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Community Tree Planting to Rehabilitate River’s Edge

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Community Engagement

Staff normally more at home behind a computer have left the confines of their offices to help rehabilitate a stretch of the Avon River between York and Beverley. Employees with the Department of Water and Wheatbelt NRM spent a wet day in August helping to plant more than 3000 seedlings by hand. They had chosen a spot on the property of David Fleay, three kilometres upstream from Gwambygine Pool. Revegatation and fencing activities at the property are part of a project to improve the health of the pool. The Department’s Michael Allen said a key focus was trying to reduce sediment levels in Gwambygine and prevent further sediment accumulating. “By planting trees this will help to stabilise the banks of creeks that flow into the pool and river,” Michael Allen said. “We’ve already seen an improvement in the condition of the pool after the excavation of 8,000 cubic metres of sand. “Now we need to work to stop further sediment from entering this important waterway.” Michael Allen said planting by hand meant it stopped further disturbance along the waterways. “The areas we plant by hand are often water logged and vehicle access is limited,” Michael Allen said. “Planting by hand is a cost effective method of planting out relatively small sites. “This year we have been involved in planting six sites with a total of 40,000 seedlings.” Natarsha Woods from Wheatbelt NRM said it gave staff the chance to get their hands dirty. “So often we help facilitate important works like this, but unfortunately we don’t often get the opportunity to be at the coal face,” Natarsha Woods said. “It’s also good to know these trees will have a great start, with all the wet weather we’ve had.” The project was made possible thanks to funding from the State government’s natural resource management program. Media contact: Natarsha Woods, Wheatbelt NRM 9690 2250 or 0428 927 052