Gudgenby River Restoration Project

This project will deliver on-ground riparian restoration works along the Gudgenby River in the Williamsdale area, drawing on the successful approaches of the Rivers of Carbon (RoC) initiative. With support from the Williamsdale BESS Community Grants Program, the funding will yield the following benefits:

• Approximately 800m of stock exclusion fencing: This will reduce the impacts of overgrazing, soil compaction (pugging), and bank degradation, while also limiting direct livestock access to waterways and faecal pollution.
• Erosion control works: These measures will stabilise vulnerable areas and greatly reduce sediment loss, preventing large volumes of soil from entering and degrading the river system.
• Approximately 1.5ha of woody weed control: Targeted removal of invasive woody species will reduce competition with native vegetation, improve habitat quality, minimise impacts on water quality, and improve natural bank structure and hydrological processes.
• Alternative stock water supply: Provision of off-stream watering points will ensure livestock have access to clean, reliable water, while further encouraging landholder participation and reducing pressure on riparian zones.
• Approximately 800 native trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted: Establishment of native vegetation will stabilise banks and erosion sites, improve water filtration, and enhance habitat for local fauna.

These actions are designed to improve water quality, reduce erosion, increase biodiversity, and build resilience along a 700m stretch of the Gudgenby River, while enhancing collaboration among landholders, First Nations and the broader community. The pictures below show what the area looks like before the restoration work has started.

Through Eku Energy’s support, we’re working with landholders in the Gudgenby River Valley to restore Half Moon Creek, strengthening biodiversity, caring for Country and achieving lasting river health.

Dr Siwan Lovett, CEO at Australian River Restoration Center

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