Rivers of Carbon – Crookwell

We are honoured to work on the ancestral lands of the Gundangurra 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.

310316210_1228967511159341_7913823822186084118_n — Landholder Brian Lowes' children Henry, Jack and Ava playing on the banks of the Crookwell River. Source: Lucy Stuart

“Any river is really the summation of the whole valley. To think of it as nothing but water is to ignore the greater part.”

– Hal Borland

Why Crookwell?

The Crookwell area contains many tributaries to the Upper Lachlan catchment, providing water for towns, recreation and agriculture downstream. Aside from their utilitarian values, Crookwell waterways also provide important habitat for wildlife such as Platypus, Murray cod and the endangered Macquarie perch.

Many champion landholders in the Crookwell catchment have already undertaken on-ground works to improve waterways (within the context of sustainable agriculture), and Rivers of Carbon Crookwell will build on past projects such as RoC Goulburn and Grabben Gullen. Five more landholders will be engaged to protect and enhance 25ha of riparian areas by undertaking works such as fencing, installing alternative stock water, controlling weeds, undertaking small scale erosion control and planting tubestock to improve water quality and biodiversity.

RoC will also work in partnership with Landcare and other local groups, to facilitate workshops that encourage community participation, develop partnerships, connect people and raise awareness about the importance of looking after our creeks and rivers.