Incredible transformation after grim 7.6 tonne find in Aussie river: 'Serious challenge'
Over a few months in late 2024, the collaborative effort managed to free the Capertee River in the New South Wales Central Tablelands of illegally dumped items, including a whopping seven car and truck chassis, that had likely lain on the riverbed for decades.
Announcing the impressive feat this week, the Central Tablelands Local Land Services said the feat is the latest endeavour in the area to support the recovery of native and endangered fish species and reconnect 24.8 kilometres of upstream river habitat. This will enable native fish to migrate, breed, and thrive in a healthier aquatic ecosystem, a NSW Local Land Services spokesperson told Yahoo News.
"The most serious challenge was removing the car and truck components whole," the spokesperson said. "A five-tonne excavator made little progress, so a local who has heavy-duty cranes — from the Australian Train and Railway Services — was subcontracted.
"While only one to two chassis were expected to be removed, there were multiples underneath, resulting in seven being removed to make the river navigable for fish.
"After the removal, the bank of the river was reshaped to a more stable geomorphic form. All bare earth was covered with a biodegradable jute mat. Remaining timber was placed around the toe of the bank, and the slope was revegetated."
Between August and October 2024, NSW Local Land Services led a major habitat restoration project along nearly 25 kilometres of the Capertee River, aimed at reconnecting the waterway and supporting the recovery of native fish species, including the endangered Blue Mountains Perch.
The work involved a series of staged on-ground efforts — from arborist work and site preparation to the removal of dumped vehicle chassis and native planting.
Dead eucalyptus branches were first cleared by the North East Wiradjuri Company in early September to ensure site safety, with the timber later reused to create in-stream habitat.
Primary earthworks followed, along with the careful removal of car and truck chassis — a more complex job than expected, with seven vehicles eventually lifted from the riverbed by a subcontracted heavy crane operator. These abandoned vehicles had become significant barriers to fish passage.
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To manage environmental risks, Local Land Services implemented a detailed erosion and sediment control plan, including silt curtains and geofabric bunds, while also preparing for potential oil or fuel contamination, though no spills occurred.
The site was stabilised and revegetated following the removal works, with bare earth covered in jute matting and leftover timber repurposed for bank reinforcement. Volunteers from Capertee Valley Landcare completed planting works in October to help restore the area's ecological function.
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