The project is part of OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW with funding support from NSW Local Land Services, the Australian Government through the CRC Program and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
Photo credit: Gunther Schmida
Saving critical habitat for southern purple spotted gudgeon
Years of farming practices, poor land management and the 2019/2020 bush fires have led to the degradation of Washpool and Tenterfield Creeks. These waterways provide critical habitat for the endangered southern purple spotted gudgeon and also hold a koala population.
Riparian restoration for bush fire affected areas
The resulting fire caused weeds to germinate which strangled and overgrew the native vegetation. Stock also gained access to the waterway due to fences being burnt down, causing platypus burrows to be trampled and the water quality diminished.
OzFish have partnered with key volunteer groups and landholders to undertake fish habitat restoration works at the confluence of Washpool Creek and Tenterfield Creek. To help bring this to life, they have teamed up with Moombahlene LALC, Gunimma Native Nursery, Granite Borders Landcare and Backtrack.
1500 native tree’s and grasses
The works will consist of installing riparian fencing over a 2km stretch, which will protect the riparian revegetation, planting 1,500 endemic native plants and undertaking extensive weed control. Healthy riparian land provides habitat for plants and animals, improves water quality, and stabilises stream banks.
This project was made possible by OzFish’s Driving Fish Habitat Action partnership with Landcare NSW with funding support from NSW Local Land Services, the Australian Government through the CRC Program and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
