1 great way to protect water & improve your block’s value

It’s an investment in something beautiful and it works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever.

This project is an investment in something beautiful, for the future, and is on on the job 24-7.

Riparian zones (or margins) are areas of land next to drains, small streams or rivers, and surrounding lakes. Planting and managing these areas, helps to protect their natural habitat and enhance water quality, the home to numerous native fish, birds and insects. If well-designed and managed, they can be a valuable asset for your farm and look great too.

One of the key challenges is managing nutrients in our rivers, lakes and estuaries. Bacteria and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) make their way into waterways through run-off and discharges, and can also be transported through soil and groundwater.

Riparian planting alone is unlikely to remove all nutrients, but it is an important part of your management toolbox.

3 benefits of planting around waterways

Generally, nutrients have the greatest impact during summer when river flows are low and nutrient concentrations are high. Sunlight, warmer temperatures, slower flow and nutrient-rich water reduce the habitat available to insects and fish species that prefer cooler, clean, fast-moving water. These conditions also promote the growth of nuisance algae which can smother gravel-bed rivers and streams and contribute to algal growth.

A well-designed riparian margin has a multitude of benefits:

• planting creates shade and shelter for fish and insects, moderating water temperature;

• it reduces erosion by slowing run-off, stabilising banks and trapping sediment, which can help with flood control and improve water clarity;

• minimising sediment also reduces phosphorus, benefitting our waterways by limiting the growth of nuisance algae, improving habitat for aquatic life and making our waterways more pleasant for swimming and fishing.

Flow-on benefits include reduced costs associated with drain clearing, and water filtration and treatment.

Why good planning saves you money

To get the most out of your riparian

planting, it’s best to do your research before you pull out the credit card. Planning should cover everything from design right through to fencing, plant selection, weed control and maintenance.

Your local council may have rules about work that can and cannot be done near a waterway, particularly if you are in a flood control or drainage scheme area. Seek advice before undertaking any work as this can save you time and money in the long run.

Give consideration to local conditions when planning your riparian planting. This includes exposure of plantings to high winds, sea spray and frost, and whether the area is prone to periods of drought or flooding. Natural condition of the soil will also determine optimal plant selection.