River Repair Bus to hit the road in Moree
Fish habitat in the Gywdir, Mehi and surrounding waterways is set to receive significant support over the coming years with the rollout of OzFish’s third
Volunteers will travel on the bus to restoration sites to revitalise waterways by planting native vegetation along riverbanks, remove tons of dumped rubbish and weeds thanks to funding from the Federal Government’s 2021 Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Grant.
OzFish Program Manager for the Murray Darling Basin, Braeden Lampard, says the initiative is grassroots habitat restoration at its best.
“We will purchase a bus that can seat up to 11 participants and equip it with an experienced team leader, knowledgeable in river restoration and equipment to undertake restoration projects,” he said.
“The bus hopes to build a local community movement of passionate anglers protecting and restoring waterways and will accelerate fish habitat restoration in the region,” said Braeden.
It will also provide an opportunity for volunteers to gain hand-on skills in river restoration.
Whitakers Lagoon, one of the focus sites for the bus, will see students from the local secondary school participate in practical learning modules focused on habitat restoration and conservation. Students will visit the site and work with the River Repair Bus to ensure the waterway is on track to accommodate a healthy population of fish for the local community to enjoy.
The River Repair Bus is an initiative that has been tested in other waterways throughout Australia. In Dubbo and Sunraysia the bus and its dedicated volunteers are
OzFish Chief Executive Officer, Craig Copeland said Moree is a special place for local anglers and the fish habitat should be protected.
“Barwon area is home to some of the biggest Murray Cod and Golden Perch that Australia has to offer, along with some of the most passionate anglers around, so we are proud to add to our fleet in a community that will benefit from its work,” he said.
“This is the third River Repair Bus we have on the ground which is a testament to the Aussie idea, sparked from a group of anglers and the support of not only the government by our corporate partner BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing, who also contributes funding”, said Craig.
This project is just another way OzFish, and their regional chapters are empowering communities to work towards better habitat for better fishing.
If you would like to know more about the project or get involved become a member of your local OzFish chapter or contact 1800 431 308.
