Summer Hill Creekcare received a Department of Primary Industries Grant

Owned by Charles Sturt University, the land known as ‘Risky Paddock’ has been identified by CSU as rich in biodiversity.

Until this year, it was a flood-prone grazing paddock bordered on its western side by dense willows which provided little habitat for native fauna or flora and exacerbated the flooding.

The trees were removed last year with the assistance of a grant from Central Tablelands Local Land Services and help from Orange City Council and CSU.

Summer Hill Creekcare President said with the latest grant the group – assisted by OCC, CSU, LLS, the Clifton Grove Working Group and fishing clubs – aims to stabilise the banks, control the weeds, create a more natural floodplain, improve fish habitat and raise awareness of the need for river rehabilitation. 

Cilla Kinross said there will be a lot of opportunities for the community to be involved with the project.

“So it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get on with it,” she said.

Planning will be discussed at the group’s next meeting on February 6 from 7.30 pm at 870 Ophir Road, Summer Hill Creek.