Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Tackling catchment erosion near Goulburn
On a property just north of Goulburn, Stephen Burgun has watched the amazing transformation of a 12-kilometre erosion gully.
As manager of the 7,000-hectare farm 'Arthursleigh,' he's been part of a major Catchment Protection Scheme that aims to restore eroded land and protect water quality in Warragamba Catchment.
"When I first came here 17 years ago almost every drainage line on the property was scarred with deep erosion," Stephen said.
"There was one erosion gully that ran almost the whole length of the property. It had dry red and yellow walls and a raw lifeless creek at the base.
"Now the gully walls are green and a live creek runs through it, with native grasses covering the creek floor.
"These play a really important role in filtering water. We're in Sydney's catchment area, so it means we're making a significant difference to the quality of Sydney's water."
Funding
The Catchment Protection Scheme involves Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (CMA) working in partnership with the Australian Government, which contributed over $340,000 to the scheme. Support is also provided by the NSW Department of Natural Resources, the Sydney CMA and landholders.
"There's a lot of interest in this initiative, which is good," said Catchment Coordinator, Aaron Smith. "And it's now expanded to include the Capertree and Wolgan Catchments, as well as Warragamba."
Activities and achievements
Landholders apply for assistance under the scheme, which has identified priority areas for attention. The CMA negotiates 10-year agreements with the successful landholders, which include an overall protection and restoration plan, plus details of design and specifications for work to be undertaken.
This is a scheme where most of the work is done by external contractors rather than the landholders. "But we certainly encourage landholders to become involved and to go on and do further work on their properties," Aaron said.
One of the oldest properties in the region, 'Arthursleigh' is owned by the University of Sydney.
"On Arthursleigh we're trying to demonstrate sustainable agriculture to the rest of the community," said Stephen.
"Work undertaken as part of the Catchment Protection Scheme has added to our credibility as land managers. We've been able to fence off sensitive areas, put in earthworks and structures to slow down and divert water, and replant, all with help from the Hawkesbury Nepean CMA."
More information
- Aaron Smith, Catchment Coordinator: aaron.j.smith@cma.nsw.gov.au
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