When Glen Innes graziers Rob and Annabel Dulhunty fenced off their dam and revegetated the banks with native trees and shrubs, they were so impressed with their results they are now fencing off all their dams and planting around them.

They have also fenced off their creek, and occasionally graze the fenced-off land to control blackberry and encourage groundcover growth.

Their expenditure to date has already been covered by the increase in their property’s capital value as a result of their improvements.

Their experience is one of the case studies in a new 100 page book, Stock and waterways: A manager’s guide, published by Land and Water Australia.

The book draws on the results of many years’ research into ways landholders can manage the riparian zone – where land meets water – to benefit production and river health.

The guide includes advice on water access points and crossings, fencing systems, fence and gate locations, watering systems, controlled grazing, and weed and pest control.

There is also a case study from each state, illustrating the different challenges faced in managing different types of riparian systems.

In many cases, complete exclusion of domestic stock from riparian land is not desirable, so the guide provides advice on how to tailor riparian management to individual enterprises, including a section on alternative methods of controlling stock if fencing is not practicable or additional protection is required.

The riparian zone has long been a point of contention between people wanting to see healthy waterways, and landholders faced with heavy management costs in fencing and reticulating stock water.

It is good to see this practical publication that addresses landholders’ concerns with good quality, research-based information.

To obtain a free copy, phone 1800 776 616 and quote product code PR061132. You can also download it on the web at www.lwa.gov.au/News/News_Stories/Stock_and_Waterways/indexdl_3437.aspx.