Native Fish Strategy Coordinator with NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Anthony Townsend, said tree planting events will be held in association with local community groups in the Namoi catchment during Native Fish Awareness Week, which runs from November 5 - 12. 

“Members of local community groups partner with recreational fishers, NSW DPI, the Native Fish Strategy and Northern Inland Credit Union, which is funding the activities, to improve streamside and aquatic habitat,” Mr Townsend said. 

“Community groups including Tamworth Urban Landcare Group, Boggabri Public School and Narrabri Bushcare will help restore the banks of rivers and creeks at Boggabri, Narrabri and Tamworth by planting native trees.“ 

Tree planting events will be held at: 

• Boggabri, 12:00pm Friday 11 November, along Cox's Creek, with Boggabri Public School 
• Narrabri, 5:00pm Friday 11 November, along Narrabri Creek (behind Tourist Information Centre), with Narrabri Bushcare, incorporating the launch of the Namoi Oral History booklet (RSVP to Anthony Townsend 0427 782 701) 
• Tamworth,  9:00am Sunday 13 November, along the Peel River (behind Tamworth skate park), with Tamworth Urban Landcare Group (RSVP to Anthony Townsend 0427 782 701)  

Mr Townsend said planting native trees improves the stability of stream banks, water quality and the health of native fish that live in the rivers and creeks. 

“Native trees on riverbanks can provide over 40% of a fish’s diet, are natural buffers that stop dirt entering the waterway and smothering fish, and bind banks together to reduce erosion,” he said. 

“The Native Fish Awareness Week tree planting days provide an opportunity for local communities to help restore native fish stocks and improve the stream habitat.” 

Native Fish Awareness Week is an initiative of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Native Fish Strategy, and is being held across the Murray-Darling Basin to raise awareness about the health of our waterways and the plight of our native fish. 

“When the Native Fish Strategy began in 2003 it was estimated that native fish populations across the Basin were only 10% of those prior to European settlement,” he said. 

“Native Fish Awareness Week is a great opportunity for local communities to find out what is happening to help our native fish, while also offering the opportunity to contribute. 

“Events will be held across the Murray-Darling Basin throughout Native Fish Awareness Week to highlight the importance of a coordinated approach in improving the health of our waterways.” 

For a full list of dates and locations of events, or more information about the Native Fish Strategy, visit www.mdba.gov.au/programs/nativefishstrategy or www.nativefishweek.com.au .

Media contact: Sarah Wright 6391 3686 or 0427 075 167