Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Restoring the Clarence River Floodplain
Ten years ago the Clarence River Floodplain was far from healthy. Wetlands were being drained, estuaries alienated and poor quality water pumped into the river system - the result of more than a century of flood protection structures like floodgates and drains.
A very different picture is evident today. Water quality has improved, fish and waterbird habitats and wetlands have been restored, and grazing, fisheries and sugarcane productivity increased.
This is all the result of the award-winning, decade-long Clarence Floodplain Project.
"We're aiming to solve the problems at the same time as providing flood protection where it's needed," Project Manager Peter Wilson said.
Funding
The Australian Government has contributed around $1 million to the project, which was initiated by Clarence Valley Council Floodplain Services.
It's also supported by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the New South Wales Government, Clarence Cane Growers Association, Clarence River Fishermen's Cooperative, North Coast Environment Council, Indigenous Land Councils, the University of New England, Southern Cross University and local landholders and community groups.
Activities
Careful management of the floodgates and drains on the Clarence Floodplain is central to the project.
"Clarence Valley Council is one of the Australian leaders in technologies that allow water exchange and fish passage through floodgates and tidal weirs," Peter said. "We've worked actively with engineers and companies to test sustainable prototypes for tidal gates, fish flaps, sluice gates, water retention structures and various floodgate lifting devices."
Automatic and winched floodgates mean habitat areas are no longer shut off from the estuary and tides can move more freely.
Landholders have been involved in all aspects of the planning and management of drains and watercourses on their land, operating water control structures, monitoring water conditions and liaising with council staff.
Achievements
Peter estimates that since the project began, more than 200 kilometres of waterways have been opened up and restored. Some 250 landowners have been involved in the management of creeks and drains and more than 60 watercourse management plans put in operation.
This success has been reflected in a number of awards including a win in the Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards in 2003/04 and 2005/06 and a commendation in the National Awards for Local Government in 2004.
More information
- " Peter Wilson, Clarence Valley Council, Floodplain Services: (02) 6641 7350 cvfs@clarence.nsw.gov.au
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window