OzFish Landcare Action Plan presented in parliament
In late November, OzFish was proud to present their innovative Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, to NSW Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) ‘Trees in the House’ event.
The event, held at NSW State Parliament House in Sydney on the 19th of November, presented case studies that highlighted Landcare NSW’s community-led approach to natural resource management – including OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action project, now in its fourth year.
Landcare NSW and OzFish’s partnership
Since 2020, OzFish and Landcare have partnered on 100 projects across New South Wales aimed at addressing critical ecological issues affecting NSW waterways. These issues include declining fish populations, riverbank degradation, and habitat loss.
OzFish NSW Coastal Project Manager Ryan Lungu said, “By uniting recreational fishers and Landcare groups, the projects supported by our partnership promote hands-on community involvement in fish habitat restoration, including planting native trees and installing in-stream habitats.”
“Since 2020, the initiative has mobilised thousands of volunteers, strengthened local ties to the environment, and showcased how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful environmental conservation.”
“This partnership model exemplifies how empowered communities can safeguard NSW’s waterways and promote ecological sustainability for future generations.”
Year four achievements
For the fourth year of the project, a wide variety of activities were undertaken across a range of locations that benefitted native fish, with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.
Litter was removed from all project sites, and fish motels were built and installed in Whittaker’s Lagoon near Moree. Saltmarsh was restored in Lake Illawarra and freshwater catfish were restocked in the Edward River near Deniliquin.
Invasive European Carp, a pest fish that harms the health of our rivers, wetlands and native fish were removed, and destroyed, from:
• Copeton Dam near Inverell
• The Lower Darling River in Wentwort
• Faucetts Creek, Kyogle.
Riparian zones, the area between land and a river or stream, were improved with native vegetation planting in:
• Maguires Creek in the Northern Rivers,
• Burringbar Creek in the Tweed Valley,
• The Clarence River in Yamba,
• South Creek in Western Sydney,
• The Macquarie River near Dubbo,
• Dingo Creek near Coffs Harbour,
• Brisbane Waters on the Hawkesbury
• Deua River on the state’s south coast.
Mr Lungu said, “Many recreational fishers want to be stewards of their waterways, and this project supports them to do so.”
“Restoring our waterways benefits native fish and improves the health of surrounding agricultural land and ensures the ongoing availability of vital ecosystem services.”
