More than 17,000 native plants are now in the ground across Lismore as the Rainforest to River project continues to transform important rainforest, wetland and riverbank habitat across the city.
Over 500 Landcare and community volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to support the project so far, with their efforts already producing impressive results.
At the South Lismore Duck Pond, some of the native trees planted by volunteers have already grown to more than two metres tall, providing an early glimpse of how these areas will change as the project matures.
Lismore City Council Environmental Strategies Officer Hannah Rice-Hayes said the growth showed what could be achieved through sustained restoration and strong community involvement.
“To see some of the trees at the South Lismore Duck Pond already reaching more than two metres in around 10 months is incredible,” Ms Rice-Hayes said.
“It’s fantastic to see the difference being made by our Landcare groups, project partners and volunteers, and to watch these sites begin to change so quickly.”
Rainforest to River is restoring critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest and other important habitat across 16 sites covering 42 hectares throughout Lismore.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the project is helping reconnect fragmented areas of vegetation, creating stronger habitat corridors for native wildlife while improving biodiversity and the health of Lismore’s waterways.
Restoration work includes planting native species as well as controlling weeds and supporting natural regeneration, helping create healthier ecosystems that are more resilient to threats including flooding, weeds and pollution.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said it was great to see Landcare groups and the local community collaborate on habitat restoration projects.
“Restoring riparian habitat is one of the best ways we can support healthy rivers and the native animals and plants that depend on them,” Minister Watt said.
“The Albanese Government is proud to fund initiatives like this across the country, helping to leave nature better than we found it.”
With spring approaching, the next round of community planting days will give residents another opportunity to play a hands-on role in the restoration.
“One of the great things about this project is just how different each location is,” Ms Rice-Hayes said.
“You can be beside the river, surrounded by wetlands or standing beneath the canopy of regenerating rainforest. These are beautiful parts of Lismore and there is a real sense of serenity at many of the sites.”
“Every planting day adds another piece to the bigger picture. The trees people plant today will continue growing and providing habitat for decades to come. If you enjoy being outdoors, come along to one of our spring planting days and lend a hand. You’ll be helping restore our natural environment and you might just discover a little piece of paradise in Lismore that you never knew existed.”
The Spring Rainforest to River community planting program includes:
- Saturday, 26 September, 9am-12pm: North Lismore Wetlands
- Saturday, 3 October, 9am-12pm: South Lismore Duck Pond
- Sunday, 11 October, 2pm-4pm: Simes Bridge, North Lismore
No previous planting experience is required.
A video project update is available here.
“This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of Lismore City Council, Rous County Council, Wilsons River Landcare Group Inc, Richmond Landcare Inc, Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil Aboriginal Corporation, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, South Lismore Duckpond Landcare Inc, Lismore Lake Inc Landcare, Far North Coast Canoe Club, Richmond Riverkeeper, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy Inc, OzFish Unlimited, Revive Northern Rivers, North Coast Local Land Services, and Birdlife Australia: Northern NSW Chapter.”
