FISH habitat is being restored to a degraded estuarine reach of the Maroochy River.
Rehabilitation works in the $250,000 Coolum Creek Confluence Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Project by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council have included the reinstatement of mangroves, the reintroduction of large wood structures and the establishment of a 25-30m riparian buffer in selected areas along the reach.
Positioning logs to re-create the structure fish love. Pic: Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Two types of log structures including log walls and large woody debris have been constructed. These wood structures extend for approximately 450m and are orientated in order to minimise the possible impacts of tidal water movement. Hundreds of grey mangroves have been propagated and planted in the intertidal areas with the help of the Bunya Bunya Country Aboriginal Corporation and community volunteers.
A barrier fence was constructed to protect planted mangroves from boat wash and other debris. On the high bank, land acquired through the Environment Levy has been revegetated with approximately 5000 native plants, which will help to stabilise the river bank.
Low tide and the top parts of the newly installed log structures can be seen. Pic: Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
For more info visit: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=maroochy-river-recovery or contact Dr David Moore, Sunshine Coast Regional Council email:
david.moore@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
