One of more than 190 kilometres of surface drains constructed

Looking back at the figures for works implemented and funds expended in the Kent and Denmark during the Recovery Program makes impressive reading and reinforces the great success of the Kent/Denmark Recovery Team

More than 80% of landholders in the Kent catchment have been involved in land use changes. Collectively these landholders account for more than 90% of the catchment area.

To date, more than 300 kilometres of stock exclusion fencing has been erected, some of which protects the 840 hectares of revegetation that has taken place. An area greater than 500 hectares has been planted to perennial pastures and 70 hectares to summer forage. More than 190 kilometres of surface drains have been constructed to manage surface water along with 20 stock crossings. In addition to this significant amount of work the Forest Products Commission has established 800 hectares of saw log plantings to restore water quality in the Kent and Denmark Rivers.

The overall investment by state government and landholders is estimated at $1.5 million dollars. However, this doesn't include the countless hours of time landholders have invested in work on their farms or the cost of establishing the saw logs and extensive bluegum plantings.

The combined effect of these works have reduced the rate of salinity rise per year from 81 mg/L (from 1983 to 1990) to an annual rise of 14 mg/L (between 1991 and 1998) at Rocky Glen. Salt levels in the river may not have stopped rising, but it seems we are well on our way to achieving just that.