Nyngan residents are passionate about the Bogan River and caring for its flora and fauna, and the Bogan Shire Council has even created a special department – Bogan Bushcare. 

In consultation with experts and community members the Shire recently held its first Bogan Bushcare community planting day which took place on the edge of the Nyngan weir pool. 

Local residents joined Council staff to plant a variety of reeds, sedges and grasses. 

Bogan Shire director of Development and Environmental Services Cathy Black said these plants were chosen and positioned along the bank according to their tolerance to varying dry and wet conditions.  

“Strategic planting along the riverbank is important in helping to control soil erosion as well as filtering and slowing down flow of rainwater. All plant varieties provide habitat and food source for small native wildlife such as frogs, butterflies and birds,” she said.  

With Council working diligently on making the Bogan River more attractive to tourists and locals alike, Acacias and Red River gums were planted to offer shade for walking tracks and benches.  

Bogan Bushcare co-ordinator Karen Francis explained the reason for choosing the tree varieties.  

Nate martin and Ruby Walsh 

“The River Reds are beautiful, large growing gums that are common to, and grow well along the Bogan River. The Acacias are attractive, medium sized trees which provide food source and habitat for local wildlife, including many pollinators. An important feature of Acacias is their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil to the benefit of the tree and plants growing around them,” she said. 

“Our Bushcare activities have come a long way over the last 18 months,” says Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis. 

 “Our community nursery is being used to store, grow and acclimatise several types of trees and shrubs that we have bought in to use for planting. We've also had some success in propagating our own plants.” 

“Our recent planting day involved the planting of grasses, reed and sedges along the riverbank. These will help reduce soil erosion along the riverbanks as well as provide habitat for wildlife, said Mr. Francis. 

“When considering the planting area we took into account access to popular fishing spots and the need to keep them clear for access to the river.” 

 “As we propagate more riparian plant’s we will continue this work along the riverbanks.” 

“We look forward to working with local schools and anyone from our community who has an interest in looking after our local plants and animals as we develop our nursery and hold more planting days, said Mr. Francis. 

Tom and Sophie Walsh 

The community planting was not without reward as a morning tea followed the planting provided by Nyngan Community Hub with scones made by local Aboriginal Elder Tommy Ryan. 

Bogan Shire welcomes any community members who'd like to be involved.

Bogan Bushcare Coordinator Karen Francis with Wendy Beetson of Nyngan Community Hub