Shellharbour City Council has successfully completed a major project to improve the riparian area along Bensons Creek. This work was made possible through funding from Local Land Services as part of the NSW Government Marine Estate Management Strategy.
Caption: Council's Bush Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Planning Teams at a recent planting day. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Riparian areas are the strips of land along creeks, rivers and lakes. They are important because they protect water quality, prevent erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Riparian rehabilitation means restoring these areas by removing weeds, planting native species and improving soil health so the ecosystem can recover and thrive.
Over the past 18 months, Council's Bushland Management, Nursery, Environment and Strategic Planning teams have worked hard to transform the area. The project involved removing invasive tree weeds, mulching the site, and planting thousands of native species to restore and protect this vital waterway.
In total, 2,200 native grass, shrub and tree species were planted.
These changes will:
- Keep water cleaner by reducing pollution and soil washing into the creek.
- Help the creek naturally remove nitrogen from the water.
- Provide homes for native animals and plants.
- Protect beaches and lakes downstream, like Elliot Lake and Warilla Beach, so they stay safe for swimming, surfing and fishing.
Mayor Chris Homer said healthy creeks mean healthy beaches, and caring for these areas now means they will be here for future generations.
"A healthy creek means a better environment for everyone," he said.
"We want to protect the places where we love to swim, surf and fish. It's a valuable investment in nature and in the lifestyle we all enjoy."
If you see a tree being cut, poisoned or damaged, please report it to Council. Use the Tree Management form
