”.  

“By relocating the cattle, we can allow the riparian zones to work their magic and do what they do best – create excellent fish habitat and protect our waterways.”

Demara Gates, Project Officer of NSW North Coast with OzFish Unlimited, echoed the innovative farming practices and said “we are delighted to partner with Tweed Landcare and Tweed Shire Council on projects like this to support property owners to improve native fish habitat.”

“The positive contribution of the owners at this site underlined their great concern and care for the river and a healthy ecosystem. Without them and their support, the project would not have been possible,” said Demara.  

Tweed Landcare Project Officer, Kim Stephan, said the partnership with OzFish is helping deliver outstanding results on the ground.   

“Improving aquatic habitats and the health and sustainability of our waterways by keeping cattle off and restoring native vegetations is important not only for fish and other wildlife, but also for our towns and communities that rely on good water quality,” said Kim.

For more information, or to support OzFish in their continued work to protect and restore fish habitat across Australia, join your local OzFish Chapter or donate at your local  BCF - Boating, Camping Fishing store.

The project was made possible by the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, BCF - Boating, Camping and Fishing, and Tweed Shire Council.  

Volunteers from the Australia’s fishing conservation charity, OzFish Unlimited, have teamed up with landowners, Tweed Landcare and Tweed Shire Council to plant two thousand native trees for native fish along the banks of Johansen Creek, south of Murwillumbah.

Volunteers from the Australia’s fishing conservation charity, OzFish Unlimited, have teamed up with landowners, Tweed  Landcare and Tweed Shire Council to plant  two thousand native trees for native fish along the banks of Johansen Creek, south of Murwillumbah.  