The River Restoration project, worth more than $3 million, will improve water quality by reducing in-stream sediment loads for the Murrumbidgee River.
The project will provide assistance and incentive funding to farmers in targeted sub-catchments, to help them carry out on-ground works to improve the condition of the river and its tributaries.
Works will focus on stabilising and restoring sites that are releasing sediment as a result of active erosion.
The River Restoration project is funded through the NSW and Australian Government’s National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
Priority areas for investment are in the Adelong, Bredbo, Bombowlee/Brungle/Adjungbilly, Gilmore/Sandy, Hillas, Jugiong, Kyeamba, Molonglo, Murrumbidgee, Muttama, Numeralla, Tarcutta and Yass districts.
The Murrumbidgee CMA negotiates Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) with landholders for the protection and restoration of riparian vegetation, erosion control works including willow control are being undertaken by contractor Earth Tech.
The River Restoration Project will be delivered in partnership with Earth Tech Engineering. The project team will work with Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority staff to identify sites appropriate for inclusion in the River Restoration Project and assist landholders in the development of a works plan and preparation of a Property Vegetation Plan.
Funding will be targeted using a prioritisation approach that considers current and future sediment supply, current riparian condition and the level of landholder and community involvement.
As part of this project, 27 large wood structures were recently installed on the Murrumbidgee River west of Wagga Wagga. They were installed at four sites with excessive bank erosion.
Each of the wood structures was assembled using three logs, six metres long and 300 mm in diameter. Australian eucalyptus logs – sourced from plantations - were selected for their high density and resistance to decay. The structures were strategically placed and angled at approximately 30 degrees to the flow of the river, with the upstream end closest to the bank. Large wood at this angle has been shown to effectively redirect flow away from the bank and to reduce water velocity near the bank. The structures were secured at the upstream end using galvanised steel posts and stainless steel cables.
All of the sites at which large wood was installed are located on farm properties. The areas adjacent to the large wood structures are being fenced off to exclude stock, and native vegetation will soon be planted throughout the sites to further stabilise the banks and reduce the potential for erosion.
For further information or to indicate your interest in having a site considered for the project, contact:
Paul Sureda – Earth Tech
T 02 6248 7203 / 0428 991 017
1/72 Wattle Street
Lyneham, ACT 2602
Murrumbidgee CMA
T 02 6932 3232
Wagga Wagga NSW 2620
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