Rewilding Fridays Creek

Reviving a threatened ecological community

Fridays Creek is coming back to life. Previously degraded, this beautiful stretch of waterway in the Upper Orara is now being transformed into a thriving habitat for native fish, platypus, and other indigenous species.

Through targeted weed removal and the planting of 500 native trees, shrubs, and grasses, the OzFish Coffs Harbour Chapter, alongside dedicated landholders and local conservation groups, is stabilising creek banks, improving water quality, and reviving a threatened ecological community.

A haven for fish and wildlife

Fish populations rely on healthy riparian zones, which provide river bank stability, water filtration, temperature regulation, and food sources. Fridays Creek’s fish habitats have been degraded over the years thanks to livestock grazing and invasive plants.

With the help of dedicated volunteers, OzFish and its partners have already removed over 1.3km of weeds, paving the way for native plants to reclaim the creek’s habitat.

“This site has the remnants of a threatened ecological community, and after previous grazing removal and habitat restoration efforts, native plants have started erupting,” said Alacia Cockbain, OzFish Project Officer.

“Seeing the land come back to life and knowing that fish, platypus, and other aquatic species will thrive here again is incredibly rewarding.”

The bigger picture

The partnerships involved in this project have helped local environmental groups come together and drive meaningful change for the future of Fridays Creek.

By planting 500 native trees, shrubs, and grasses, the project has increased community involvement, improved fish habitat, and contributed to long-term water quality objectives. Alongside the river bank stabilisation efforts, the restoration has transformed this property into a wildlife wonderland that’s a sanctuary for fish, koalas, rakali, birds, lizards, and turtles.

Funding And Support

The success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration. It wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of passionate landholders, OzFish’s Coffs Harbour Chapter, Friends of the Koala, Biodiversity Doctor Australia, Orara Valley RiverCare Group, and Nana Glen Landcare. Their tireless efforts and funding support from the Habitat Action Grants through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts have helped restore this beautiful waterway.

By bringing together local communities, environmental experts, and recreational fishers, this project is creating a lasting impact, revitalising fish habitats, improving water quality, and ensuring that Friday Creek remains a sanctuary for native wildlife.

The project is part of the Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW. Funding for this project was provided with grants from the Recreational Fishing Trust and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Developments’ Recreational Fishing Trust’s Habitat Action Grant Program. These grant programs are financed from funds generated through the sale of the recreational fishing licence fee in NSW and managed by NSW DPIRD Fisheries, on behalf of the Recreational Fishing Trust and support from BCF – Boating Camping Fishing.

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