Hey eWater, thanks for helping us revegetate the Gudgenby River!

Across the territory, river systems have been facing significant pressure from increasing water temperatures, reduced average flows, flash flooding events and the erosion that ensues.  The Rivers of Carbon Gudgenby project works with landholders and local community groups to restore sections of the Gudgenby River that have endured such erosion events. Revegetation along degraded reaches are an important part of the river restoration process.

Site Information

The Gudgenby River is in southern ACT and begins near the border of ACT and New South Wales in Namadgi National Park. It flows 30km Northeast through historic agricultural and grazing land to join the Murrumbidgee River near Tharwa township. Along its course it is met with nine tributaries, including the Naas River and Orroral River.

You will be helping us at a 630 acre grazing property located on Honeysuckle Creek, a tributary of the Gudgenby. Recent high rainfall events have caused extreme bank erosion on sections of Honeysuckle Creek, depositing large amounts of soil, sand and sediment into the Gudgenby River, smothering aquatic habitat downstream.  With help form landholder Steve, we aim to plant 600 trees and shrubs in a fenced-off enclosure along Honeysuckle Creek.

Directions:

To protect landholder privacy, we will provide directions to the bus driver and eWater coordination staff closer to the event.

Itinerary – 28^th April 2023

9.00am – Bus leaves eWater (located in Bruce, ACT)

9.30am – Arrive on site. Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome by Landholder (Steve), Overview of Rivers of Carbon and purpose of revegetation (Jed Pearson), Work Health and Safety briefing.

9.45am – Walk with volunteers to planting site. (Walking distance – Approx 750 metre one way, 1.5km round trip – degree of difficulty – easy)

10.00am – Planting demonstration, run through uses of tool and recap of Work Health and Safety (Jed Pearson and RoC team)

10.15am – Commence planting.

11.30am – Break for morning tea.

11.50am – Recommence planting.

1.00pm – Complete planting, debrief and lunch on Honeysuckle Creek (catering provided by Indigenous business Ribanas Catering)

1.30pm – Walk back to carpark.

1.45pm – Bus departs

Registration:

Every person attending will need to register — please follow the link provided to do this. If you intend to bring a child to this event they must be always under your supervision. Be aware that risks have been identified for this event including unfenced water courses, farm animals and machinery that could be harmful to your child. You are responsible for your child at all times as RoC staff cannot monitor them at this site.

Waiver:

The ARRC has developed guidelines for people attending events. Please read these conditions before you arrive, by signing in you agree that you have read and understood them.

This event is not suitable for small children or dogs (even in cars). If you have an assistance dog, please contact us prior to the event.

The information provided at this event is general in nature. You should seek professional advice for your specific situation.

Any questions?

RoC Project Manager Jed Pearson

jed.pearson@arrc.com.au | 0476251910

FAQs:

How do I get there and where do I park?

This event includes a free bus transfer from eWater in Bruce, ACT to the property where the event will take place and back again. Paid parking is available across the street from eWater that is managed by the University of Canberra. Public transport options are also available for transport to eWater.

Can I bring children / is this a family friendly event?

Yes, absolutely! Children are welcome at this event and we promote a fun atmosphere of curiosity, enthusiasm and learning. Please ensure children are supervised by a parent or guardian and that they are registered through Eventbrite, same as adults. This is so we can prepare catering for the appropriate number of attendees.

Can you support my dietary requirements?

Yes, we certainly can! Please ensure to let us know when registering for this event. Our caterers, Ribanas Catering, offer diverse and delicious catering with native Australian flavours for all dietary needs.

What to Bring:

• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing — long pants and sturdy/hiking boots.
• Gloves/PPE and equipment provided.
• Please note: if you plan to bring children, please register them as well.

What you’ll get out of the day:

• Share your experience and learn new skills to improve habitat restoration projects.
• Get your hands dirty planting trees and shrubs in the afternoon along the Mulwaree River.
• Share lunch and network with colleagues, team building.