Why we did it
In November 2024 the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) partnered with the North East Catchment Authority in a bold bid to begin the long and difficult restoration of a waterway in East Gippsland, Livingstone Creek. This creek had long suffered from the effects of dredge mining (Lawrence & Davies, 2019), forestry and intensive agricultural.
What we did
The intent was to provide a comprehensive approach to the environmental recovery of the Omeo Valley by planting out the hilltops surrounding the valley with direct seeding of native trees (Greening Australia), fencing, battering eroded sections of the Creek and riparian replanting.
The work was funded under the” Bring Back the Maccas” Program and Greening Australia. The ATF was asked to provide the volunteer support to plant 40,000 plus trees and sedges along the riparian verge over four kilometres of creek bank.
The planting out was scheduled over two weeks and approximately 40 volunteers planted 42,000 plants.
What we found
Regrettably, the success of the achievement was not to last. Station Management changed hands, watering was neglected, severe drought impacted growth, fence gates were turned open to cattle and plants failed to take.
Why does it matter?
Initially celebrated as a great outcome, over time the project became a source of despair for the road to recovery. The presentation will explore the reasons for the waste of resources and the way in which the less-than-ideal outcomes were managed both environmentally and socially for volunteers and stakeholders.