Riparian Restoration & Willow Removal project - Wagga Wagga City Council

Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) are currently undertaking a 'Riparian Restoration and Willow Removal' project funded by the Caring for Country grants in partnership with Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

The project aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage values in significant riparian areas of the Murrumbidgee River through removal of willows and revegetation with native plants. The Project will complement and continue on with joint CMA and WWCC activities previously undertaken through the Maldhangilanna Wetland and Riparian Restoration Projects.

The first stage of the  project was the removal of over 300 willows and 10ha of other woody weeds including privet, which was undertaken by Plateau Tree Services with works commencing the week beginning 26th October 2009 and extend for approximately 6 weeks.

The defined project area covers approximately 3.5km and includes Orange Tree Reserve, Wiradjuri Reserve, TSR South of Bridge,  Wiradjuri Bridge to Boat Ramp, and Boat Ramp to Islands on the Wilks park side of the river at North Wagga. Currently Plateau Tree Services are grinding the removed willow material which is to be stored at a stockpile site at Wiradjuri to be aged and then renewed when revegetation occurs.