Katherine River Management Program

The objectives of the Katherine River and Catchment Management program is to conserve the flora and fauna and to rehabilitate to achieve sustainable management along the Katherine riverbank area. The project also aims to ensure the valuable natural resources are protected from further damage and pollution which may leach into the river system.

“This project has provided participants with valuable work experience and skills in land conservation and management as well as giving them a sense of pride and achievement that this project was completed with such success” Senator Scullion said.

Description of tasks undertaken by participants:

- Rehabilitation along the Katherine Riverbank included clearing weeds, old stakes and fencing and revegetation, as well as the utilisation of native grass plugs to limit soil erosion and week regrowth;
- Weed control included work on drains leading to the river, inclusive of the popular Hot Springs and Low Level recreational areas;
- Water monitoring was incorporated into the Team’s activities including drains, sinkholes and the new mine site area of Maud Creek;
- Erection of fencing around three sinkhole sites;
- Extensive nursery work as well as plant and week identification and herbarium specimen collection – this was supported by the GANT Katherine Nursery.

Community Activities
- Gardens were planted and maintained at the Stepout House, which is a home for disabled; as well as at three Anglicare (emergency) housing locations;
- The Team travelled to Jilkminggan Community where they erected a shadehouse on the school grounds, helped community members plant trees and shoed them how to plant locally provenanced seed;
- Work was conducted at the Katherine Heritage Museum gardens which were established by a previous Green Corp Team, the gardens have been maintained with extra native trees.

Community Venture
The Rocky Ridge Aged Care Facility on Gorge Road Katherine was chosen by the team as the venue for the Community Venture. The facility asked for a bush tucker garden which would particularly be an asset to their elderly indigenous residents. The team eagerly participated in this project which was support with products from local Katherine businesses.

I applaud the Katherine business who donated products for this venture as their support for the Katherine community is very significant” said Senator Scullion.

2006-03-22