Riparian renewal leaves a lasting mark at Puckeys Lagoon

On a warm March morning in Fairy Meadow, a group of dedicated locals gathered at the Elliott’s Road entrance to roll up their sleeves for a riparian restoration blitz at one of Wollongong’s most cherished waterways.

The riparian renewal at Puckeys Lagoon brought together community spirit and conservation know-how in a hands-on effort to restore critical fish habitat and reconnect people with the natural beauty in their own backyard.

Hands-on conservation in a vibrant setting

Led by OzFish Unlimited in collaboration with Wollongong City Council and Illawarra Landcare, the restoration event focused on removing invasive weeds and planting 350 native trees, grasses, and shrubs.

This new native buffer zone will help stabilise the lagoon’s banks, reduce erosion, and enhance the aquatic ecosystem that supports native fish and other wildlife. As non-native weeds were pulled and native plants went into the ground, the team directly contributed to better water quality and stronger habitat resilience. These actions gave the lagoon a much-needed ecological boost.

A community morning with purpose

The day started with a warm welcome and a rundown of the work ahead. Under the guidance of local Bushcare experts, volunteers learned the basics of riparian restoration while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded locals.

For many, it was their first time volunteering for a conservation project, but by the end of the morning, everyone had a trowel in hand, a few muddy patches on their clothes, and a greater appreciation for what it takes to protect local waterways.

Restoring the lagoon, one plant at a time

The work done during the two-hour session is already making a visible difference. Each of the 350 native plants now lining the lagoon’s edge plays a role in strengthening the ecosystem, cooling the water, providing shelter for fish, and buffering the shoreline against future erosion. This kind of work may seem small, but it’s how real change happens.

Looking ahead

This successful event was made possible through the support of OzFish Unlimited, with in-kind contributions from Wollongong City Council and guidance from Illawarra Landcare. It’s one of many local efforts designed to restore habitat and engage the community in long-term waterway care.

Missed out this time? Head to ozfish.org.au to find upcoming planting events, workshops, and other opportunities to get involved in protecting your local patch of water.

This project is in collaboration with Illawarra Landcare and Wollongong City Council with funding from the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.