GREEN ARMY TAKES STOCK OF TWO-YEAR RESTORATION PROJECT

MORE than 2500 people across the Downs have been involved in rehabilitating 650 hectares along the Condamine River as part of a targeted biodiversity project.

The Condamine Alliance Enrich (water) project has crossed the finish line and today released the final results for the two-year project.

The work was focused in two main stretches between Killarney, Warwick and Cecil Plains.

Land managers in these locations received assistance and support to revegetate, remove weeds, control wild pigs, install off-stream watering points and fence waterways.

As well as local farmers, the project involved schools, council, Landcare and other community groups in a huge team effort to restore biodiversity, protect riverbanks and increase connectivity.

As a result, participants planted almost 8900 native trees, shrubs and groundcover and constructed 43 off-stream watering points.

Weeds and wild pigs were managed over 110 hectares and 312ha respectively, and nearly 60km of riparian fencing was installed.

Condamine Alliance project leader Kevin Graham said communities in Warwick, Killarney, Clifton, Millmerran and Allora all got behind the project.

“We’ve had a great time working with more than 770 students from 15 schools and clubs to plant native

Wh‘at we have been able to achieve as part of this project will have benefits for generations to come... – Condamine Alliance project leader Kevin Graham

trees in their river stretches,” Mr Graham said.

“The excursions were strongly supported by Southern Downs Regional Council, Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group, Millmerran Landcare Group, Warwick Fish Stocking Association, Warwick Shire River Improvement Trust, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Killarney Bushcare.

“Public and private landholders were very supportive too and their involvement was essential to the project’s overall success.

“What we have been able to achieve as part of this project will have benefits for generations to come and that is a special legacy we have all had a hand in.”

Monitoring and evaluation studies have reported that the riparian condition at all sites has improved as a result of the activities.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED TOP EFFORT: Involved in the Enrich (water) project are (from left) Ed Kemp, Roger Martin and Bob Reid from the Warwick District Fish Stocking Association.