Rivers of Carbon – Grabben Gullen

We are honoured to work on the ancestral lands of the Ngunawal People and we recognise their continuing connection with, and knowledge about land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and Elders past, present and emerging.

Adapted from: Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country – Creative Spirits
River Dreaming image (right). Artist: Richie Allen (Ngunnawal/Kamilaroi), Traditional Aboriginal Owners Corporation.

Potential platypus refuge site in times of drought. Photo: Lori Gould

“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.”

– Aboriginal Proverb

Why Grabben Gullen?

The name Grabben Gullen is from Aboriginal language and means “small waters”, a name chosen due to the numerous small streams in the area which feed into the Lachlan River. These streams and their associated riparian zones are ideal locations in the landscape to achieve the aims of biodiversity connectivity for wildlife, as well as improving water quality for downstream communities and farm productivity. They are contiguous, clearly identifiable, and often parts of the farm landholders are prepared to manage differently within the context of their overall farm plan.

Grabben Gullen was identified as a focus area for RoC due to the high level of interest the farming community has expressed in addressing soil and habitat loss as contributors to declining water quality, as well as shade and shelter for farm animals and wildlife. The project will build on works already undertaken in the region over a number of years, by extending and enhancing riparian rehabilitation works. We know that community engagement increases over time once there are ‘runs on the board’, and as we are already well known in the region through our Boorowa River Recovery and Crookwell work, we can get immediately started.

On-ground works will include fencing, revegetation, installation of alternative stock water, small scale erosion works where appropriate, minor woody weed control (where it enhances project outcomes), and community ‘get-togethers’ to raise awareness of the issues, offer solutions and garner interest in partnership with Landcare. We also offer any landholders a free Land for Wildlife assessment to provide them with further knowledge about the environmental value of their property.

A gully system starting to heal by removing stock, allowing ground cover to establish and revegetation using native plants. Photo: Lori Gould

Grabben Gullen Project Area

Project Timeline:

Oct 2019 - Dec 2021

Outcomes we are aiming for:

Protect and restore 20ha of riparian land

Manage 5kms of waterways

Involve 5 landholders

Connection and enhancement of 300ha of remnant vegetation

Plant 3000 natives and 3km of direct seeding

Manage 2 erosion control remediation sites

Hold 2 community events

Want to get involved?

Terrific, we would be delighted to hear from you. This project has now finished but there are still opportunities to work with Rivers of Carbon. Please contact Lori Gould using the details below.

Lori Gould:
✉️lori.gould@arrc.com.au
📞0439 030 058

RoC Program Manager Lori Gould with Garry Kadwell, one of our valued landowners in our new Rivers of Carbon Grabben Gullen project. Photo credit: Mary Bonet