Tweed Shire Council

The project initially involved desktop analysis & ground truthing with landholders and the cane industry to identify the most problematic drainage lines. The next stage involved engagement & education to convince landholders that there are more practical & less resource-intensive ways of managing drainage channels that are economically beneficial & environmentally sustainable. Once suitable sites were located & landholders were committed to participating, works plans developed outlined roles & responsibilities of landholders, local government and contractors. Often the most successful restorations were those that involve significant in-kind contributions and involvement of the landholder. The next stage involved identifying suitable native species that thrive locally and sourcing these from local native nurseries. Typically fast growing groundcovers with fibrous matting roots are used on the southern drain bank to prevent slumping and to capture nutrients and soil in runoff. Trees were planted along the northern bank to provide greater bank stability, uptake of nutrients in runoff and shade which inhibits the growth of aquatic weeds whilst improving fish habitat. Skilled bush regenerators were then used to maintain the site for one to two years after planting to ensure the ecosystem reestablishes, whilst passing on specialist skills to landholders at the same time so they may continue best practice weed control into the future. Field days and workshops were also held to enable the transfer of knowledge to other farmers and to build capacity amongst the industry.The key to success has been the collaboration between all parties as well as a reliable source of funding to enable on-ground works. Major obstacles have been cultural ones where farmers are unwilling to participate or cannot see the benefits of changing practices. These are overcome by utilising industry champions to convey key messages and to demonstrate the benefits by promoting the works on other farms.