Sounds of success on river & waterway tour

A group of enthusiastic landholders recently embarked on a bus tour through the Geographe catchment to explore rivers and waterways that have been rehabilitated by landholders interested in protecting the natural areas in their farm.

Through GeoCatch’s Rivercare Program, landholders have undertaken weed control, planted banks with native species and installed fencing to remove stock access to the waterways.

The tour, facilitated by GeoCatch and restoration expert, Greg Overton, started at a newly rehabilitated site, which was fenced and planted out by Chris Credaro in 2023.

Participants were surprised to see a high survival rate of native plants, despite the challenges posed by the extended dry summer, helped on by handwatering.

The successful establishment of the plants led to a great discussion about techniques for effective planting and next steps for in-fill planting in future years.

The second stop, a five year old site restored by local farmer Brodie Allen, had established plant growth creating a thriving habitat for various bird species and native fauna.

Greg commented one of the signs of a successful restoration project is the sound of a site.

“Listen”, he said. “You can hear birds and insects and the gentle flow of water. These sounds signify a functioning eco-system.”

This more established site illustrated the long-term benefits of riparian restoration, and provided a clear example of how the effort of planting and fencing a waterway can transform the landscape and enhance biodiversity.

The final stop at Chip Yelverton’s property offered a remarkable transformation.

Over the course of a decade, what once were bare banks with livestock disturbance, have evolved into a fully functional riparian zone, completed with protective fencing.

Participants were inspired by the dramatic changes.

“At the same time as fencing and planting this creek, we started soil testing and following a targeted fertiliser regime to stop excess nutrients from entering the waterway,” Chip said.

“The success of the projects we saw, is a testament to the commitment of the landholders,” said GeoCatch’s Rivercare Officer, Olivia Tunney. “Each site demonstrated how rehabilitation can be achieved over time and the role that these sites play in creating healthier waterways.”

GeoCatch’s Rivercare Program supports landholders with riparian restoration through stock-proof fencing and planting. It is aimed at reducing nutrients entering waterways with the added benefit of also stabiling banks, reducing erosing as well increasing biodiversity of flora and fauna.

For more info on GeoCatch’s sustainable agriculture program, and the stream restoration program visit www.geocatch.asn.au/farm-management. The event was supported by Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways.