Water for Wildlife in the Riverina Rangelands
On-ground works are well underway at tw properties and plans are almost complete for works to begin on a number of other sites, including both private properties and public Travelling Stock Reserves.
About the on-site works
Site 1
These spike-rush shallows have supported a number of different frog species and the Baillon's Crake, a wetland bird that never strays far from the cover of waterplants. The expansion of these shallows and their protection from continuous grazing will build on the existing significance of this ground tank, and give the site a better chance of supporting more significant species like the Australian Painted Snipe. This site demonstrates how small scale, low cost enhancement can make a big difference.
Earthworks are being undertaken to extend an existing spike-rush shallows area. Part of the existing shallows, including the extended area, will be fenced off for protection from stock.
These spike-rush shallows have supported a number of different frog species and the Baillon's Crake, a wetland bird that never strays far from the cover of waterplants. The expansion of these shallows and their protection from continuous grazing will build on the existing significance of this ground tank, and give the site a better chance of supporting more significant species like the Australian Painted Snipe. This site demonstrates how small scale, low cost enhancement can make a big difference.
The diagram below shows the area of the shallows and proposed new fenceline.
Site 2
Earthworks are similarly being undertaken at the second site to create four reed bed pits that will provide habitat for cryptic wetland fauna.
These reed beds will boost the wildlife carrying capacity of the site by supporting species like the Clamorous Reed Warbler, which would otherwise not occur here. The constructed reed beds are specifically intended to provide roosting and nesting opportunities for the nationally endangered Australasian Bittern. This cover dependent waterbird will be able to forage in the existing Canegrass and spike-rush shallows, but now have areas with taller waterplants to roost and breed. The fill from the excavated pits will be used to create mudflat islands aimed at supporting shorebirds, including species like the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper that migrates from Siberia each year.
Two catch drains and a new bank are also being created, to improve water management on the site, and fencing will be installed around the northern section of the site, to facilitate improved stock management. The map below shows the location of the four reed beds in red, and the proposed fenceline in yellow.
