Council awarded $1.97m for Cox Creek restoration
Adelaide Hills Council has been awarded $1.97 million in funding for major works to restore Cox Creek in Bridgewater.
The partnership project will protect and improve the creek’s ecological values. Key activities include removal of woody weeds, stabilisation of eroding streambanks, and riparian restoration through revegetation with native species.
The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program which is restoring the health of urban waterways for the benefit of native species and local communities.
The project incorporates 6km of Cox Creek from Mount George Conservation Park to Engelbrook Reserve. It is supported by the Adelaide Hills Council and stakeholders including Bridgewater Friends of Cox Creek, Trees For Life, Arbury Park Outdoor School, National Parks and Wildlife, Friends of Mount George, National Trust South Australia and National Trust volunteers, Bridgewater Inn and a number of private landholders.
“Adelaide Hills Council is the project lead, and with the support of these committed stakeholders, we will be able to engage contactors and volunteers to deliver critical weed management, restoration and revegetation efforts, and creek bank stabilisation works along the watercourse,” said Deputy Mayor Melanie Selwood.
Weed management will target Willow and Ash removal along this section of watercourse as well as Gorse, Broom, Blackberry and Watsonia. Once removed, these weedy species will be replaced with native riparian plants such as Blackwood, Wirilda Wattle, Red-fruit Saw-sedge, and various Carex and Juncus species.
“This important watercourse has significant environmental and ecological significance as well recreational, historical, economic, and social values. It provides important habitat suitable for many native plants and animals, including the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Bassian Thrush and the Eastern Long-necked Turtle.”
Other species supported in the system include Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Rakali (Native Water-rat), Eastern Long-necked Turtle, Brush-tailed Possum, Bibron’s Toadlet, Pygmy Copperhead and a number of native fish species including Galaxias.
“Threatened plants that will be supported through the project include the Ploughshare Wattle, Mount Lofty Phebalium, Spotted Sun-orchid, Candlebark Gum, Manna Gum, and Pink Gum. Many declining woodland birds and invertebrates will also benefit from the project.
“We look forward to working with all of those involved as together we restore this valued section of watercourse loved by all.”