Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Recovering the Snowy River - an Aussie legend
Who can forget the epic Australian film The Man From Snowy River, starring not only John Waters and Sigrid Thornton but a stunning, scene-stealing wild river?
The Snowy is now the star of a new production called the Snowy River Recovery Program, which aims to improve the health of the river by introducing environmental flows and caring for the natural ecology.
Funding
Work has been funded with $590,000 from the Australian Government through the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA), with additional contributions from the State Government.
Along with the increased flows the project celebrates the identity and spirit of local people, including Aboriginal communities in the southeast who have rich cultural ties to the river.
Activities
Project Manager Brett Miners said three per cent additional flows were released in 2002 and more than 240 litres of water savings made in inland irrigation areas for 2006.
"Willows have now been treated in a 172-kilometre section of the river below Jindabyne, including remote helicopter access work in Kosciuszko National Park," Brett said.
"About six kilometres in remote areas remains to be treated, plus follow-up work. Blackberry has been controlled over 25 kilometres of river frontage and seven kilometres of river frontage has been replanted with native species."
Willow removal is complete near Dalgety, with 95 per cent of blackberry masses also removed and 50,000 native trees and shrubs established. Landholders have become involved through 'Snowy Banks' agreements, which lead to weed and pest control, stock management and other plantings.
The target for native fish populations is to establish Australian Bass in the lower 90 kilometres of the Snowy River by 2007. River Blackfish will be re-introduced to selected locations in the middle reaches of the Snowy River by 2010.
A Snowy Fish Recovery Strategy based on workshops with fish ecologists has been drafted, and the community consultation process is complete. River Blackfish surveys are also finished and a breeding trial is underway.
Achievements
Results from a six-year survey show that first environmental flows have stripped algae and expanded the flow channel in the upper reaches of the river, with natural regeneration occurring on mobile sand banks.
As for the spirit of the river, a "Snowy River Journey" was made in 2002 to draw out stories from the locals. Clare Miller's Book, Snowy River Story, was published in 2004 and regular Snowy River Festivals are held in Dalgety.
More information
- Brett Miners, Project Manager: (02) 6452 1455 or Brett.Miners@cma.nsw.gov.au
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