The Darlington Point  Aboriginal community has been carrying out restoration work along creek and  river banks of Willbriggie State Forest  near Darlington Point, 60 kilometres south of Griffith.

The work is part of a  project being developed by Murrumbidgee Shire Council and Murrumbidgee  Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

Forests NSW assistant  forest manager at Yanco Forest Centre, Rod Foster, said the work included  removing trees which are hindering the growth of native trees such as red gums,  river sheoaks and wattles.

“This is done by  injecting the stem on the larger peppercorn and mock orange trees with Roundup,  and felling the smaller ones. Within seconds of felling, the stumps are painted  with Roundup to prevent further growth.

“This helps the  regeneration of native species that would normally grow in these parts of the  forest,” he said.

This project is one of  eight funded by the Murrumbidgee CMA aimed at engaging the traditional owners  and Aboriginal people in natural resource management.

Indigenous community  support officer with the Murrumbidgee CMA, Jodi Cameron, said the group was  undertaking protection, enhancement and restoration activities to help restore  wetlands, creek and river banks, and areas of cultural significance within the  area.

The current group of  eight, ranging in age from 17 years to people in their 50s, is employed by  Griffith Skills Training Centre, and come from the Birrang Enterprise  Development Company.

Birrang  Enterprise Development Company services communities surrounding Griffith that are  considered to have fewer employment opportunities. The trainees will also have  the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Conservation and Land  Management.

This article appears in the Autumn/Winter 2010 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.