The project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, with funding support from Tweed Bait, Tweed Shire Council and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
Over 550 native trees planted
22 volunteers at the community planting day
Partnership working to drive habitat restoration
The restoration of healthy habitat along the Oxley River, at Travis Campbell Park, is a great example of like-minded groups coming together to achieve a common goal.
OzFish Tweed River Chapter with Tweed Landcare, Tweed Bait, and Tweed Shire Council delivered significant improvements to benefit native fish, including Australia bass, wildlife, vegetation and the local community now and for future generations.
Recreational fishers had noticed that bass in the river had become more elusive, with a contributing factor being riverbank erosion. This erosion resulted in more soil entering the waterway, leading to murky and poor water quality, as well as increased numbers of weeds – all of which impact bass numbers.
Restoring the riverbanks
By planting over 550 native trees, the volunteers will be addressing the damage that has been done over a number of years. The root structure of the native trees will stabilise the riverbanks, helping to mitigate flood events and reduce soil run off into the Oxley River.
The trees will also provide an important source of shade and food for fish in the river. Up to 40 per cent of a bass’ diet is made up of critters that don’t live in the water but fall into it from overhanging vegetation.
The action that was delivered, across all involved groups, was a real community effort. Being involved in this project helps educate local people about the importance and influence they have as stewards of their local waterways and surrounding natural habitats.
The project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW, with funding support from Recreational Fishing Trusts, Tweed Bait, Tweed Shire Council and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
