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Update from November 2023 

Imagine seeing a platypus in Axe Creek!  That's one of the potential outcomes of the Axe Creek Protection Project which is currently underway. The project involves removing weeds, replacing native vegetation and reintroducing native fish back into the ecosystem along 25km of the creek all the way to Campaspe River.

Watch the video on the FGM Youtube Channel to find out about the project's progress to date, thanks to a fantastic partnership between Agnico Eagle Australia Community Partnership Program, Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise and Bushco Land Management.

Launch event - June 2023

On June 6, 2023, a steady stream of people arrived on the side of Sinclairs Road in Strathfieldsaye to mark the launch of the Axe Creek Protection Project, which will see riparian (which means “river bank”) rehabilitation and native fish enhancement works carried out along 25km of Axe Creek over the next two years.

Although the weather was decidedly grey, a very positive atmosphere pervaded as everyone chatted among themselves – enjoying a coffee and homemade scones – until the official presentation began.

BUSHCO Land Management’s, Tim Jenkyn opened by explaining that the project aimed to improve the waterway by reducing pests and weed species, as well as revegetating the creek's bank.

“Over the years, the creek has attracted a mix of vegetation, including invasive gorse and blackberry, which needs to be controlled,” explained Tim.

Works began on scoping the project late last year and since then 50 creek-side landholders have enthusiastically agreed to support the project in any way they can.

“This project is giving us the opportunity to restore the creek to its natural state, which could potentially see the return of a healthy population of platypus and other indigenous creatures to the waterway in the future,” Tim continued.

Dennis Johanson, from Strathfieldsaye and Districts Community Enterprise (SDCE) which is auspicing the project, said: “The SDCE was set up to support projects and groups that work to make improvements to the community and this project is a fantastic collaboration that will not only deliver for the community, but for the environment as well”.

Agnico Eagle Australia’s Community Partnerships Program is the funding partner for this project and is providing $450,000 over two years to make this project possible.

"Being able to partner with volunteer groups who work tirelessly to improve our communities is a privilege we do not take lightly," said Ion Hann, Agnico Eagle's Australian operations Vice President.

"Many of our own employees live in this district so to support this project is common sense and is embedded in our values of family, respect, responsibility, equality and trust."

This fantastic project is a collaboration between: 

• Strathfieldsaye District Community Enterprise – Auspicing organisation;
• Agnico Eagle Community Partnership Program – Funding partner;
• Fosterville Gold Mine – Supporting partners;
• BUSHCO Land Management – Project managers;
• FOSSALs (Friends of the Strathfieldsaye Steams and Land) – In-kind sponsors;
• Longlea and District Landcare Group – In-kind sponsors; and 
• All the landholders living along Axe Creek who are working proactively with BushCo to assist with providing information and access to their land during the project.

Want to know more about how you can help? Follow the Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise Facebook page to stay updated. 

Watch this space for more information about this project in the coming months!