Fosters Spur bush regeneration

Located on the traditional lands of the Widjabal Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation, Fosters Spur was once a farm that became overrun by invasive weeds. These weeds posed a direct threat to the nearby remnants of the Big Scrub – a critically endangered rainforest that once blanketed the region and is of international ecological significance.

The project’s goal was to establish a self-sustaining subtropical rainforest using over 50,000 seeds of local provenance. These plantings will re-establish native biodiversity and act as a natural water filter, enhancing the quality of water flowing into the dam. This upstream restoration translates into long-term cost savings in water treatment and aligns with Rous’ broader buffer zone improvement strategy.

Access to the remote site posed logistical challenges, requiring the construction of temporary pontoons and boat access to transport materials. Clearing the initial 20 hectares of the high risk invasive weed Butterfly Bush required heavy machinery, and the resulting mulch prepared the ground for replanting. Early-stage plantings of pioneer species such as Pencil Cedar and Bleeding Heart had already reached heights of three to four metres by 2023, shading out weeds and encouraging natural regeneration. This project is an impactful example of environmental stewardship and the Council’s commitment to restoring a landscape of ecological importance.

Fosters Spur is setting a benchmark for government-led, large-scale ecological restoration in Australia. Its innovative, nature-inspired approach and long-term vision make it a replicable model for councils aiming to combine environmental regeneration with water security. As Rous extends its efforts to other water sources, including Wilsons River and Emigrant Creek Dam, the lessons learned at Fosters Spur will help shape a more resilient and ecologically balanced future for the region.