The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority's (GB CMA) drought employment crew have just completed works this week to protect fragile local waterways.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority's (GB CMA) drought employment crew have just completed works this week to protect fragile local waterways.
The crew fenced a popular picnic and camping destination at Wicket Hill on Hughes Creek because the site has been identified as a priority for urgent management action to control the impacts of high visitor usage.
GB CMA Waterways Team Leader, Christine Glassford said the site has suffered from years of high density camping, foot and vehicular traffic, which has been of particular concern within the stream frontage where vegetation and bank stability have been degraded.
"The fencing project, initiated by the GB CMA through the Drought Employment Program (DEP) will still facilitate pedestrian access to the stream but will restrict bikes and motor vehicles from destroying the vital waterway area."
Ms Glassford said the DEP crew, consisting of local drought affected farmers and farm workers has enabled the GB CMA to achieve more on ground work in a shorter timeframe than would otherwise be achievable along priority waterways in our catchment.
"This fencing project, along with many others undertaken by the DEP work crew, will serve to protect a significant section of a high priority waterway from the adverse affects of inappropriate usage."
Improved management of the site in particular will encourage the riparian vegetation present to regenerate over time enhancing the stream's health and ultimately the enjoyment of visitors to the site.
The fencing of this site is thanks to the GB CMA, land managers, the Shire of Strathbogie, Crown Land Management, Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative, adjoining landholders and local community representatives.
Release Ends
Contact Christine Glassford on 0419 567 461