Central West Catchment Management
Authority
Champions of the Catchment
Cabonne Council
Molong Creek Rehabilitation Works
Molong Creek post rehabilitation works (1998) showing functional riparian landscape with
regeneration of native vegetation, large woody debris, and improved water quality.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Summary
The Central West Salinity and Water Quality Alliance (CWSWQA) comprises
sixteen councils in the central west with co-ordination provided by Ken
Rodgers, Director Parks and Landcare Services, Dubbo City Council. The Central
West Catchment Management Authority is partnering with CWSWQA to
provide funding for strategic projects across the catchment. Eleven councils in
the alliance identified water quality projects in two projects - constructed
wetlands and riparian rehabilitation.
1.2. Project Description
The project site is along Molong Creek on the south-eastern and northern side
of Molong Township. This continuing project involves riparian rehabilitation
(rivercare) over (20 km) with removal of exotic vegetation (Salix willow, privet)
which was severely impacting upon the functional and structural process of
this class one aquatic environ.
Large woody debris was the placed at strategic locations over (20km) of
Molong Creek to improve structural elements for aquatic populations.
Foliar spraying of regrowth Salix willows and other exotic vegetation is
undertaken annually which provides for the consolidation of regenerated
native riparian vegetation and planted native tube-stock.
Department Primary Industries, Cabonne Council, Local Landholders, Molong
Fishing club and General Community partnership release of 48 000 yellow belly
fingerlings into Molong Creek 2007-2009.
Community partnership is a strong component with 95% of the works carried
out on private land with support from private landholders through Molong
Creek & Tributaries Management & Protection Association Inc.
Restocking (23000) Yellow belly fingerlings Molong Creek “Copperhill” May 2009
1.3 Benefits of Project
Promotion & Education
 The project has been promoted through local TV and newspaper
releases. (See appendix 2)

Local schools participated in bug sampling which displayed the proper
function of a riparian landscape. The success of this event prompted
Local schools to carry out project studies on Molong Creek.(See
appendix 2)
 Local landholders and the general community benefited from the project
not only as restoring riparian landscape function but value adding as a
demonstration reach to illustrate the components of a functional aquatic
system and its net value to local landholders and the general
community.

The project has provided a positive platform for community education
and capacity building on Natural Resource Management for future
generations. Community groups involved include;
 Local Landholders
 Local Schools (Molong Central school, St Josephs)
 Molong Fishing Club
 General community
Molong Creek
The Seven-Part Test of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979
section 5A has been utilized as a brief statement of benefits that the project
will provide for aquatic populations of Molong Creek.
A. In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely
to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable
local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.
The works involved the removal of Salix willows, privet and the benefits of
regeneration and revegetation of native vegetation with placement of large
woody debris within existing pools, this will provide for positive riparian
landscape function. The proposal represents best practice and will have a
positive effect on the life cycle of aquatic species and provide for their
conservation within the Molong Creek and connecting Bell River aquatic
environs.
B. In the case of an endangered population whether the action proposed is
likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that
constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of
the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.
The project has resulted in the enhancement of habitats important to aquatic
species, such that the viability of these populations will be significantly
increased within this catchment area.
C. In the case of an endangered ecological community or critical endangered
ecological community, whether the action proposed:
 Is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological
community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of
extinction, or
 Is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the
ecological community such that its occurrence is likely to be placed at
risk of extinction.
No endangered ecological community exists within the ground impact area of
the proposed works. The proposed removal of exotic vegetation (Salix willow,
privet) is viewed as positive for the conservation of native ecological
communities. This removal will not compromise the extent or occurrence of
any native ecological community as to place it at risk of extinction.
D. In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population, or ecological
community:
 The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a
result of the action proposed, and
 Whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated
from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and
 The importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented,
or isolated to the long- term survival of the species, population, or
ecological community in the locality.
The completed works along Molong Creek will provide immediate structural
and flow on functional improvements to a significant area of known habitat,
which in either a local or regional context is important for the conservation of
aquatic species.
The project has improved connectivity for aquatic species from currently
expected proximate areas of habitat within the Molong Creek and connecting
Bell River.
E. Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical
habitat (either directly or indirectly).
The preferred habitat requirements of aquatic species all correspond with
what is now evident in Molong Creek these include, flowing water, rapids,
deep holes with snags and regeneration of native vegetation. These
components provide sustainability for this aquatic environment.
F. Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of
a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.
The project is consistent with the objectives of the Central West Catchment
Management Authority Catchment Action Plan or a recovery or threat
abatement plan by improving and expanding existing habitat values for aquatic
species.
G. Whether the action proposed constitutes or is of a key threatening process
or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key
threatening process.
The project would contribute to the continuing conservation of aquatic species
and their habitats.
Conclusion
It is considered that the Molong Creek rehabilitation project builds
community capacity and delivers a positive impact on the long term
viability of Molong Creek.
Warwick Doulman
Engineering / Environmental Officer
Cabonne Council
Main Street
Cudal
Phone 63907154
Appendix 1
Molong Creek Pre and Post Rehabilitation
Molong Creek Pre Rehabilitation Works
Shows dysfunctional aquatic system due to impacts from introduced vegetation
Works in progress
Clearing Salix willows and privet
Placement of large woody debris
Molong Creek Post Rehabilitation
Shows functional Riparian Landscape with regeneration of native vegetation improved
water quality and large woody debris