Niemuroo, NSW

Situated on the banks of the Niemur River, an anabranch of the Murray, Niemuroo will complement the ancient River Red Gum forests of the NSW Riverina. This considerably sized property (814hectares) was, until recently, used for cereal cropping and wool production, but is now being returned to Red Gum forest by the current owner (and Greenfleet collaborator), Biolinking Australia.

This property was targeted by Biolinking Australia because of the potential to enhance the nearby Werai Indigenous Protected Area, re-establish iconic Red Gumforest and provide habitat for native wildlife. Notable amongst this wildlife is the Bush Stone-Curlew, which is listed as a threatened species in NSW and has been seen directly on the property.  This largely ground dwelling bird favours open red gum forests and shelters amongst the fallen debris.

As part of the establishment of this forest, a series of flood levees had to be removed.  These were built and used by the previous owner to regulate the amount of water flooding onto the site for the purpose of deliberate irrigation. The destruction of these levees allows more natural flooding cycles to resume – Red Gums have adapted to these natural flood regimes and require them in order to regenerate.

The project is also being managed in conjunction with the Murray Catchment Management Authority, which has provided advice on species selection and site preparation.