Community tree planting to enhance fish habitat on World Rivers Day

13 September 2018

Tweed River to benefit from new partnership between Council and Ozfish

Want more fish in the Tweed River? The answer is simple - trees.

That’s the message that Council and the Tweed chapter of Ozfish are sending out on World Rivers Day, being celebrated in the Tweed with a community tree planting on Sunday 23 September at 10am on the riverbank at Col Wiley Park at Byangum.

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world.

Ozfish is a not-for-profit organisation which supports Aussie recreational fishers take control of the health of their rivers, lakes and estuaries. Its goal is to leave a legacy of better fishing for future generations.

Council’s Waterways Program Leader, Tom Alletson said World Rivers Day was the first partnership event being organised by Council and Ozfish.

“It’s going to be an ongoing and productive relationship, with the Tweed River set to benefit,” Mr Alletson said.

“In the run-up to World Rivers Day, we are thrilled to be able to announce the next big project.”

Council was recently awarded $100,000 by the NSW Environmental Trust to undertake a riverbank rehabilitation and fish habitat enhancement project in the Tweed Estuary, two kilometres upstream of Murwillumbah. Ozfish supported the application with $20,000 (thanks to BCF) and the promise of keen volunteer labour.

The new project will kick off in 2019 and see a further 500 metres of riverbank restored to a condition that will increase fish habitat and address ongoing bank erosion and water quality problems.

“A riverbank covered in native vegetation is more stable, improves water quality and provides opportunities for fish to find shelter and food.”

“The upper estuary needs a lot of work to restore it to a state that will support optimum fish populations and planting trees will be a key component of this,” he said.

Col Wiley Park is located next to the Byangum Bridge. Volunteers should bring a hat, sun screen, water and enclosed shoes. Perhaps even a fishing rod and canoe to enjoy the river once the planting work is done.

For more information contact Tom Alletson at Council on (02) 6670 2400 or Simon Fitzpatrick from the Tweed Chapter of Ozfish on 0409 760 380.