The Wilson River is a major tributary of the Hastings River. Historical large scale commercial gravel extraction in the lower Wilson River has progressively lowered the river bed and eroded banks, leading to loss of riparian vegetation and extreme sedimentation. The aim of this project was to introduce engineered large woody debris structures, revegetate riparian zones and exclude stock from a 300 m stretch of the Wilson River. A suite of activities were undertaken to reduce erosion and protect the banks including, the construction of seven large woody debris deflector groynes, 300 metres of fencing to control cattle access and planting of over 4300 endemic riparian plants. This extensive remediation project has reduced further bank erosion, instream sedimentation and loss of riparian vegetation, provided instream habitat for fish and other species, removed impacts of stock grazing and watering, and enhanced riparian vegetation. Over time, water flow around the groynes will reinstate natural pool and riffle sequences and improve habitat diversity. Completed in 2010.

Organisation	Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Contact	Scott Nichols, Ph: (02) 6626 1396, email: [email protected]
Funding Body	NSW Habitat Action Grant, in-kind support