Great outcomes for fish habitat in the Nambucca Valley

22 Jun 2023

Around 1.4km of bank stabilisation works to improve bank stability over four sites on the Nambucca River are now complete.

This project was funded by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program and was undertaken in partnership between North Coast Local Land Service, Nambucca Valley Council, Nambucca Valley Landcare and four landholders.

The aim of the project is to improve and protect vegetation and aquatic biodiversity in coastal environments.

Senior Land Services Officer, North Coast Local Land Services, Shaun Morris said the project used a mix of bank stabilisation techniques such as revetment, rock fillets and root balls to protect the riverbank from erosion and provide vital instream habitat for aquatic life”

“With the added benefit of encouraging the recruitment of mangroves and saltmarsh, the project has also created important nurseries grounds for a range of recreationally important fish species,” Mr Morris said.

In addition to the bank stabilisation works, this project planted 3,900 local native tree species along 1.4km of bank works and fenced off 2.1km of riverbank.

Local Landcare Coordinator with Nambucca Valley Landcare Ainslie Ashton said this project will have benefits for both the landholders involved and the larger community.

“These works not only prevent further erosion and loss of farming land but also help to keep the sediment out of our waterway, providing a clean environment for our fish stocks,” Ms Ashton said.

“The works have provided mangrove and fish habitat which will improve the water quality and fish stocks in our river. Removing stock from the riverbank and replacing them with riparian plantings not only assists with bank stabilisation but also in the long-term benefits farm biodiversity and farm value."

This project is part of the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program in which North Coast Local Land Service will deliver five projects to restore the health and functionality of fisheries habitats across the region.

For more information, visit the Fisheries habitat restoration program page.