Rodney Stevens

Spend the morning on the river helping prevent erosion and improve fish habitat with the Oz Fish Clarence Valley chapter this weekend as they plant trees and enjoy a free barbeque along the Coldstream riverbank.

Oz Fish, Australia’s only fishing conservation charity aims to protect and restore fish habitat and support recreational fishers in doing these actions.

Chapters across Australia do work including making local fishing grounds healthier, vibrant and more productive, sharing habitat restoration knowledge, research projects with leading universities, community engagement workshops, school education programs, and partnering with traditional owners and their communities.

Oz Fish Senior Project Officer Dr Sophie Pryor said the group will be planting 500 plants along 500 metres of riverbank opposite 240 Lower Coldstream Road, this Saturday, October 8, from 10 am.

Currently, Dr Pryor said the riverbank is covered with weeds which provide insufficient stabilisation against erosion.

“Due to vegetation loss, the riparian bank has little native vegetation and mainly consists of exotic weeds,” she said. 

“Therefore, the site needs native vegetation and bush regeneration control to enhance the Coldstream River riparian bank and assist in the prevention of erosion.

“We have got a bush regeneration person coming in and doing all the weeding, and we are asking the community to get involved in the planting.”

The marine scientist said a diverse range of all native species will be planted including Lomandra, Casuarina and She-Oaks.

“When you have got diversity in the species on the riverbank you have diversity in terms of the things like bird and insect life that can be supported,” Dr Pryor said.

Dr Pryor said the planting is being funded by a $15,000 NSW Department of Primary Industries Habitat Action grant. 

“The project will enhance fish habitat and stabilise the riparian banks with deep rooted native vegetation, which will reduce bank erosion,” she said. 

“This will be done through the installation of large woody debris (snags) and the planting of overhanging native vegetation that will provide a source for insect life and shade for fish. 

“In the Coldstream River we have Catfish, Bass, and we still get Bream and Mullet up that far.

“These actions will increase biodiversity and improve the natural breeding grounds for Australian Bass and other native aquatic species.”

People attending are asked to bring water and wear enclosed footwear, long pants and sun protection, and a free barbeque lunch will be provided from about midday.

Attendees must register first online at https://ozfish.org.au/event/coldstream-river-tree-planting-october-2022-nsw/