Native Vegetation 
Why are there dead trees in the River Murray?
The construction of locks along the river caused many trees which were previously subject to periodic flooding on the flood plain to become permanently inundated with water. Whilst River Red Gums are able to withstand some flooding of their roots, they also need periods where their roots are free from flooding.
Dead and dying trees along the river may be the result of similar changes in water regimes and increased salinity levels within the river and associated water tables. The impact of human activities such as the compaction of soils by vehicles and loss of supporting understory vegetation etc. may also be a contributing factor.
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What are the benefits of retaining native vegetation?
The benefits of retaining native vegetation include lower salinity levels, less bank erosion and an increased abundance of native flora and fauna. This allows the natural ecosystems to remain healthy and balanced
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Why is native vegetation threatened?
Native vegetation is under threat from a number of directions, including:
- Rising salinity levels in the river and saline seepage from water tables on or near the floodplain. This is partly due to extensive clearance practices in the Murray-Darling Basin and grazing on the river edge in the past.
- Changes to the historically important flooding and drying regimes necessary for natural regeneration events (this is a result of the construction of locks and weirs).
- Increases in human impacts associated with recreational activities along the river including:
-Camping and associated soil compaction; fire escapes from campfires,
-Firewood collection,
-boating and associated bank erosion; undercutting vegetation along the
river banks,
-clearance of reed-banks to provide access to the river
-Unsympathetic development of land adjacent to the river.
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Is native vegetation being protected?
The Native Vegetation Act, 1991 provides legal protection for the native vegetation within the state. Any clearance, unless specifically exempt, requires the consent of the Native Vegetation Council (NVC). The NVC is an independent body established under the Act to assess and monitor the native vegetation of the state.
The NVC makes decisions on applications to clear native vegetation. When an application is not in conflict with the provisions of the legislation, the Council will allow clearance but will attach certain conditions to the consent. These conditions include a requirement of the owner to protect areas of existing native vegetation, and for revegetation work to be undertaken to offset any losses associated with the clearance.
Native vegetation may also be placed under Heritage Agreement pursuant to the Native Vegetation Act 1991. The Heritage Agreement Scheme provides incentives for retaining and managing native vegetation.
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Is there much re-vegetation being done?
There is re-vegetation occuring all over the Basin by Local action planning groups, Landcare groups, Greening Australia and other community groups and individuals. It is important when planning areas to be re-vegetated you try to get plants that are not just native but indigenous to that area.
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Can I collect wood when I am camping?
Firewood, if collected should be collected from dry fallen timber lying on the ground NOT from living vegetation. It is important to remember though that many fallen logs etc provide homes for animals. Please check with National Parks in your State whether firwood is allowed to be collected.
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What is being done?
There is several things being done to protect and enhance Native Vegetation from new laws and fines on its removal to the re-vegetation. People are also becoming aware of the ecomnomic uses of native vegetation such as bush tucker, timber and oils.
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What can I do?
Report instances of damage to native vegetation to the region.
Take part in revegetation programs by joining community groups.
Protect native vegetation on your property.
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Information
Booklets
Murray Darling Association
Biodiversity – Nature’s Variety, Our Heritage, Our Future, Environment Australia
Contacts
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