A stunning, sunny, spring day was the backdrop for a community effort to restore Gibraltar Creek, just 10 minutes out of Tuggeranong, ACT. 39 people gathered to learn about the farm and plant more than 800 native grasses, shrubs and trees. These grasses, shrubs and trees will become a part of Gibraltar Creek's future, bringing renewed life to this important tributary within the catchment.
Gibraltar Creek is a tributary of the Upper Murrumbidgee River, forming part of an important ecological interface between Tidbinbilla and Namadgi reserves . The creek sits within a productive farming landscape where riparian condition, water quality and connectivity have been progressively impacted over time, prompting the need for targeted restoration efforts.
The Gibraltar Creek project aims to restore ecological function along the riparian corridor to improve water quality, strengthen landscape connectivity and build long‑term resilience across the catchment.
39 people put over 800 plants into the ground, creating a new possibility for a restored landscape.
The day started with an introduction to the farm from Nick the landholder who is committed to long-term stewardship. Siwan, Shane and Tom introduced us to the project and context for the planting. Marco briefed us on how to plant and the steps needed to optimise for high survival rates. Then people got straight into action, and the overall number of plants in the ground showed the tireless effort from everyone involved.
There's nothing quite like being a part of the future. Each tree, bush and grass planted along Gibraltar Creek creates a new possibility for a restored landscape. With plantings like this comes stabilisation of banks, sequestration of carbon, habitat for native wildlife and shade for fish. Every tree, shrub and grass planted along Gibraltar Creek helps create habitat, improve downstream water quality, biodiversity across the corridor and increase climate resilience for the future. Small actions today can leave a lasting legacy.
Thanks once again to Eku Energy for funding this project and investing in the future of our waterways.
If you want to join a future ARRC planting day, just make sure you're on our email newsletter list. Or get in touch if you're like to learn how your organisation could support a planting day for your work team.
Help the ARRC enable new river restoration projects
Through our flagship on-ground river restoration program – ‘Rivers of Carbon’ – we work directly with landholders to restore Australia’s wetlands and waterways.
Our methods are grounded in science, practical experience, and local expertise, achieving tangible benefits for both the environment and on-farm productivity.
The ARRC is currently seeking business partners to enable new river restoration projects across Australia.
