For local landholders
We are looking to partner with landholders of riverfront properties in the Barnard, Dingo and Nowendoc Catchments as shown on the River Revival project area map.
Header image credit: Phil Spark
BACKGROUND
When the upper Manning River and its tributaries ran dry in the 2019 drought, precious aquatic wildlife such as Manning River Helmeted Turtle, spiny crayfish, and platypus were confined to refuge pools.
With funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, Hunter Local Land Services and MidCoast Council, Council, through the River Revival project is partnering, with local delivery service providers, community groups and the community to monitor, protect and restore a network of refuge pools, associated riverbank habitat and connected waterways in the Nowendoc River, Barnard River, and Dingo Creek catchments.
THE PROGRAM
River Revival is a three-year program, whose activities include assessing and prioritising refugia and on-ground riparian restoration (stock exclusion, bank stabilisation, bush regeneration, pest and weed control), Riverwatch sampling and community engagement workshops.
To date, riparian restoration includes 13 landholders actively involved in the program protecting 9.8km of river reach including on-ground works across 34.7ha of riparian land, with Council contributing over 3000 native riparian plants. The restored network of refuge pools and riparian habitat will enhance the resilience of aquatic fauna to climate change stressors.
Additionally, each year of the project, 2 community engagement workshops and quarterly citizen science monitoring events across the Barnard and Dingo catchments help grow understanding, stewardship, and participation in the project.
We are still looking for RiverWatch volunteers and on-ground riverbank restoration sites with deep pools throughout the Manning catchment. To express interest email ourmanningriver@midcoast.nsw.gov.au
River revival is assisted with funds from two grants. The NSW Environmental Trust provided $169,340 to restore fauna refuge pools and the Australian Government contributed $143,500 to assist Manning River Turtle habitat recovery after the black summer fires. Council’s co-contribution of $69,860 from the Environmental Rate helped secure the grants.
Get involved
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For community volunteers
Would you like to be a citizen scientist and join in a community-led River Revival monitoring initiative? We are looking for volunteers in the Nowendoc, Barnard and Dingo catchments.
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RiverWatch sampling
Join us to explore the river and assist with RiverWatch water quality sampling.
Mapping and protecting turtle nests
Can you help us find, report and protect turtle nests in the Nowendoc, Barnard and Dingo catchments?
See the River Revival fact sheet on this page to learn more about the Manning River Helmeted Turtle, how to identify them during the upcoming nesting season and how to report a sighting.
Aquatic fauna in the Manning
River refuge pools are home to the Manning River Helmeted Turtle, known as the most beautiful turtle in Australia – we certainly think so anyway! Platypus, frogs, freshwater fish and rare spiny crayfish also live in these pools and need healthy riverbank vegetation to thrive.
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Manning River Helmeted Turtles
Manning River Helmeted Turtles are found only in the mid and upper reaches of the Manning River and its tributaries. They mainly feed during the daytime on large insects, fruit and water plants, helping to control aquatic vegetation and keep streams healthy. Clutches of eggs are laid after the first rains in spring. As a short-necked turtle which cannot retract its neck into its shell, the Manning River Helmeted Turtle has limited ability to migrate overland and persist in drought.
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Platypus
The platypus is a semi-aquatic species found only in Eastern Australia. It feeds exclusively in pools, dining on small insects such as water bugs and caddisflies. A feeding session may last up to 24 hours and involve 1,600 dives. Platypus prefers areas with steep banks that contain roots, overhanging vegetation, reeds and logs. They sleep in burrows 3-6 m long and block the entrance with pugs of compacted soil. Recent studies indicate platypus habitat has shrunk by 22% in the last 30 years.
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The Australian Bass
The Australian Bass is a native fish that spends most of its time in fresh water, but migrates downstream each winter to breed in the saltwater lower reaches of rivers and streams. They are carnivorous, feeding on insects, larvae, shrimps and yabbies. Bass are prized by anglers and many fishers practice catch and release to help conserve the species.
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Spiny crayfish
Spiny Crayfish generally prefer cool, clear, flowing water. All species rely on streams for their survival and will be found in or in close proximity to rivers or creeks. They have a set of spines along the bottom of the claws, making recognition relatively easy. Spiny crayfish play an important role in aquatic food webs and are considered a keystone species. They are major processors of organic matter acting as shredders, predators, collectors and grazers.
Current project area
The River Revival
initiative is currently taking place in the areas shown in dark green below,
with plenty of exciting opportunities for landholders and volunteers to get
involved. Click on the map below to enlarge it.
Outcomes we are aiming for
Below are some outcomes we are seeking to achieve in the River Revival project.
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Protect and restore 100 ha of riparian land
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Manage and monitor 7km of waterways
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Deliver pest animal control at priority sites
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Involve 15 landholders in river restoration
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Hold 6 community events
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Manage 2 in-stream habitat trials
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Trial use of eDNA
This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust and the Australian Government through its Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Program. It is part of the Manning River Estuary and Catchment Management Program.
Helpful documents
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Fact sheet - River RevivalPDF (775.87 KB) -
Fact sheet - Manning River Helmeted TurtlePDF (1,019.38 KB)
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Fact sheet - Manning River Helmeted Turtle Nesting AwarenessPDF (429.31 KB)
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Teaching ResourcePDF (8.03 MB)
NSW Saving our Species- Manning River Helmeted Turtle on the Edge. Stage 6 Biology, Module 4: Ecosystem Dynamics on the Manning River Turtle.
