The Darlington Point Aboriginal community are carrying out some excellent restoration work within the riparian zone of Willbriggie State Forest, Forests NSW assistant forest manager at Yanco Forest Centre, Rod Foster said today.

"This is a great project which improves the environment and increases the skills of the Aboriginal community at Darlington Point," Mr Foster said.

"The work includes 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 and felling of the smaller ones. Within seconds of felling, the stumps are painted with Roundup to prevent further growth.

"This helps with the regeneration of the native species, that would normally inhabit the riparian zones within the forest."

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

This project is one of eight funded by the Murrumbidgee CMA within the catchment 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 were undertaking protection, enhancement and restoration activities to help restore wetland and riparian areas and areas of cultural significance within the Darlington Point area and Murrumbidgee Shire.

The current group of eight, ranging in age between 17 and in their 50s, are 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.

"The group will be working in Willbriggie State Forest and surrounding crown lands for another 12 months, and possibly longer if external funding is extended for this very worthwhile project," Ms Cameron said.

A photo is available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669