The Rewilding Our Floodplains project focuses on restoring the health of floodplains along the Brunswick River in Northern New South Wales, Australia. This initiative aims to rehabilitate the region’s wetlands and riparian ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and enhancing waterway resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. The project addresses the impacts of urbanisation, land degradation, ...
Positive Change for Marine Life
Rewilding our Floodplains
GOAL
$120,000
Australia > NSW > Regional
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
- General population
Positive Change for Marine Life
Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) is a dynamic, Australian-based non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of marine ecosystems. We work in key biodiversity hotspots across Australia, India, the Solomon Islands, and the USA, driving positive change for both marine life and the communities that depend on these ecosystems for survival.
Our mission is to create sustainable solutions for ocean conservation, focusing on rewilding coastal and marine environments, reducing marine debris, and supporting small-scale fisheries. We address 14 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on environmental conservation, climate action, and community resilience. Our efforts contribute directly to Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets, including the ambitious 30×30 target, which seeks to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
We are committed to employing local, marginalised communities, with over 145 women, youth, and small-scale fisheries members actively engaged in our projects. By promoting eco-friendly alternatives and educating the public, we aim to create long-term, tangible change that benefits the ocean, climate, and vulnerable coastal communities.
Project Summary
The Rewilding Our Floodplains project focuses on restoring the health of floodplains along the Brunswick River in Northern New South Wales, Australia. This initiative aims to rehabilitate the region’s wetlands and riparian ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and enhancing waterway resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.
The project addresses the impacts of urbanisation, land degradation, and climate variability on the floodplains, which are vital habitats for native species and crucial for the health of the river system. By reintroducing native vegetation, restoring natural water flow patterns, and improving land management practices, the project will increase the area’s capacity to absorb and filter storm water, reduce sedimentation, and enhance carbon sequestration.
Key activities include:
– Revegetation efforts using native plants to restore floodplain ecosystems.
– Monitoring and data collection on water quality, flora, and fauna to assess the ecosystem’s health.
– Community engagement with local landowners, Indigenous groups, and the broader community to promote sustainable land use and conservation practices.
– Collaboration with local councils and environmental agencies to ensure long-term sustainability and policy alignment with regional floodplain management strategies.
The Rewilding Our Floodplains project not only supports the resilience of the Brunswick River’s ecosystems but also strengthens community engagement, providing long-term benefits for biodiversity, local livelihoods, and flood resilience. This initiative aligns with national conservation efforts and contributes to broader goals of environmental protection and climate adaptation.
Project Outcomes
The Rewilding Our Floodplains project will result in the restoration of key floodplain ecosystems along the Brunswick River, leading to a significant improvement in both environmental health and community resilience.
The key outcomes of the project include:
- Enhanced Biodiversity: The reintroduction of native plant species and habitat restoration will support a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered and at-risk species. This will help rebuild critical habitats, improve wildlife corridors, and increase overall biodiversity in the region.
- Improved Water Quality: The restoration of riparian zones and wetlands will improve water filtration, reduce sedimentation, and enhance water quality in the Brunswick River, benefiting aquatic life and local communities who rely on the river for resources.
-Flood Resilience: By restoring natural water flow patterns and re-establishing vegetation buffers, the project will enhance the floodplains' ability to manage storm water, reduce erosion, and mitigate flood risks to surrounding communities.
- Community Engagement and Education: Local communities, landowners, and Indigenous groups will be actively involved in the project, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable land management practices and promoting long-term stewardship of the environment.
- Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Ranger Programs: The project will integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) from local Indigenous groups, particularly in the planning and implementation of land management strategies. Indigenous rangers will be involved in the restoration efforts, ensuring that cultural practices are respected and embedded in the project’s activities. These rangers bring invaluable insights into fire management, species protection, and sustainable land use, contributing to both ecological restoration and the preservation.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $405,700
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Donations | $65,000 |
| Grants | $65,000 |
| Funding Gap | $120,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Program Manager Salary (FTE) | $112,000 |
| Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator (FTE) | $90,000 |
| Southern Cross University (SCU) support stipend for carbon core sampling and biodiversity research consulting | $25,000 |
| Arakwal Project Officer Contractual Fees | $25,000 |
| Equipment costs | $14,500 |
| Plant and mangrove-related restoration costs | $120,000 |
| Community Workshops and Citizen science Programs | $12,000 |
| Vehicle and boat costs | $7,200 |
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