A community planting day at Eden's Freshwater Creek.
6 May 2025
A stretch of Freshwater Creek in Eden is looking healthier and greener thanks to riparian restoration works led by Bega Valley Shire Council's Environmental Services team.
Coastal Management Officer, Rachel Duczynski said the creek, which flows into Lake Curalo, had become overrun with weeds and was in urgent need of care.
"The poor amenity of the creek had led to concern regarding the health of the lake and the fish within" Ms Duczynski said.
"With support from NSW DPI Fisheries' Recreational Fishing Trust's Habitat Action Grant Program, the project focused on removing invasive weeds like arum lily, agapanthus and dense vine species, and replacing them with native plants to improve water quality and fish habitat.
The first stage of the project wrapped up in June 2024. Since then, Council has continued maintaining the site to give the new plantings the best chance to thrive.
"Approximately 400 native plants were added along the foreshore, with Eden Marine High School students and community members rolling up their sleeves and pitching in at local working bees," Ms Duczynski said.
"Two information signs have been installed to explain the importance of riparian vegetation and the threats facing our waterways.
"Riparian zones—which are vegetated creek and riverbanks—do a lot of heavy lifting. They provide food and shelter for wildlife, help stabilise the banks and filter runoff to keep waterways clean.
"The results of the restoration work are already showing. With the weeds under control, native species are beginning to regenerate naturally—a great sign for the creek's future."
Council's work at Freshwater Creek is part of a wider program to restore natural ecosystems across the shire and support healthy waterways.
