The Bellinger River and Estuary Restoration project is an exciting Our Living Coast initiative which will see major environmental works being completed that will better protect this wonderful natural asset.
This is a project in conjunction with Bellingen Shire Council, local residents, Landcare and other community groups. The project centres on river corridor revegetation, riverbank erosion control, protection and enhancement of flying fox habitat and carbon forest establishment.
Bellinger river
Bellingen Island supports a unique remnant of floodplain subtropical rainforest in the Bellinger Valley. Works will improve the island’s flying fox habitat through weed control and expansion plantings and revegetation. Significant riverbank erosion works will also be carried out to protect the rainforest remnant which currently experiences significant erosion during flood events.
The Mylestom coastal biodiversity enhancement project in the lower estuary will see the protection and enhancement of coastal ecosystems through weed control and bush plantings.
Following the closure of the Bellinger River to Oyster harvesting in 2006, Bellingen Shire developed the Bellinger River Health Plan. The Our Living Coast project will continue the site specific actions identified in the plan that will help provide a healthier river. The project will aim to implement protection plans at seven properties along the river.
A locally native mixed species carbon forest will also be implemented to assist landholders to establish and maintain native vegetation with the possibility of obtaining revenue streams through carbon offset schemes.
The recently held Bellinger River Festival was a wonderful event which proved very popular with residents. This formed part of the Our Living Coast project.
Mylestom pool
