Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Kilaben Creek restored with boardwalk
Building 70 metres of boardwalk in a small garage, a group of volunteers has transformed an impassable fire track into a scenic and accessible bushwalk along Kilaben Creek, which now attracts visitors from far and wide.
Funding
In 2004 the Australian Government provided more than $19,000 to help the Kilaben Bay Landcare Group (then Kilaben-Carey Bay Progress Association Neighbourhood Watch) change the face of an old golf course in the Kilaben Creek catchment.
Activities
"The area was badly degraded, overgrown with lantana and the walking track - which went over eroded water gullies - was at times impossible to negotiate because of the water," Kilaben Bay Landcare Coordinator, Graham Whitelaw, said.
"We pre-fabricated sections of boardwalk in a garage, then gradually brought them to the site and put them up over the gullies and uneven ground.
"With some parts being elevated, it shows the wetlands and gullies nearby."
The boardwalk meanders along the creek, protecting vulnerable plants below, while existing walking tracks have been stabilised and upgraded to prevent erosion and sedimentation washing into the nearby wetlands.
"Anyone, even people in wheelchairs, can now enjoy this beautiful 45-minute walk in pristine bushland," Graham said.
"We've also installed good signage to promote the values of our environment and help people identify areas they see along the walk."
Achievements
In just 18 months the volunteers built and installed the boardwalk, removed weeds and planted 2,000 native plants and trees over a one-kilometre stretch of the Kilaben Creek bank.
The group's efforts, which were also supported by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Lake Macquarie Council, the Department of Lands, and local schools and businesses, earned them second place in the Newcastle and Hunter Environmental Achievement Awards.
"We identified five separate vegetation communities of Saltmarsh, Mangrove Estuarine complexes, Swamp Oak Sedge Forest, Redgum Roughbarked Apple Swamp Forest and Smooth-barked Apple/Peppermint Forest," Graham said.
"Word has spread far and wide that it's a beautiful walk. I've had a lot of groups ring up saying they have heard about it and wanting to find out more.
"We're hoping to produce a brochure to answer some of the questions, and promote the major features of the walk to encourage more people to visit the area."
While the project was completed and the boardwalk officially opened in March 2006, the volunteers will continue to maintain the site.
More information
- Graham Whitelaw, Kilaben Bay Landcare Coordinator: (02) 4959 1081 or lro@kooee.com.au
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window