Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced a huge $40,000 boost for efforts of the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association to rehabilitate a 12-kilometre section the Horton River and restore the native fish population.
Mr Marshall made the announcement in Bingara last week, and said the grant was part of $1.1 million NSW Government program to help 30 of the state’s recreational angling clubs, community groups, landholders and local councils to rehabilitate fish habitats.
“The Upper Gwydir Landcare Association put forward an excellent proposal and I was more than happy to lend my support,” Mr Marshall said.
“They should be applauded for their work in the application as it was a highly competitive process with 71 applicants.”
The State MP said the innovative project aimed to restore an important riparian zone and provide food, shade and shelter for native fish and other aquatic life in the Horton River system.
“The project will see stock fencing put up along a 12-kilometre section of the Upper Horton River that will include 4km on Crown Land (Travelling Stock Route) and 8km of private land,” he said.
“A fish ladder will be installed on the Weir Road Crossing which in its present state acts as a barrier to fish passage and then three snag piles will be placed in the river to provide a refuge habitat for the fish.
“Work will also be done to control pest plant species including green cestrum, willows, sweet briar and palm trees.”
Upper Gwydir Landcare officer Brooke Kelly said the organisation had undertaken some preliminary work with landholders in the area.
“We held a field day for the landholders whose properties front this section of the Upper Horton – it’s important that we make them aware of what we will be doing there,” Mrs Kelly said.
