The River of Carbon project in Burra was initially planned to involve six landholders protecting and improving their riparian areas, however, it resulted so much more. Over the two and half years of this project, hundreds of people came together to work on improving the biodiversity values of the Burra catchment – protecting some high-quality waterways, and undertaking projects that will improve the management of productive farms.
The community involvement of this project was a highlight, with five different community planting events bringing hundreds of different volunteers together. The highlight of these plantings was the National Tree Day 2018 at the Little Burra Common that resulted in over 1500 trees planted. The day was supported by Evo energy through their Community Revegetation Fund and was enjoyed by over 100 participants. Other planting events included an Intrepid Landcare event at Wandiyali, and four different plantings delivered by Greening Australia’s committed Green Team at private properties throughout the Burra District. All the landholders were very appreciative and impressed by the hard work that the volunteers contributed.
1500 tubestock to transform the Burra Common. Photo Ben Hanrahan
National Tree Day 2018. Photo Ben Hanrahan
Another highlight was Ivan Krstins Property where we protected the intact section of Roberts Creek between its source on the Eastern flanks of the Tinderry mountains, and where it joins the Queanbeyan River. This section had some lovely rocky gorges that flowed into some flats lined with Black Sallee’s and Poa tussock. By fencing this creek section off, Ivan’s cattle will no longer be grazing in these delicate areas – another benefit is that he will no longer have trouble mustering this steep country.
Roberts creek, Tinderry Mountains. Photo Ben Hanrahan.
Further downstream in the Queanbeyan river catchment, we worked with Drew Waterhouse to improve the conditions of Sherlock Creek. This creek still has a population of trout in it and, although we would prefer to see native fish, it is a good indicator of the health of the waterway. As well as fencing and revegetating the creek, Drew is engaging contractors through his own contribution to remove the willows on this section of the waterway.
Site works to protect and restore Sherlock Creek. Photo Ben Hanrahan
Lastly, the extensive riparian works undertaken by Tom Lonergan on two different waterways on his property ‘Irena’, will certainly have an impact on the quality of water leaving his property. By fencing out over 2 kms of creek lines covering 13 hectares, he has made stock management easier on his property and reduced the level of sediment runoff into the catchment.
Rivers of Carbon site on ‘Irena’. Photo Ben Hanrahan
Without landholders and community support Rivers of Carbon cannot exist. When we look through these photos at the great work that has been done with a relatively small amount of funding, it becomes clear that people want to care for our waterways and, when given an opportunity, will band together to protect and restore our rivers, creeks and wetlands. Thankyou to everyone involved in Rivers of Carbon Burra.
Ben, Lori, Siwan and the RoC Team
Burra Banks Bush and Biodiversity
Read about the Burra project and read stories from the two and half years of this project. Thank you to the hundreds of people who came together to work on improving the biodiversity values of the Burra catchment and protect some high-quality waterways.
