Benefits of revegetating waterways
Creating a riparian or buffer zone is one of the most effective ways to protect riverbanks and nearby land. This strip of native vegetation planted along a river or creek helps to:
- stabilise the soil
- reduce erosion
- filter runoff before it reaches the waterway.
Riparian vegetation also slows water flow and disperses energy during floods. This helps to protect banks and provides woody debris that benefits aquatic habitats.
Native vegetation around waterways has many benefits for water quality, farm productivity and biodiversity.
Bank stabilisation and erosion control
The root systems of native plants and in-stream woody debris help bind the soil. This protects riverbanks from undercutting and scouring, especially during high-flow events.
Improved water quality
Riparian vegetation acts as a natural filter for run off. It traps sediment and prevents soil, nutrients and pollutants from entering waterways.
Enhanced biodiversity
Native riparian plants provide essential food and habitat for native wildlife, including:
- insects
- fish
- birds and other animals.
Weed control
Native vegetation helps prevent the growth of in-stream weeds.
Shade and temperature regulation
Trees and shrubs shade the water. This reduces evaporation and regulates water temperatures, which is beneficial for aquatic life.
Watch how riparian vegetation supports healthy rivers.
Riparian planting for riverbank rehabilitation
Learn more about how creating riparian buffer zones with native plants helps protect riverbanks, reduce erosion, improve water quality and support biodiversity.
Before you start a revegetation project
Successful revegetation begins with good planning and preparation. Consider your goals, site conditions and available resources. This guide will help you plan, prepare and complete your revegetation project.
Species selection
Choosing the right vegetation species is vital for success. The riparian zone can be a harsh environment with flooding and waterlogged soils. Look at species already growing successfully in nearby riparian areas. They are often good choices for selection.
Use these tools for guidance:
- RestoreTrees app to learn how to care for and replant vegetation across NSW.
- TreesNearMe app to find native plant communities and species in your local area.
Local riparian species selection guides
How to use the following species lists
First, find the species list that matches your zone of the river. Each species list contains plants that belong in the estuarine, brackish or fresh parts of the river.
- Estuary or Estuarine refers to the coastal water body where fresh water from the river’s upper catchment mixes with the salt water from the ocean.
- Brackish is where the fresh water meets estuarine water and is less salty than estuarine.
- Fresh is at the top of the catchment.
Check which species belong where on the bank from the top of bank to the toe.
Estuarine tributaries river mouth to Grafton
From the coast to Grafton.
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Acrostichum speciosum Mangrove Fern | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Casuarina glauca Swamp oak |
Tetragona tetragonioides Warrigal Greens | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Banksia integrifolia oastal banksia |
Crinumpedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo | |
Juncus kraussii Sea Rush | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | |
Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum | ||
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | ||
Guioasemiglauca Guioa | ||
Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood Hibiscus | ||
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-Leaved Paperbark | ||
Myoporum acuminatum Mangrove Boobialla |
Brackish tributaries
Approximately Grafton to Copmanhurst.
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Aegiceras comiculatum River Mangrove | Acmenasmithii var. minor Small-leaved Lilly Pilly | Acacia irrorate Green Wattle |
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough Leaved Elm | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | Acaciadisparrima Ironbark Wattle |
Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Breynia oblongifolia Breynia | Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly |
Crinumpedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo | Alectryon tomentosus Hairy Alectryon |
Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood Hibiscus | Cupaniopsis parvifolia Small-leaved Tuckeroo | Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-Oak |
Lomandra hystrix River MatRush | Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat Rush | Capparis arborea Brush CaperBerry | Angophora subvelutina Broad-leaved Apple |
Phragmites australis Common Reed | Cryptocarya triplinervis Three-veined Laurel | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Dianella caerulea Blue FlaxLilly | Baeckea virgata Twiggy Baeckea | |
Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean | Bridelia exaltata Brush Ironbark | |
Ehretia acuminata Koda | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | |
Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Castanospermum australe Black Bean | |
Elaeodendron australis Red Olive Plum | Commersonia bertramia Brown Kurrajong | |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood | |
Ficusfraseri Sandpaper Fig | Dysoxylum rufum Hairy Rosewood | |
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum | |
Guioasemiglauca Guioa | Elaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong | |
Jagerapseudorhus Foambark | Endiandra sieberi Hard Corkwood | |
Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany | |
Leptospermum polygalifolium Creek Tea Tree | Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum | |
Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box | Eucalyptus siderophloia Northern Grey Ironbark | |
Mallotus discolor Yellow Kamala | Euroschinus falcata Ribbonwood | |
Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | Ficus virens White Fig | |
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Paperbark | FicusMacrophylla Moreton Bay Fig | |
Mischocarpus pyriformis Yellow Pear Fruit | Ficus obliqua Small-leaved Fig | |
Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum | Ficussuperba Deciduous Fig | |
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree | Ficusrubiginosa Rusty Fig | |
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Native Banana Bush | Flindersia australis Australian Teak | |
Myrsine variabilis Variable Muttonwood | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie | |
Psychotria lonceroides Hairy Psychotria | Flindersia bennettiana Bennetts Ash | |
Persoonia stradbrokiensis Geebung | Gmelina leichardtii White Beech | |
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass | Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | |
Oplismenus imbecillis Basket Grass | Lophostemon confertus Brush Box | |
Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine | ||
Toona ciliate Red Cedar |
Fresh water only tributaries
Above Copmanhurst only.
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
AcmenaSmithii var. minor Small-leaved Lilly Pilly | Same as Brackish above | Same as Brackish above |
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | ||
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | ||
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | ||
Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | ||
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | ||
Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly | ||
Lomandra hystrix River Mat Rush | ||
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat Rush | ||
Phragmites australis Common Reed |
Lower Hawkesbury
Estuary to Wisemans Ferry
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Avicennia marina Grey mangrove | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Green Wattle |
Aegicerus corniculatum River Mangrove | Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany | Acmena Smithii Lilly Pilly |
Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Myoporum acuminatum Mangrove Boobialla | Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark | Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple |
Carex appressa Carex | Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark | Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum |
Juncus usitatus Common Rush | Callistemon linearis Narrow-leaved Bottlebrush | Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt |
Juncus kraussii Sea Rush | Cuscuta australis Australian Dodder | Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig |
Typha orientalis Bulrush | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree |
Phragmites australis Common Reed | Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia | Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine |
Tetragonia tetragonioides Warrigal Greens | Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Tea Tree | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle |
Ranunculus plebeius Australian Buttercup | Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn | |
Oplismenus imbecillis Basket Grass | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | |
Sporobolus virginicus Sand Couch | Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush | |
Zoysia macrantha Coast Couch | Eupomatia laurina Native Guava | |
Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia | ||
Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella | ||
Hymenanthera dentata Tree Violet | ||
Notelaea longifolia Mock Olive | ||
Pittosporum revolutum Rough Fruit Pitto | ||
Trema aspera Native Peach | ||
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | ||
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | ||
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass | ||
Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass |
Lower Hawkesbury floodplain
Wisemans Ferry to Sackville Ferry
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Green Wattle | Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Green Wattle |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Acmena Smithii Lilly Pilly | Acmena Smithii Lilly Pilly |
Leptospermum polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree | Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | Leptospermum Polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak |
Paspalum distichum Water Couch | Melaleuca linariifolia Narrow-leaved paperbark | Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple |
Juncus kraussii Sea Rush | Trema aspera Native Peach | Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum |
Juncus usitatus Common Rush | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany |
Phragmites australis Common Reed | Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn | Eucalyptus deanei Mountain Blue Gum |
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | |
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush | |
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass | Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella | |
Hymenanthera dentata Tree Violet | ||
Notelaea longifolia Mock Olive | ||
Pittosporum revolutum Rough Fruit Pitto | ||
Trema aspera Native Peach | ||
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | ||
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | ||
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass |
Richmond – Windsor floodplain
Sackville Ferry to Yarramundi
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle | Acacia binerva Coast Myall | Acacia binerva Coast Myall |
Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle | Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle | Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly |
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle | Angophora bakeri Narrow-leaved Apple |
Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple | Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum |
Leptospermum polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Eucalyptus deanei Mountain Blue Gum |
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark | Melaleuca decora White Honey Myrtle | Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Melaleuca linariifolia Narrow-leaved paperbark | Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum |
Carex appressa Carex | Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Cyperus exaltatus Tall Flat Sedge | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig |
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush | Breynia oblongifolia Breynia | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree |
Juncus Kraussii Sea Rush | Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle | Melaleuca decora White Honey Myrtle |
Juncus usitatus Common Rush | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | Melaleuca linariifolia Narrow-leaved paperbark |
Cyperus polystachyos Bunchy Sedge | Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum | Melia azedarach White Cedar |
Grevillea mucronulata Green Spider Flower | Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine | |
Hymenanthera denata Tree Violet | Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | |
Leptospermum polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree | Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle | |
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark | Acacia longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle | |
Trema aspera Native Peach | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | |
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | Breynia oblongifolia Breynia | |
Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed | Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle | |
Lomandra Longifolia MatRush | Callistemon salignus WillowBottlebrush | |
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum | |
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass | Grevillea mucronulata Green Spider Flower | |
Hymenanthera denata Tree Violet | ||
Leptospermum polygalifolium Lemon Scented Tea Tree | ||
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark | ||
Trema tomentosa Poison Peach | ||
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | ||
Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed | ||
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush | ||
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | ||
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass |
Penrith floodplain
Yarramundi to Regentville
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Acacia binervia Coast Myall | Acacia binervia Coast Myall |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle | Acacia implexa Hickory Wattle |
Carex appressa Carex | Acacia parvipinnula Silver-stemmed Wattle | Acacia parramattensis Parramatta Green Wattle |
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush | Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak | Acacia parvipinnula Silver-stemmed Wattle |
Cyperus exaltatus Tall Flat Sedge | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Allocasuarina torulosa Forest Oak |
Phragmites australis Common Reed | Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Angophora subvelutina Broad-leaved Apple |
Juncus usitatus Common Rush | Trema aspera Native Peach | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak |
Paspalum distichum Water Couch | Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle | Eucalyptus agglomerate Blue-leaved Stringy bark |
Breynia oblongifolia Breynia | Eucalyptus deanei Mountain Blue Gum | |
Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum | Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum | |
Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pitto | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum | |
Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern | Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | |
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | |
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass | Melia azedarach White Cedar | |
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass | Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine | |
Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass | Trema aspera Native Peach | |
Imperata cylindrica BladyGrass | Acacia floribunda Sally Wattle | |
Breynia oblongifolia Breynia | ||
Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn | ||
Clerodendrum tomentosum Hairy Clerodendrum | ||
Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella | ||
Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pitto | ||
Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern | ||
Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush | ||
Oplismenus aemulus Shade Grass |
Freshwater streams in the lower Macleay - eastern part of the catchment
North of Kempsey, excluding the estuarine areas of Parabell Creek, Mungay Creek, Dungay Creek, Hickeys Creek
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood | Acacia irrorate Green Wattle |
Lilly Pilly Acmenasmithii | Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly | Acacia diphylla Grey Wattle |
Callistemon Viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Alectryon subcinereus Native Quince | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough Leaved Elm | Angophora subvelutina Broad-Leaved Apple |
Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Melaleuca bracteata White Cloud paperbark | Cryptocarya obovata Pepperberry | Melia azedarach White Cedar |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Ehretia acuminata Koda | |
Eleaocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | ||
Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig | ||
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | ||
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | ||
Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | ||
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | ||
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree |
Streams in the central part of the catchment
Including Macleay River, Wabro Brook, Dyke River, Georges River, Five Day Creek, Nulla
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood | Acacia fimbriate Fringed Wattle |
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Acacia diphylla Grey Wattle |
Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Angophora subvelutina Broad-Leaved Apple |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Ehretia acuminata Koda | Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum |
Melaleuca bracteata White Cloud paperbark | Euroschinus falcata Ribbonwood | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig | ||
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | ||
Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | ||
Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | ||
White Cloud paperbark Melaleuca bracteata | ||
Melia azedarach White Cedar | ||
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | ||
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree |
Estuarine streams
River mouth to Smithtown/Gladstone
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Casuarina glauca Swamp oak | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | |
Juncus sp. Swamp Rush | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo | |
Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | ||
Ficus rubiginosa RustyFig | ||
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | ||
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | ||
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark | ||
Mischocarpus pyriformis Yellow Pear Fruit |
Smithtown/Gladstone to Kempsey
Toe | Middle | Upper |
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Aegicerus corniculatum River Mangrove | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | |
Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | |
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark | |
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt | |
Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig | ||
Ficus superba Deciduous Fig |
All freshwater only streams in Nambucca catchment
* found Taylors Arm only
** requires protected sites and largely absent from Warrell Creek
***absent from Warrell Creek
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Callistemon Viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Ackama paniculate** Soft Corkwood | Acacia irrorate Green Wattle |
| Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly | Acacia maidenii Maidens Wattle |
Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Alectryon subcinereus Native Quince | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Anetholea anisate Ringwood, Aniseed Myrtle | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough Leaved Elm | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough-leaved Elm |
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow Palm | Argyrodendron actinophyllum Black Booyong | |
Backhousia myrtifolia Grey Myrtle | Cryptocarya obovate Pepperberry Tree | |
Bosistoa floydii Five-leaved Bosistoa | Diploglottis australis** Native Tamarind | |
Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle | Dysoxylum fraserianum** Rosewood | |
Ceratopetalum apetalum Coachwood | Ehretia acuminata Koda | |
Cordyline stricta Narrow-leaf Palm Lilly | Elaeocarpus grandis** Blue Quandong | |
Cryptocarya glaucescens Jackwood | Eleaocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | |
Cryptocarya microneura Murrogan | Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum | |
Cuttsia viburnea** Cuttsia | Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood | |
Endiandra muelleri Green Leaved Rose Walnut | Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig | |
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie | |
Gmelina leichhardtii White Beech | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Lophostemon confertus Brush Box | |
Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | |
Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Melia azedarach White Cedar | |
Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | Toona ciliata** Red Cedar | |
Melicope micrococca White Euodia | ||
Neolitsea dealbata White Bolly Gum | ||
Niemeyera whitei** Rusty Plum | ||
Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum | ||
Planchonella australis** Black Apple | ||
Rhodomyrtus psidioides Native Guava | ||
Sloanea woollsii** Yellow Carabeen | ||
Sloanea australis** Maidens Blush | ||
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | ||
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | ||
Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly |
Nambucca catchment estuarine zone
River Mouth to Gumma Gumma Creek
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | |
Juncus sp. Swamp Rush | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo | |
Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | ||
Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig | ||
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | ||
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | ||
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark | ||
Mischocarpus pyriformis Yellow Pear Fruit |
Gumma Gumma Creek to Macksville
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Aegicerus corniculatum River Mangrove | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | |
Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | |
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Eucalyptus paniculata Grey Ironbark | |
Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt | |
Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig | ||
Ficus superba Deciduous Fig | ||
Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie | ||
Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | ||
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark |
Nambucca River – Macksville to Tewinga
Taylors Arm – Macksville to the Taylors Arm Broadwater
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Lower Toe River Mangrove | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Lower Toe Swamp oak | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | Acacia irrorate Green Wattle |
Lower Toe Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Commersonia bertramia Brown Kurrajong |
Upper Toe Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Endiandra discolor Rose Walnut |
Upper Toe Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo | Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood |
Upper Toe Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig |
Upper Toe Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Lophostemon confertus Brush Box |
| Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark | |
| Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly paperbark | |
| Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | |
| Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | Schizomera ovata Crabapple | |
| Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Rhodomyrtus psidioides Native Guava | |
| Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum |
Nambucca River – Tewinga to Bowraville
Taylors Arm Broadwater to Boat Harbour Road Bridge
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Toe Aegicerus corniculatum River Mangrove | Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
| Lower Toe Casuarina glauca Swamp oak | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Commersonia bertramia Brown Kurrajong |
| Upper Toe Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Endiandra discolor Rose Walnut | Cupaniopsis anarcardioides Tuckeroo |
| Upper Toe Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Jagera pseudorhus Foam Bark | Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum |
| Upper Toe Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Mischocarpus pyriformis Yellow Pear Fruit | Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood |
| Upper Toe Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Rhodomyrtus psidioides Native Guava | Ficus rubiginosa Rusty Fig |
| Upper Toe Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Schizomera ovata Crabapple | Ficus superba Deciduous Fig |
| Upper Toe Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding heart |
| Upper Toe Leptospermum brachyandrum Tea Tree | Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Lophostemon confertus Brush Box |
| Upper Toe Lomandra hystrix Mat Rush | Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly | Melia azedarach White Cedar |
| Toona ciliata Red Cedar |
Southern tributaries
Including Camira, Myall, Bungawalbin, Myrtle, Busby, Battens Bight, Four Mile and Six Mile creeks.
* poorly drained sites
** Busbys Creek only
*** Myall and Camira creeks only
**** Myrtle and Bungawalbin creeks only
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Callistemon viminalis*** Weeping bottlebrush | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Acacia disparrima Ironbark Wattle |
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Castanospermum australe** Black Bean | Acacia irrorata Green Wattle |
Casuarina glauca* Swamp oak | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Callistemon salignus Pink Bottlebrush |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper fig | Casuarina glauca* Swamp Oak | Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood |
Leptospermum brachyandrum Silver Weeping Tea Tree | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Eucalyptus seeana Narrow-leaved Red Gum |
Melaleuca alternifolia* Tea Tree | Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | Eucalyptus siderophloia Northern Grey Ironbark |
Melaleuca quinquenervia* Broad-leaf paperbark | Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Melaleuca alternifolia* Tea Tree | |
Syzygium floribundum*** Weeping Lilly Pilly | Melaleuca quinquenervia* Broad-leaf Paperbark | |
Acmena smithiivar. minor Small-leaf Lilly Pilly |
North-Western tributaries
Including Mongogarie, Doubtful, Iron Pot, Eden, Fawcetts, Lynchs, Gradysand Findon creeks, Shannon Brook and Richmond River
* absentfrom upper reaches
** plant only on streams where already present
*** only on upper reaches-on rocky, well-watered streams
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Callistemon viminalis** Weeping Bottlebrush | Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle | Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle |
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough Leaved Elm | Angophora subvelutina Broad Leaved Apple |
Elaeocarpus grandis*** Flooded Gum | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana*** Bangalow Palm | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Castanospermum australe* Black Bean | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny head Mat Rush | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box |
Melaleuca bracteate Black Tea Tree | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly | |
Acmena smithiivar. minor Small leaved Lilly Pilly | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | |
Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | ||
Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | ||
Podocarpus elatus Plum Pine | ||
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree | ||
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry |
North-Eastern tributaries
Including Back, Websters, Leycester, Jiggi, Terania, Goolmangar, Coopers, Byron, Skinners, Upper Maguires, Duck, Tucki Tucki and Marom creeks and Wilsons River
* only on streams west of and including Goolmangar Creek
** upper reaches of streams only
*** for protected sites
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Syzygium smithiivar. minor Small Leaved Lilly Pilly | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough Leaved Elm | Acacia melanoxylon Black Wattle |
Syzygium smithii Large-leaved Lilly Pilly | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana*** Bangalow Palm | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Callistemon viminalis* Weeping Bottlebrush | Castanospermum australe Black Bean | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Casuarina cunninghamiana* RiverOak | Cryptocarya obovata Pepperberry | Commersonia bertramia Brown Kurrajong |
Elaeocarpus grandis** Blue Quandong | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Diploglottis australis Native Tamarind | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood |
Sloanea australis Maidens Blush | Glochidion ferdinandi Cheese Tree | Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | Ficus sp. Fig |
Heritiera trifoliolata White Booyong | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie | |
Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Rosella | Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | |
Sloanea woollsii Maidens Blush | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | |
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone Tree | Jagera pseudorhus Foam Bark | |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Macaranga tanarius Macaranga | |
Syzygium francisii Giant Water Gum | Mallotus phillippensis Red Kamala | |
Toona australis Red Cedar | Melia azedarach var. australasica White Cedar | |
Toona australis Red Cedar |
Coastal floodplain and tidal tributaries
Including lower Richmond below Coraki, lower Bungawalbin, Emigrant, Maguires and Rocky Mouth creeks, Broadwater, North Creek, Swan Bay and the Evans River
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Crinum pedunculatum Crinum Lilly | Austromyrtus dulcis Midgen Berry | Guioa semiglauca Guioa |
Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood Hibiscus | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lilly | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny-head Mat Rush | Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak |
Juncus usitatus Common Rush | Commersonia bertramia Brown Kurrajong | Eucalyptus robusta Flooded Gum |
Phragmites australis Common Reed | Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Typha orientalis Bulrush | Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood Hibiscus | Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box |
Macaranga tanarius Macaranga | Glochidion sumatranum Umbrella Cheese Tree | |
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad Leaved Paperbark | Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly | |
Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash | ||
Ficus watkinsiana Strangler Fig | ||
Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm |
Estuarine
Lower Tweed River, Stotts Island, Wobul Creek, Teranora Creek, Mooball Creek, Cudgen Creekand Cudgera Creek.
* Protected sites
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Aegiceras corniculatum River Mangrove | Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima Brush Ironbark wattle | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Alpinia arundelliana Native Ginger | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Cryptocarya triplinervis subsp. triplinervis Three-veined Laurel |
Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove | Callistemon salignus White Bottlebrush | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Crinum pedunculatum Beach Lily | Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak | Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum |
Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong | Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Duboisia myoporoides Soft Corkwood | Eucalyptus siderophloia Grey Ironbark |
Glochidion sumatranum Umbrella Cheese Tree | Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash | Flindersia bennettii Bennett’s Ash |
Hibiscus tiliaceus Cottonwood Hibiscus | Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Livistona australis Cabbage Tree Palm |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Turpentine |
Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly | Macaranga tanarius Blush Macaranga | Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark |
Podocarpus elatus* Brown Pine | Syzygium francisii * Giant Water Gum | |
Castanospermum australe Black Bean | Waterhousea floribunda Weeping Lilly Pilly | |
Castanospermum australe Black Bean | ||
Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean | ||
Ficus ssp. Figs (various) | ||
Syzygium moorei Coolamon | ||
Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly |
Central rivers
Lower Oxley and Mid Tweed Rivers
* Protected sites
** Higher altitude only
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Callistemon salignus White Bottlebrush | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Castanospermum australe Black Bean |
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough-leaved Elm | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong |
Carex appressa Tall Sedge | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Cryptocarya glaucescens Jackwood |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Diploglottis campbellii * Small-leaved Tamarind |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Cryptocarya triplinervis subsp. pubens * Three-veined Laurel | Elaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong |
Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Helmholtzia galberrima ** Stream Lily | Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean | Endiandra pubens * Hairy Walnut |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Ficus ssp. Figs(various) |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Guioa semiglauca Guioa |
Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly | Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark |
Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly (narrow-leaf form) | Melaleuca bracteata Black Tea-Tree | Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne | Syzygium francisii * Giant Water Gum |
Podocarpus elatus* Brown Pine | Syzygium moorei Coolamon | |
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone | Toona ciliata Red Cedar | |
Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly |
Northern tributaries
Mid and Upper RousRiver, Crystal Creek and Nobbys Creek
* Protected sites
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough-leaved Elm | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Callistemon salignus White Bottlebrush | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Cinnamonum oliveri * Oliver’s Sassafras |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong | Cryptocarya glaucescens Jackwood |
Helmholtzia galberrima * Stream Lily | Cryptocarya obovata Pepperberry | Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Cryptocarya triplinervis subsp. pubens Three-veined Laurel | Elaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly | Diploglottis australis Native Tamarind | Endiandra pubens Hairy Walnut |
Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly (narrow-leaf form) | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Ficus ssp. Figs (various) |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Gossia bidwillii * Python Tree | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie |
Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | |
Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | |
Mallotus discolor White Kamala | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Podocarpus elatus* Brown Pine | Lophostemon confertus Brush Box | |
Sloanea australis * Maiden’s Blush | ||
Syzygium francisii * Giant Water Gum | ||
Syzygium moorei Coolamon | ||
Toona ciliata Red Cedar |
Western tributaries
Upper Oxley River, Hopping Dicks Creek, Pumpenbil Creek and Brays Creek
* Protected sites
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger | Aphananthe philippinensis * Rough-leaved Elm | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood |
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Backhousia mrytifolia Grey Mytle | Castanospermum australe Black Bean |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Callistemon salignus White Bottlebrush | Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood |
Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak | Ehretia acuminata var. acuminata Koda |
Helmholtzia galberrima * Stream Lily | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong | Elaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong |
Lomandra hystrix Spiny Head Mat Rush | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Elaeocarpus obovatus HardQuandong |
Lomandra longifolia Forest Mat Rush | Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | Endiandra pubens Hairy Walnut |
Syzygium smithii LillyPilly (narrow-leaf form) | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree |
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone | Grevillea robusta Silky Oak | |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | |
Syzygium francisii * Giant Water Gum | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Lophostemon confertus Brush Box | ||
Syzygium francisii * Giant Water Gum | ||
Toona ciliata Red Cedar |
South western tributaries
Upper Tweed River, Byrrill Creek and Doon Doon Creek
* Protected sites
** Lower reaches
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Callistemon salignus White Bottlebrush | Acacia irrorata Green Wattle | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash |
Callistemon viminalis ** Weeping Bottlebrush | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood | Angophora subvelutina Broad-leaf Apple |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Araucaria cunninghamii Hoop Pine |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Backhousia mrytifolia Grey Mytle | Cinnamonum oliveri * Oliver’s Sassafras |
Helmholtzia galberrima * Stream Lily | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong | Corymbia intermedia ** Pink Bloodwood |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | Ehretia acuminata Koda |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Elaeocarpus grandis * Blue Quandong |
Syzygium smithii LillyPilly (narrow-leaf form) | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood |
Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Eucalyptus saligna Blue Gum | |
Mallotus discolor ** White Kamala | Eucalyptus siderophloia ** Grey Ironbark | |
Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne | Grevillea robusta ** Silky Oak | |
Podocarpus elatus * BrownPine | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Lophostemon confertus Brush Box | ||
Lophostemon suaveolens ** Swamp Turpentine | ||
Toona ciliata Red Cedar |
South eastern tributaries
Rolands Creek, Smiths Creek and Dunbible Creek
* Protected sites
** Lower reaches
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger | Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood | Castanospermum austral ** Black Bean |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Cinnamonum oliveri * Oliver’s Sassafras |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough-leaved Elm | Cryptocarya microneura * Murrogun |
Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Elaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Cryptocarya obovate * Pepperberry | Elaeocarpus obovatus Hard Quandong |
Syzygium australe Brush Cherry | Cryptocarya triplinervis subsp. pubens * Three-veined Laurel | Ficus ssp. Figs (various) |
Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly | Glochidion ferdinandii Cheese Tree | Flindersia schottiana ** Cudgerie |
Tristaniopsis laurina Water Gum | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Guioa semiglauca Guioa |
Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Sloanea australis * Maiden’s Blush | |
Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne | Syzygium francisii ** Giant Water Gum | |
Polyscias elegans Celerywood | Syzygium moorei ** Coolamon | |
Syzgium floribundum** Weeping Lilly Pilly | Toona ciliata Red Cedar |
North eastern tributaries
Cobaki Creek, Bilambil Creek and Duroby Creek
* Protected sites
| Toe | Middle | Upper |
|---|---|---|
Austromyrtus dulcis Midgenberry | Alphitonia excelsa Red Ash | Castanospermum australe Black Bean |
Alpinia caerulea Native Ginger | Aphananthe philippinensis Rough-leaved Elm | Cinnamonum oliveri* Oliver’s Sassafras |
Dianella caerulea Blue Flax-lily | Archontophoenix cunninghamiana * Bangalow Palm | Cryptocarya glaucescens * Jackwood |
Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig | Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong | Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo |
Glochidion sumatranum Umbrella Cheese Tree | Cryptocarya obovata * Prepperberry | Dysoxylum mollissimum Red Bean |
Helmholtzia galberrima * StreamLily | Duboisia myoporoides Corkwood | Elaeocarpus grandis BlueQuandong |
Lomandra hystrix Forest Mat Rush | Glochidion ferdinandii CheeseTree | Endiandra pubens * HairyWalnut |
Lomandra longifolia Spiny Head Mat Rush | Guioa semiglauca Guioa | Ficus ssp. Figs (various) |
Syzygium smithii Lilly Pilly | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie |
Syzgium floribundum Weeping Lilly Pilly | Neolitsea dealbata * Hairy-leaved Bolly Gum | Guioa semiglauca Guioa |
Pittosporum undulatum Native Daphne | Jagera pseudorhus Foambark | |
Polyscias elegans Celerywood | Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala | |
Streblus brunonianus Whalebone | Sloanea australis * Maiden’s Blush | |
Syzygium moorei Coolamon |
How to use this list
This list is a guide to common plants suitable for the different zones of a waterway – deep water, shallow water, waters edge, low bank and high bank. These species have been selected based on their suitability to the conditions of each planting zone along the waterway cross section, as well as their capacity to adapt to a changing climate.
Planting a few different species within each planting zone and overlapping between zonal boundaries is the best strategy for a healthy and climate-ready waterway.
Information in this guide will help landholders re-establish native vegetation along the banks of Wollombi Brook and its tributaries.
It includes advice on how to put the right plant in the right place to help restore or re-establish healthy riparian vegetation and protect and enhance our waterways.
Make a planting plan
Once species have been chosen, you will need to plan where on the bank they will be planted, and at what spacing.
Prepare a site plan on an aerial photo or property map showing:
- current vegetation communities
- priority areas for revegetation
- current property infrastructure
- site features.
When creating your planting plan, keep in mind the size of your site and your budget for plants. A staged approach may help to reduce the size and cost of your initial planting site and provide for the correct plant density for each stage.
Planting zones
Water edge – critical area for stream bank stability. This area has a high erosion risk unless stabilised with good vegetation cover. Should have a much higher concentration of grasses, reeds and sedges. These form clumps and their matted roots and stems help anchor soils on the ‘toe’ or creek edge.
Lower bank – essential area for revegetation to maintain bank stability. Revegetation can be challenging as this surface is often unstable and rapidly dries out. Should have a higher concentration of grasses, reeds and sedges that are spaced much closer together than trees.
Upper bank – should be predominately larger shrubs and trees. Dense plantings provide greater protection from sun, wind and cold, help shade out weeds and rapidly reinforce creek bank soils. Plant trees and shrubs alternately in a zig-zag pattern to achieve a mix of species.
Buffer zone – beneficial area to filter pollutants and act as habitat for native fauna or shade for livestock. Should be predominately larger shrubs and trees. Distribute fast growing species throughout the planting. The wider the buffer zone, the better. The recommended minimum width for most small creeks and drainage lines is an average of 20m either side of the water course.
Plant densities
Correct plant densities in each zone will help prevent the dominance of woody weeds and vines and avert the need for excessive maintenance. Reeds and other aquatic vegetation will often establish themselves if conditions are right. Overall, revegetation works should aim for an average overall density of 3 to 4 plants per square metre.
Recommended planting densities
Use these recommended densities and your site layout to calculate how many plants of each type you will need.
| Plant description | Planting density |
|---|---|
| Shrubs, large tufted graminoids and large herbs | 2 plants per square metre |
| Medium tufted graminoids and medium herbs | 4 plants per square metre |
| Small graminoids and small herbs (includes prostrate groundcovers) | 6 plants per square metre |
Site preparation
Like all projects, preparation is key, and planting is no different. On-ground site preparation should be kept to a minimum and timed appropriately to reduce the risk of erosion.
Before planting you should:
- Remove livestock from the planting site and install fencing if needed.
- Clear invasive woody and vine weeds before planting.
- Prepare each planting spot by spraying or brush-cutting a 1 metre ring. If using herbicide, apply 2 to 3 weeks before planting and follow all label and safety instructions.
- Consider whether your site will naturally regenerate on its own using the native seed bank in the soil. In this case all you need to do is observe, control weeds, allow natives to establish and supplementary plant as required.
Sites that have been extensively cleared or grazed for a long time are unlikely to have retained a native seed bank in the soil and will need planting.
Timing your revegetation works
Planting at the right time improves survival rates. Choose a season when rainfall is likely and avoid long dry or cold periods.
On the NSW east coast, it is best to start planting once the initial spring rains have fallen. The late stages of autumn or winter are not the best time to plant trees. This is because there is a high possibly of an extended dry period coming up. Additionally, the winter months don’t offer the plant the opportunity for early growth that the warmer months do.
Start with pioneer species that are faster-growing and hardier. This will help to provide a canopy and structure for the vegetation community. Establishing an early canopy helps to minimise your maintenance. This also attracts birds and animals into the site, which further encourages natural regeneration.
Once the first stage is established, secondary species that require more protection can be planted. These same basic principles can be applied to all revegetation projects, not just riparian situations.
Planting techniques for riparian areas
Use spot planting techniques with seedlings or seed. This approach helps retain groundcover and minimise site disturbance in riparian areas. Follow these steps to help seedlings establish strong roots.
Digging the right kind of hole
When planting the seedling, ensure there is an appropriately sized hole dug for your plant. Dig a hole twice as wide and 50% deeper than the pot. This allows the soil to break up around the plant roots.
Using a mattock, spade, posthole digger or auger, dig a hole big enough to comfortably fit the root ball of the plant.
Tips for different soil types:
- In hard packed soils prior- ripping may be required.
- In heavy clay soils, a round auger hole with smooth inside walls can result in the plant becoming “pot bound” within the hole. A square hole dug with a spade is better for this situation.
Prepare dry soil before planting
If the soil is dry at the time of planting, pour 1 or 2 litres of water into the hole and allow it to drain away before planting the seedling. This ensures plenty of moisture remains accessible for the seedling roots if no rains fall after planting.
Planting the seedling
Gently remove the plant from the plastic tube and place the plant in the hole. Make sure all the roots are beneath the surface of the ground.
Long-stem planting technique
Consider using long-stem planting for tubestock grown specially in nurseries. Plant them with up to three-quarters of the stem below the ground. This method suits sandy riparian soils where plants can quickly form strong roots in damp subsoils and better resist floodwaters.
Benefits include:
- less watering once established.
- improved frost tolerance.
- stronger growth that helps outcompete weeds.
Backfilling
Back fill the hole with topsoil and press down firmly around the plant.
Build a water basin
Build a water basin around the outside of the planted tree, especially if planting on a slope or in fast draining soils. Give the plant plenty of water.
Fill the hole with topsoil and form a basin around the seedling to catch and retain water.
Protecting young plants with tree guards
Use tree guards and stakes to protect from herbivores, wind, and extreme elements.
Tree guards are beneficial in areas where browsing or disturbance by wildlife is common. If tree guards are to be used, they need to be factored into the cost. Check with your local Landcare group. They have specific local knowledge and may be able to tell you if your site is in an area subject to excessive browsing by wildlife.
Cheap bamboo stakes can be useful for marking the plants to find them later during maintenance. This is helpful if the site is dominated by tall exotic grasses prior to planting.
The type of materials used in protective guards also needs to be considered. It is common for tree guards to be washed away in floods when used in a riparian site. In these occasions, the guards may damage the seedlings, and also become plastic waste in the environment. Stockyard creek bank planting with cardboard tree guards.
Maintain your seedlings
Maintain seedlings with mulch, water and regular weeding. Do this weekly for the first few months and then check monthly until established.
Tips to improve success
Source seedlings and advice from reputable native plant nurseries. Where possible go for those that are locally sourced or propagated. Revegetating waterways with native vegetation that is climate-ready will help landscapes adapt to a changing climate.
Most native seedlings are sold in trays of 40 tubes. These small pots are designed to be an optimal size for planting considering low cost, speed of plant growth and development of roots.
Riverbank and riparian soils are often nutrient-rich, and the application of fertiliser is not necessary or recommended. If fertiliser is used, ensure it is put in the hole with the plant and back filled over with soil, this will ensure the fertiliser isn’t washed into the stream in high rainfall events.
Mulching is beneficial to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around seedlings. If you have prepared the spot with herbicide, the weeds and grasses killed by the spray can be an effective mulch.
If you have chosen to prepare the spot by brush cutting, it is best to heavily mulch the bare soil left by this process. This will suppress the regrowth of weeds and grasses keeping the mulch away from the stem of the tree to allow air flow and prevent stem rot.
Regular maintenance ensures long-term success. Keeping the site free of woody and vine weeds will give your plants the best opportunity to dominate the site and do their job of protecting the soil from erosion. This can be done by either manually or mechanically controlling these weeds by hand or brush cutter or similar, or with the use of herbicide to maintain a weed-free ring around the plant.
Keep an eye out for native groundcovers and try to encourage them if you see them as they are essentially a living mulch which will help do the job of weed suppression.
On-ground success stories
When landholders are supported to restore and revegetate riparian areas, the benefits can be seen both on farm and in the health of waterways.
Revegetation along Emigrant Creek
Landholders in the Richmond River catchment worked with Local Land Services to restore waterways as part of the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.
Every Bit Counts – waterways and the Marine Estate
Revegetation of Abernethy's Creek
A long-term revegetation project has restored creek banks and improved nearby farmland.
Revegetation of Abernethy's Creek
Next steps
Contact Local Land Services or your nearest Landcare group to find out more about:
- local revegetation strategies
- planting techniques
- selecting species suitable for your local environment.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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