Armidale Urban Rivercare Group (AURG) achieved an outstanding milestone in July with the completion of their Centennial Avenue Rehabilitation project, where more than 500 volunteers 2320 hours to the eastern end of Dumaresq Creek in Armidale. 

Image - Group members removing truck loads of Rubinia and Privet from the revegetation sites.

Bruce Whan, team leader with AURG said, "We received great support from our group members and the local school community over the course of the three-year project."

A total of $83,700 from the NSW Environmental Trust enabled the rehabilitation of more than 2.7 ha of riparian zone along Dumaresq Creek in the eastern end of Armidale.

The grant paid for contractors to do a lot of the heavier work removing woody weeds, while volunteers participated in numerous working bees mulching, weeding, preparing for and planting 18,050 native trees, shrubs and ground covers.

The work done by volunteers is estimated to be valued at $98,890 or more.

"We have many to thank but especially appreciate the support from Southern New England Landcare, Armidale Regional Council, Armidale Dumaresq Lions, Armidale Tree Group, Terry Rhodes, Ducats and Inglis Plumbing," said Bruce.

Bruce reported that the majority of plantings have withstood the drought conditions due to heavy mulching however the more recent plantings are now receiving water from the council water treatment overflow.

The group are back into the swing of regular working bees on the 2nd Sunday of each month starting Sunday 8th September.

For more information contact Bryan Johnston on 0429 721 424 or email bryan.johnston@bigpond.com.

This project was made possible through funding from the NSW Government Environmental Trust Fund. The fund was set up to assist community and government organisations to contribute to the ongoing sustainable management and stewardship of significant environmental assets and services in NSW.