History Project Stories
OLD RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
In 2019 a planting of over 4,000 native plants was undertaken as part of an Enforceable Undertaking QPRC had with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of NSW following a sewage overflow from the Morisset Street Pump Station. The plantings stretched along the river from the Morisset Street Bridge to the border with the ACT at the Historic Railway Bridge.
The aim of the project was:
‘To restore natural habitat with the added benefit of shading and therefore cooling the river. In the height of summer, keeping the river cool will protect aquatic species and reduce the likelihood of algal blooms’.
The species planted by Molonglo Conservation (formerly Molonglo Conservation Group) included:
Eucalyptus viminalis (Ribbon Gum)
E. bridgesiana (Apple Box)
Acacia decurrens (Green Wattle)
Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle)
Acacia rubida (Red-stemmed Wattle)
Bursaria spinosa (Native Blackthorn)
Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)
Themeda sp. (Kangaroo Grass)
Lomandra lomandra (Spiny Head Mat Rush)
Acacia implexa (Lightwood)
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)
Poa labillardieri (Snow Grass, Tussock Grass)
Cassinia longifolia (Shiny Cassinia)
By late 2021 it was noted by Queanbeyan Landcare that the trees, shrubs and grasses, though growing well due to the wet conditions, needed weeding, mulching and support. The group Friends of Queanbeyan River formed with the initial aim being to focus on the area at the end of Erin Street below the Old Cemetery. Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council supported the initiative by mowing the site and delivering mulch. The Friends of Queanbeyan River gathered regularly throughout the year to mow, weed, remove tree guards and spread mulch.
Click below to see the work we have done at Riverside Cemetery
