Revitalising Regent Habitat

As the regent honeyeater program approaches it’s fifth year in the North West, many projects such as community revegetation on the Horton River are completing their work phases.

North West Local Land Services partnered with Northern Slopes Landcare, OzFish Unlimited, Gwydir Shire Council and the Upper Horton Sports Club to plant native species along the Horton River to increase habitat for the critically endangered regent honeyeater. This project was supported by North West Local Land Services with funding from the Australian Government.

More than 200 native trees and shrubs were planted, and biodegradable tree guards were used to reduce the potential pollution risk to the river during flood events. Species planted included casuarinas, callistemons, acacia, eucalyptus and melaleuca, and over time they will provide habitat for native and woodland birds, including the regent honeyeater. Lomandra was also planted to filter and clean runoff before it reaches the river, improving river health for native fish species and platypus. Interpretive signage will also be installed to educate both the community and visitors to the site about how to maintain and increase river health and native habitat.

Anaiwan Local Aboriginal Land Council Elders Uncle Greg Livermore and Uncle Kelvin Brown conducted a cultural heritage survey of the site prior to works taking place.

For more information or to get in contact with the project team contact Angela Baker, Project Coordinator on 0429 368 693 or via e-mail angela.baker@lls.nsw.gov.au