The River Repair Bus initiative, a joint operation between Sureway and Inland Waterway Rejuvenation Association (IWRA), recently finished its first allotted block.

In that time 5000 trees were planted along the banks of the ‘Mighty Macquarie’ and 60 trailer loads of rubbish were recovered.

Such was the impact of the first block, the green light has been given for a second  block, much to the relief of organisers

IWRA president Matt Hansen said that while he was always confident approval would be given, he is happy to have the agreement locked in.

“Until it is officially sorted out and the contract signed, you never quite know but this is such a worthwhile program it just had to continue,” Mr Hansen said.

“We’re at a point now where in a few months time we will be able to see a year’s worth of restoration work done to the river, but in all honesty there’s decades of work that needs to be done.

“But you have to start somewhere and the guys involved have been great. We started this project selling raffles tickets and with a bank balance of zero, and here we are today making a real difference and doing something worthwhile.”

When Mr Hansen says the word ‘worthwhile’ it’s not only in reference to the river and its surrounds, but also to the participants from Sureway.

Three days a week, up to 24 of them jump on the bus and travel to various parts of the Macquarie doing work that will ultimately help our greatest natural resource.

“They take so much pride in what they’re doing but the community support comes back as well,” Mr Hansen said.

“They get people waving to them, beeping their horn at them when they’re in the bus and that gives the guys a real sense of achieving for the community.

“We’re hoping to plant another 4000 or so trees over the next few months but there will be preparation work, weeding, watering that needs to be done as well.

“And we’ll look at continuing to remove the rubbish. Not so much from in the water because it will be freezing in winter but along the banks because some of those areas have a lot of junk sitting there as well.”