Lucas Creek has faced many changes in the last 10-20 years as Albany has grown up around it. Runoff, pollution, erosion damage and weed infestation have made the stream the focus of a restoration programme as part of a wider catchment management plan.
The scope of the project includes restoring the stream bank to a more natural state, removing weeds, introducing native riparian plants to improving the natural habitat and providing walking path with viewing platforms alongside the creek. Over 28,000 plants will be planted along the banks, many of these at a community planting day in winter 2010.
Working alongside the council team is John McCullah from the United States. John is an expert in innovative natural solutions for stream improvement and his expertise is bringing a new element to this high profile project. You can find out more about his work by following the external links on the right hand side of this page.
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Following many years of planning, physical works got underway at Hooten Reserve during January, with up to three diggers on site at any one time during the last two weeks of the month.
The project got off to a quick start to make the most of the time and expertise of John McCullah who was visiting the site for two weeks. John is an international expert on stream restoration and the work crews moved fast to get several key features started under John’s guidance.
The improvements will ‘kick start’ the natural processes found in a healthy stream - gentle ripples and curves, riparian plants and safe areas where water spread out during heavy rain.
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This picture shows a ‘living wall’ made up of compost socks, natural stream bank stabilisation using roots and rocks (which also provide habitat for fish and eels), composting for erosion control and planting, and stream widening. |
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Compost socks to help stabilise stream banks and encourage natural riparian growth. |
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Hay socks to help control sediment. |
