Rehabilitating Riparian Zones
The Sixth Creek rehabilitation projects are informed by environmental assessments which identify major weed infestation as well as indigenous flora to be protected and prioritised for regeneration planting.
Biological diversity refers to the variety of living plants, animals and the organisms, and the whole ecosystem in which they occur.
The environmental assessments of Sixth Creek worksites have clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of riparian ecosystems to changes in land use, vegetation clearance, grazing by livestock and feral animals, weed invasion and human polluting activities such as rubbish dumping. Rehabilitation in riparian work zones contributes to protection and rehabilitation of aquatic and land fauna as well as reestablishing native flora.
A list of plant species identified and documented through the worksite management plans is available here.
Revegetation and the choice of tube stock for the Sixth Creek worksites prioritizes plants that have been identified in the environmental assessments. Where possible local seed is collected for propagation and used in revegetation. Seed collection protocols and propagation information
Extending the watercourse rehabilitation
Sixth Creek has a large catchment including many private landholdings. Landowners are able to support successful management of this important water course. Whether you have a large amount of land in a rural area or a small “lifestyle” farm, you can help protect the environment and quality of water in the Sixth Creek.
Below is a list of things you can do to preserve the remaining biodiversity on your property and help in rehabilitating Sixth Creek.
- Protect native vegetation through weed control.
- Remove grazing pressure and fence stock out of the wet riparian areas and the creek. This allows native plants to regenerate in the riparian zone and provide habitat for native insects and animals.
- Leave dead trees standing, particularly those with hollows and horizontal lateral branches, as these provide homes and perches for birds and animals such as possums and bats.
- Report any unusual plants that appear to be invading your native vegetation to your local Landscape Board.
- Control feral animals such as rabbits, foxes, cats, goats and deer. They compete with native animals or eat native plants and prevent rehabilitation.
- Re-establish native vegetation through natural regeneration or revegetation.
- Protect existing native vegetation areas through the Heritage Agreement Scheme.
- Establish wildlife corridors to link larger areas of native vegetation.