Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Reducing salinity in the Murrumbidgee River
Jugiong Creek sub-catchment has been identified as contributing high concentrations of salt, nutrients and turbidity to the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales.
A collaborative project between the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group to improve salinity and water quality in Jugiong Creek has been underway since 2004.
The project was designed to put work in place to reduce salinity and sediment entering the Murrumbidgee River.
Funding
The first stage of the Jugiong Salinity and Water Quality project received $380,000 from the Australian and State Governments.
For stage two, further government funding has been allocated for the Jugiong Creek Catchment.
Other project partners included Harden Shire Council, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and New South Wales Department of Natural Resources.
Activities
During the first phase of the project, 25 management agreements were negotiated between the Murrumbidgee CMA and landholders.
Work undertaken included the protection and enhancement of 14 hectares of native vegetation and 42 hectares of trees and shrubs planted in recharge areas (areas where water replenishes underground rock and sand layers). As well as this, 43 kilometres of creek banks were fenced and replanted, and around 50 hectares of saline affected land re-planted using saline pasture.
Achievements
Harden farmer Neil McNoll runs ‘Bobbara Station’ and says without the joint commitment of government and landholders, the project would never have been so successful.
“In stage one we only addressed the priority areas. But now – under stage two – with the additional funding, we are able to add areas that aren’t quite as badly affected,” Neil said.
“Most people in the project area have taken up the Murrumbidgee CMA initiative. With such a positive response the project is able to work on a much larger scale which is fantastic.
“We now have the support to address the whole problem and not just some of it.”
To date, the landholders involved have worked on problems that cause salinity including fencing gullies, identifying areas high in saline, and planting trees.
The project has attracted partnerships between the Murrumbidgee CMA and a number of local businesses.
More Information
- Gavin Pryde, Catchment Co-ordinator: (02) 6128 3372
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