Marom Creek riparian restoration

The Richmond River OzFish Chapter has partnered with Landcare NSW, Eco Restorations, the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, and BCF – Boating Camping Fishing to rejuvenate Marom Creek’s vital riparian zone.

Repairing what was lost

With the help of more than 20 dedicated volunteers, over 800 native trees and grasses now call 2 hectares of river banks home – and we’re just getting started! The goal? A whopping 2000 natives by the end of the project.

This builds on earlier efforts by local landholders and Eco Restorations, who planted an impressive 5000 natives at the site. Together, we’re setting the stage for long-term benefits for the creek and its incredible fish family, which includes native bass, mullet, and the rare and beautiful ornate rainbow fish.

The location

Invasive species like lantana have wreaked havoc on Marom Creek’s riverbanks, leading to soil erosion and poor water quality that threaten vital fish habitats. But here’s the good news: restoring healthy waterways like Marom Creek is a game-changer for our native fish.

By planting more riparian vegetation, we’re stabilizing creek banks, filtering run-off, improving water quality, and cooling the water to fish-friendly temperatures. Ray Klerck, Richmond River Chapter President, who was at the event, was hopeful that things were moving in the right direction.

“This creek feeds into the Richmond, the river with the worst water quality in NSW. We were happy to find rare discoveries that created some optimism, such as the ornate rainbow fish and water bugs, which can mean healthy water quality levels. Exactly what we want to see from restoration projects like this.”

Community efforts at Marom Creek

The project’s success wouldn’t have been possible without OzFish’s Richmond River Chapter, the dedicated local volunteers, and the landholders’ commitment to restoring the site.

It’s been so successful that the contractor who worked on the site, Eco Restorations, now offers guided tours that showcase the stunning natural beauty and thriving ecosystem that projects like this can achieve.

Together, these collaborative efforts tackle the region’s environmental challenges head-on while inspiring a stronger sense of community pride and stewardship for this vital ecosystem.

Working together for change

Thanks to expert partnerships, grassroots efforts, and incredible private support, Marom Creek is getting the full treatment – everything from clearing out invasive species to improving habitats for the long haul.

By bringing the community on board and working with generous supporters, projects like this aren’t just restoring habitats but inspiring the next generation to cherish and protect our waterways.

Every tree planted and every hour volunteered brings Marom Creek closer to becoming a vibrant, thriving haven for aquatic life.

This project is made possible by the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and support from BCF – Boating Camping Fishing.

Want to help? Join us for the next planting event and make a difference!