Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Increasing biodiversity at Rangari Creek
The banks of Rangari Creek have been slowly washing away, but on at least one property this problem is becoming history.
"Rangari is usually a dry creek, and each time the rain comes down it causes substantial damage to the creek banks, which slump in," said landholder Douglas Richard.
"There are a lot of Weeping Myalls there, which are unique and attractive, but they've been affected. We wanted to stop stock from accessing the creek to prevent further damage to banks."
Douglas and Mary Richard's property is located near Kelvin Community Conservation area, which provides a home to numerous birds and wildlife.
"We also wanted to preserve that and enhance plant corridors the previous owners had left on the property, so wildlife could travel between the state forest and the creek," he said.
Funding
So in 2004 the Australian Government provided the Richards with almost $9,000 to help them in their endeavour.
Activities
Slowly but surely Douglas and Mary chipped away at the task every time they had some spare time.
"We have creek frontage right along our 323-hectare property and we fenced that off," Douglas said. "We were lucky the creek is on our property with the boundary fence on the other side, so we didn't have to negotiate with neighbours to fence it off.
"We then planted about 1,500 native trees and shrubs, including Acacia, Weeping Myall, Red Gum, Ironbark and Yellowbox.
"We've completed most of it apart from a 500-metre area along the riverbank. The trees are ready but it wouldn't be good to plant at the moment, so we're holding out for a bit of wet weather."
Douglas said the wildlife corridors were also fenced off and protected against the Richards' 600 sheep.
"We figured if you want to contribute to the environment it will take some work, and we want to have something to pass on to future generations," Douglas said.
Achievements
While the drought has forced Douglas and Mary to continue grazing the creek, Douglas said their hard work had already helped stabilise the banks.
"We're seeing shrubs and Acacias come up - even where we've not planted we're seeing regeneration, so we've dramatically reduced damage along the creek," he said.
"We've also increased biodiversity. We're seeing a lot of birdlife in the corridors, including Diamond Fire Tail Finches. I think they're more protected now and better able to forage."
More information
- Douglas Richard: (02) 6743 2260 or glenmore7@bigpond.com
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