Waterways

Most of Australia’s Rivers appear to run only after big rain events, our river systems are unique and are often described as “flowing upside –down”. So, while a majority of the time they may appear to be inactive on the surface, they are in fact silently playing a vital role in driving water, nutrient and energy cycles throughout the rangelands landscape.

The maintenance of the fringes of our rivers and creek systems – also known as the riparian zones – is vital for the long term health and stability of the whole of the catchment. While the riparian zones generally account for only a very small percentage of the whole catchment they are fundamental as it is in this zone where most of our species of plants and animals move and evolve.

Effective management of our river systems often needs to include actions to control weed species and feral animals, the use or prevention of fire to maintain a healthy and diverse pattern of vegetation and the replacement or regeneration of species lost through past poor management.

Grazing on riparian zones can be compatible with maintenance of wildlife habitat, providing that grazing is planned and managed with care. Many land managers have found the available stock feed in riparian zones can be carefully and strategically used to improve enterprise margins and profitability. Careful grazing can also be used to reduce weed infestations and risk of fire. The key to healthy and resilient riparian zones is good planning, careful monitoring of grazing impacts and prompt removal of stock at the first signs of over utilisation.

“There is little point in one land manager taking steps to manage their riparian lands and vegetation to uphold a healthy waterway if neighbours do not!”