Rodwell Creek / Wistow Landcare Group

Who are we?
The Rodwell Creek Catchment Group (est. 1993) and the Wistow Landcare Group (est. 1993) merged in 1997. Red Creek Catchment Group was incorporated into the Group in 1998

We are a group of community landholders dedicated to preserving the environment, while maintaining a sustainable commercial farming base for the district.

Funding for landcare from the early 1990s allowed groups such as Wistow and Rodwell Creek to receive funding and landcare officer support to help landholders address local issues such as rising soil salinity, high salt content in the creek water, erosion of streambanks during floods and pollution of the creeks. Much of the groups' work resulted from this support.

We have many varied interests and knowledge and work in the areas where we can best use our expertise. Many of us are still learning, but the pooled knowledge of the Group is wide.

Floods had eroded the landscape in the years prior to 1993, resulting in loss of soil, erosion of stream banks and pollution of the creeks. Salinity was also a major concern, with high salt content in the creek water and rising salinity in the soils.

For more information, you can contact the Secretary at 8388 9848. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Wistow Hall from 7:30pm.

Our Charter

• To identify land and water management practices which will improve the sustainability of the Rodwell Creek/ Wistow area and the factors which may adversely affect or threaten the area.
• To share the results of research information and advice, demonstrate good management practices and facilitate cooperation among statutory bodies, community groups and landholders whose activities impact on the area.
• To educate and inform the community through field days, informative meetings and newsletters.

Our achievements

• 20,000 trees planted 1993-1998
• Over 600 hectares of vegetation protected, both remnants and planted 1998-2008
• Publication of a Catchment Management Plan in 1998 which details the results of trials for managing perennial pastures, pest plants and animals, farm forestry and whole farm planning. The plan also includes information collected by the Group listing endemic plant species, native birds and animals and soils of the area
• Working with Bush for Life to protect three Bush Care sites
• Receipt of over $150,000 of Natural Heritage Trust funds to provide incentives for landholders to undertake on-ground works
• Regular articles in the Wistow Community Newsletter to inform the general community of the Group's work
• Mine rehabilitation work on Wheal Ellen mine site at Highland Valley

What do we do?

• Management of three Bushcare sites and two Council Reserves
• Co-ordinate pest and plant control programs
• Plant propagation and re-vegetation
• Provide information about native plant and animal species management
• Link community people to others who have greater experience and knowledge of natural resources management where expert advice is required
• Seek funding for incentives for landholders to do rehabilitation work
• Maintain a library of books about the environment for community use
• Hold a collection of tree planting and weeding tools, such as spray packs and a tree puller for Group and community use