Native trees, shrubs or grasses on river banks and areas adjacent to wetlands are vital. This riparian vegetation buffer helps stabilise riverbanks and reduce erosion and subsequent siltation. The vegetation contributes food for fish such as organic matter and insects. The buffer strip will also help filter nutrients and sediments from run-off, reducing the likelihood of algal blooms. Well-developed riparian vegetation also provides a greater diversity of in-stream habitat for fish and shade for the creek. These areas help protect biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors that enable animals and birds to move freely. Buffer areas also provide open space and community recreationopportunities. Setbacks of 50-100 metres for key fish habitat are recommended to ensure the water quality and habitat are adequately protected from adjoining developments.
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Somerset Park. Image Orange City Council
Somerset Park provides a much needed passive open space for a range of recreational pursuits in an expanding urban landscape. The park also protects an un-named watercourse that collects urban stormwater runoff from the north western parts of the city. Recognising the poor health of the Park and the impact willows were having, Orange City Council initiated a riparian rehabilitation and revegetation project over 1.3 km of the watercourse. More...