A project to revitalise the Castlereagh Riverbank area has been completed, a win for local users of the river, visitors enjoying the area, and the longer-term health of the waterway.
“Revitalising the riverbank area of the Castlereagh River in Coonabarabran is a project that is close to the hearts of many in our community,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “This was a project that brought a number of people together and all involved should be proud of their efforts.”
The Castlereagh Riverbank Revitalisation project has improved the health of the river and riverbank by significantly reducing woody weeds and other invasive species, allowing space for native regrowth.
“The project involved planting 1,700 local riparian plants and 10kg of native grass seed throughout 220m of riverbank. As well as that, essential native habitat was created by including riparian snags, tree hollows, and fauna movement corridors,” explained Cr Doolan.
“Long-term results from the project will be improving fish habitat and water quality along the Castlereagh River, which is part of the Murray-Darling Basin.”
“In addition to the environmental benefits, it was great to see a project like this bring people together. A community planting day and barbecue was held on site, which attracted 75 community members to participate in planting,” said Cr Doolan.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is pleased to see funding from the former Coalition Government’s LRCI program being used to improve vial aspects of the landscape in towns like Coonabarabran.
“The people of Coonabarabran have been actively involved with this project and I commend everyone for the work they have put in which has greatly enhanced the health and appearance of the Castlereagh River,” Mr Coulton said.
“It is a wonderful investment and I trust it will result in environmental benefits on this stretch of river for years to come.”
The Castlereagh Riverbank Revitalisation project was made possible through $75,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia. This project was the first stage of works to revitalise the Castlereagh River, with the next stage set to build on the LRCI Program. Warrumbungle Shire Council was successful in receiving a total of $3.1M in funding for eight projects under the LRCI Program.
“We are very grateful for this funding, which is being used to deliver high-priority community projects right across the local government area,” said Cr Doolan.
“The Castlereagh Riverbank at Coonabarabran has become an accessible and picturesque picnic and fishing spot, conveniently located near the Castlereagh Highway for locals and tourists to enjoy,” concluded Cr Doolan.