Dozens of volunteers from across the state are preparing to spend time next month on the Livingstone Creek in Omeo Valley to plant trees in support of the endangered Macquarie perch.
The regeneration project will see 40,000 native trees and shrubs planted alongside works to rehabilitate critical habitat for aquatic species and improve waterway health.
The planting is focused on 17km of critical Macquarie perch habitat, from the top of the Omeo Valley to the junction with Mitta River (Hinnomunjie bridge).
Volunteers will be involved with the tree planting each morning over two weeks between November 11 and 22. They will have their afternoons free to enjoy the river.
The “Bringing back the Maccas to Livingstone Creek” project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Nature Fund and supports other rehabilitation works completed by the North East CMA and Greening Australia.
The North East CMA has completed in stream timber habitat works, fencing and weed control on Livingstone Creek, as part of the project.
Macquarie Perch (“Maccas”) are an iconic large-bodied native fish within the Murray Darling Basin. Once hailed as one of the most numerous among native fish species, a massive decline in numbers over their entire range has reduced them to a small number of fragmented populations scattered across Eastern Victoria and South Eastern NSW.
The large-scale planting project is supported by members of the Australian Trout Foundation, Omeo Angling Club, Benambra Angling Club, Friends of the Mitta River, Landcare, Bairnsdale Fly Fishing Club and Government agencies.
Every tree and shrub planted by a volunteer saves approximately $4 per tree, which means far more trees can be planted in total.
