Bank Restoration Projects
Foreshores along Bolong RoadDescription: This was the 1st major Riverwatch project on the north side of the river with the construction of a rock retaining wall using heavy machinery and rock from the construction of the Melbourne to Sydney gas pipeline.
Planting included mangroves (which were not that successful on this side of the river), sheoaks and phragmites. Lessons learnt included new mangrove planting techniques and reducing the need for expensive heavy machinery. Duration: 2001 to 2002. Cost: $21,000 Photos: Link to Bolong Photos Numbaa Island Foreshore RestorationDescription: This is a large project with the construction of groynes and planting over 6,500 mangroves, 4,000 oak trees, 50 mahogany trees and saltbush along the north and west banks of the island.
The major work has been completed and maintenance is now being undertaken. The work is continuing under the direction of our new Project Manager, Peter Jirgens with many dedicated volunteers. Duration: 2009 and on-going. Cost: $25,000+ Photo Links: Working Bee Jul15, Oct 2008, Nov 2008, Dec 2008, Riversdale 2013Description: On 30Sep13 work began on planting river mangroves on the foreshores of Riversdale. The riverbanks in front of the Riversdale homestead and function centre have been badly eroded as a result of continual wake from boating activities, as this section of the river is a popular turning point.
Wire cages have been placed around the mangroves to protect the young plants from wombats, who love the taste of young mangrove leaves. The location is also an important trial to see if the river mangroves can grow in this environment. Duration: 2013 with follow-on maintenance. Cost: Plants and materials have been donated by Riverwatch. Riversdale 2017 Working BeeMinnamurra River RestorationIn November 2016, Riverwatch volunteers undertook work to restore a section of the River bed, which was washed out due to a water pipe failure.
The work was funded by Sydney Water and covered:
Cost: $5,200 |
Foreshores at NumbaaDescription: Bank stabilization and planting mangroves and trees along south bank of River at Numbaa.
Over 2kms of banks restored including around 12,000 mangroves plants, 2000 oak trees and 200 swamp mahogany trees. All the techniques to achieve a low cost approach to bank restoration, including the propagation of mangroves and native vegetation, were developed by Charlie Weir with many Riverwatch volunteers helping to undertake this major project. Many other teams including Green Corp, local Aboriginal and environmental groups also assisted with the work. Final year local high schools students often visit this site as part of their environmental science course. Duration: 2001 to 2011 with on-going maintenance work. Cost: $10,000 Photo Links: 2001-2012 Nowra Golf Club Bank Restoration.Description: This project is seeking to stop erosion along the banks fronting fairways 4 & 5 of the Nowra Golf Course. Fencing of 200 metres and planting of mangroves is being undertaken to help stabilise the bank.
The rate of mangrove growth has been outstanding at this location. The Nowra Golf Course veteran volunteers need to be congratulated on an excellent bank restoration project. The site has now become a major site for Riverwatch with many new and inexpensive bank restoration techniques being trialed. Many of the techniques developed by Charlie Weir have been successfully applied with better than expected results. The work is continuing under the leadership of Peter Jirgens who is continuing to develop new techniques as Riverwatch's Project Manager. Photo Library Links: Fareways 4 & 5 , Oct 2013 , March 2013 , Nov 2013 , Dec 2013 Apr 2014 , June 2015 , Oct 2015 , Oct 2015 flood, Nov 2015 , Nov 2016, Comparisons. 
Inspection of Bank Restoration Work at Nowra Golf Club.
A group of members from Shoalhaven Landcare, Shoalhaven Riverwatch and the Nowra Golf Club veteran volunteers viewed the bank restoration work and the mangrove plantation along the banks of the Shoalhaven River at the Golf Club. The day ended with a Christmas get together at the Golf Club. Members were impressed with the work undertaken by this dedicated group of Golf Club volunteers. For information on the design see the Google document titled Nowra Golf Club Project. Duration: Started 2012 and on-going. Cost: $2,485 and growing. Fishing Platform and Bank Work at BolongDescription: Bank restoration and the construction of a fishing platform was funded by Shoalhaven Council and the NSW State Government through the Recreational Fishing Trust. Riverwatch provided advice during the planning stage but credit must go to Shoalhaven Council for the overall design and management of the project.
This is a good start to repair this badly eroded section of the Shoalhaven River. Completed: 2014 Cost: $50,000 Bamarang RestorationThis work covers a number of properties at Bamarang and Longreach. This section of the river is mainly fresh water and has suffered bank erosion of previous poor farming practices and, more recently, active water suports. A number of new techniques have also been trialed at these locations including the growing of Gray River mangroves, which usually grow in saline water.
This project started in 2014. The majority of funds are from the NSW Government Local Land Services. Duration: 2014 and ongoing. Cost: $14,000 |