Creeks and waterways play a valuable role in complex ecosystems and often have diverse ‘riparian vegetation’ that provide habitat and help keep waterways healthy. It’s a web of trees, shrubs, grasses and vines all structured together in an intricate pattern of groundcovers, understorey and canopy.

Council is pleased to share the news that it’s been successful in receiving approximately $25,000 from the State Government to fund improvements to the riparian vegetation condition of Careel Creek in North Avalon.

Council is also committing funds to the project which will see almost $50,000 invested into the project in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment - Crown Lands as part of its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Careel Creek provides a green corridor and pedestrian way located between North Avalon and the suburb centre, and so engages users with the waterway and natural environment. 

In 2020, public concern about the condition of Careel Creek led Council to undertake sediment and weed removal works to improve its overall condition, including in sections identified as Crown Land with the support of Crown funding. Following the sediment and weed removal, bush regeneration works to improve the native vegetation condition continued.

To support Council works on Crown Land, Council successfully sought matching financial support from the Crown resulting in $24,545 being awarded for the period March 2023 until January 2024.

Careel Creek is exposed to nutrients, sediment and weed propagules captured by the Avalon stormwater system, and these collectively promote aggressive growth of non-native plant species. The vegetation management strategy for the site acknowledges these issues, so bush regeneration efforts will focus on bringing exotic vines under control with a view to eliminate them, plant and nurture canopy tree species, and promote grassy ground cover where weed removal is unproductive and time consuming.

Council works will continue beyond the end date of the grant funding, and further grant funding opportunities will be pursued if or when available.