Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Removing willows from Launceston rivers
When a city such as Launceston sits at sea level at the junction of two rivers - the North and South Esk - flooding is a constant threat. The great flood of 1929 made 4000 people homeless and most bridges in the midlands were carried away.
Flood damage to city levees is now reduced due to work by the combined North Esk Landcare groups, who have removed thousands of tonnes of crack willows along the river floodplain which were blocking the river.
Today previous flows likely to cause flooding are contained within the banks and any flooding recedes within hours rather days resulting in less damage to properties and the riverbank.
Funding
A rescue effort of around $84,000, funded by the Australian Government, has brought the choked river back to life.
Activities
Gus Green has volunteered for the North Esk River Landcare group for 15 years and said the results were "out of this world."
"Before we started you couldn't see the river at all. It was lifeless because of the willow infestations," Gus said.
"We had about 40 people working on it at one stage and we're still taking willows out. What started in 1989 with the formation of the Landcare group has transformed an urban landcare situation into a project for the whole people."
The crack willows have since been used as mulch for newly-planted native trees, which revegetate a five kilometre stretch of riverbank.
On the other side of the river from Gus, lives Dr Bill Wood, a marine scientist who in his spare time volunteers with the local Landcare group.
"Once the willows get old they fall over and block the flow. This increases drag and the river flows over its banks as the water can't get away," Bill said.
"Farmers use the water for irrigation of high value crops, however even minor floods were inundating lucerne and poppy crops and threatening livestock. Once the willows were removed the problem improved out of sight."
Willows are European deciduous trees and when in leaf do not allow sunlight through to water plants. This dramatically changes the ecology of the river.
Now the river is returning to its natural state, platypus can be regularly seen and the threatened Green-and-Gold-Frog spotted. The valley is also supporting a diverse bird population including Sea Eagles and other raptors such as Peregrine Falcons.
More information
- James McKee: (03) 6333 7772 or jmckee@nrmnorth.org.au
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