Blackmans Point – The Hatch Landcare Group
Blackmans Point – The Hatch Landcare Group is based around the estuary where the Maria River flows into the Hastings River. An important habitat for fish and the oyster industry, protection of the water quality and riparian areas is the focus of this Landcare group. Erosion of the riverbank is severe at some locations and structural works have been required to stabilise some sections of the bank. This area is a focus of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Estuary Management Committee and significant investment in bank restoration has been made by Council.
The Dennis Bridge section of the riverbank provides an example of what can be achieved with a minimum of expense and materials. The riverbank here has been fenced off from stock and rock fillets have been strategically positioned along the bank to form protected zones which have enabled the establishment of mangroves.