As drought conditions continue throughout the region, the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) is using a different method of revegetation to build resilience on the riverbanks of the Dargo and Wonnangatta Rivers.
Funding through the Victorian Government’s Regional Riparian Action Plan has enabled the EGCMA to work in partnership with landholders to improve the health of the riparian corridor.
A bucket of seed is all it will take to regenerate four hectares along the Dargo and Wonnangatta Rivers. The wild harvested seed; about 4 kgs worth, is expected to germinate over 10,000 seedlings that were directly sown into four sites last week. Species include Tea Tree, Bottlebrush and Mallaleuca varieties to name a few.
Peter Brooks, Works Coordinator at the EGCMA recognises the need to trial new techniques to combat the dry conditions, “This method will help us to plant a large area very quickly and encourages a natural selection of species to improve the biodiversity along our river corridors.”
