1
1. INTRODUCTION
The Mungabareena Reserve-Wiradjuri Reconciliation Project was undertaken in
efforts to rehabilitate and revegetate an area of Riverine floodplain. (Appendix 1) The
project area had been utilised by stock (cattle) owners for agistment purposes. The
cattle impacted on the area through urine and excrement that entered the waterways in
the area, the ground was hardened by continuous movement of cattle and native
vegetation regrowth was retarded by cattle eating the plants before they had a chance
to become established. (Appendix 2).
In order for the area to become rehabilitated a number of issues needed to be
examined, discussed and implemented. As there were no money available to
undertake the project, it was decided to approach funding bodies in an attempt to
secure the appropriate amount of money needed to begin and complete a project of
this type. Community concerns needed to be ascertained and the chance to do this
came through extensive media coverage which allowed the community to participate
in the project through volunteering in a physical manner, or in the provision of
materials needed during the life span of the project.
A management strategy for the project was developed and a management team put
together to implement that strategy. The strategy included fencing the area,
revegetation through community participation, the strategic placement of interpretive
signage, walking tracks and picnic settings and surveys. In order to be equitable, the
management team consisted of equal numbers of female and male persons. A number
of organisations and individuals were also approached for assistance and for their
endorsement of the project.
2. LOCATION
The project area is known as Mungabareena (Wiradjuri for 'place of plenty talk')
Reserve. The Reserve is situated in East Albury approximately 5 klms from the main
City of Albury. (Appendix 3) The project area is designated Crown Land with Albury
City Council as Trustees. The area is zoned as a Public Reserve - Open Space.
3. ENVIRONMENT
The project area consists of woodland and wetland areas. The dominant species
within the area are Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia dealbata, Callistemon sieberi,
Bursaria spinosa, Juncus spp and Phragmites australis. Present in the project area is
the rare deep-water turtle, native fish species such as Murray Cod and Yellow Belly
and a number of frog species. See also the Appendix related to the bird survey.
Introduced species such as Water Couch and Flat Sedge are dominant indicating the
degree of disturbance due to grazing. A number of Poplars were planted in the area to
commemorate the Albury soldiers who fought in WW1 in France.
4. ETHNOGRAPHY
The project area has been utilised for many things, for many different needs and by
many different people. The area has been utilised for resources that have and in some
instances still does provide for recreation, housing materials, minerals and education,
to name a few. The area therefore can and still does show use by Indigenous and nonIndigenous people.
2
4.1 Indigenous
The project area is part of Wiradjuri Country (Wesson 2000) and as such was utilised,
pre-invasion, by them. The area provided food, shelter, medicines, tools and weapons
for the Wiradjuri people. Other Indigenous people utilised the project area as it was
also used for the gathering of many different clan groups who were invited on an
annual basis, to participate in the events that were held here (AWDC 1982).
This cultural event is ongoing. The Wiradjuri culture is still celebrated through song,
dance and art. The Ngan-Girra Festival is a continuation of the events that were held
in the past where many Indigenous people, not just Wiradjuri, still come from all over
the country to participate in the celebrations, renew old friendships, begin new ones,
share knowledge and speak of issues that concern them, more often than not, on a
daily basis (Tindale 1974; Flood 1983; Gardner 1997; & Albury City Council 2000).
4.1.1Non -Indigenous
Albury has a gold mining history (1870's). During the gold mining period, much of
the trees in the area were cleared and the timber used for purposes such as fire-wood
and building materials. The Hume Dam was built in 1932 that affected not only the
ecosystem, but could also be seen as speeding up the process of riverbank erosion.
Key non-Indigenous stakeholders and their involvement in the area are:
• Albury City Council: Council maintains the Reserve;
• Recreational users; Includes fishing, bike riding, swimming, walking, people
having BBQ's and school carnivals etc;
• Department of Land & Water Conservation: Initiated a program that saw a
reduction through removal, of willow trees; and
• Maritime Services Board: Control the actual waterway.
5. OBJECTIVES
The project had a number of objectives. The objectives were developed after
consultation with Wiradjuri Elders, knowledge holders, Wiradjuri community
members and the broader community, was undertaken. The objectives gave the
project direction and allowed the management team the opportunity to gauge the
progress of the project. There were two types of objectives as described below.
5.1 Long Term Objectives
a) develop a recreational/cultural/educational resource that will provide informative
natural resource and cultural information to the communities of Albury and
beyond
b) improve the biodiversity of a significant area of the Murray River
c) improve the aquatic/instream habitat of a significant wetland area within the
Reserve
d) improve the water quality entering the Murray River system
e) set an example for partnerships between Shire Councils and Indigenous
communities for natural resource management
f) to provide healthy viable habitat through maintaining and improving remnant
vegetation in the Reserve and to use the project as a guide to best management
practice for revegetating further Council owned sections of the Reserve
3
5.1.1 Short Term Objectives
a) better manage 42 hectares of Reserve land
b) to lower phosphate levels by stock exclusion
c) re-establish Indigenous vegetation
d) implement a monitoring system to determine improvements to the project area
over time
e) to involve the community in a project of cultural and environmental significance
6. FUNDING
The necessary funding came from the Natural Heritage Trust. Funds were granted on
the condition that an equal amount, or more than an equal amount, be repaid 'in-kind'.
At the time of application it was not foreseen that there would be another area of the
Reserve that would become part of the project. The project then, consisted of two, not
one Stage and so the funding was eventually joined. Tables 1,2 and 3 outline funding
details.
Table 1.
Stage 1
Funding granted
$18,490
All other funds (in-kind)
$29,735
Total amount
$48,225
Table 2.
Stage 2
Funding granted
$39,000
All other funds (in-kind)
$66,000
Total amount
$105,200
Table 3.
Total amount
Funding granted
$18,490
$39,000
Total
$57,490
All other funds (in-kind)
$29,735
$66,000
Total
$95,735
Total amount
$48,225
$105,200
Total
$153,425
In-kind support goals were reached and at this point in time had exceeded
expectations. However as the project was not completed in the correct time, there was
an amount of funds left. These residual funds were committed however. This meant
that works still needing to be undertaken/completed would be finalised by Albury
City Council who will use the remaining funds and Council staff and the management
team to achieve completion of the project objectives.
7. THE PROJECT
A number of persons and organisations were invited to attend the opening ceremony
(Collis 2000). The project was officially opened by the then Mayor of the City of
Albury, Mr Les Langford. Council members, members of the Wiradjuri community,
4
an Indigenous Land Management Facilitator (Mr Robert Clegg), staff of the
Indigenous Education Centre and representatives of the media attended the ceremony.
(Appendix 4)
The project was overseen by:
Pastor Cec Grant (Wongamar). Senior Wiradjuri Elder, on behalf of the Wiradjuri
Council of Elders
The project was coordinated and managed by:
Yalmambirra…Manager
Liza Price…Coordinator
Duncan Vennell…Coordinator
Jessica Aiken…Coordinator
Kate O'Brien…Coordinator
7.1 Interpretation
An interpretive sign, provided by the Natural Heritage Trust, was installed at the
entrance to Stage 1 of the project area. (Appendix 5) Further signs (10) were installed
in strategic places throughout the project area. These signs informed the general
public about the project and supplied appropriate contact numbers should community
members have questions or wish to volunteer. (Appendix 6)
Brochures were printed that also informed the general public regarding the project.
These were distributed randomly throughout the Albury/Wodonga districts. The
brochures provided space for community to enlist as volunteers or as suppliers of
materials. (Appendix 7)
7.1.1 Fencing
As the stock was still in the area at the beginning stage of the project, a fence was
erected to keep them out. This took place in the area known as Stage 1. The fence was
1.1klms long. It was a cyclone style fence, made of wire with tension posts equally
spaced. A gate allowed service vehicles into the area. A smaller entrance permitted
entry to the general public, but did not allow the cattle access to the area.
7.1.2 Vandalism and Theft
Two days after the fence was erected it was cut. The people responsible had cut the
fence at the position where the fence was joined to the star-pickets. This had occurred
along one-third of the fencing. The fence was repaired only to see it cut again. This
time, those responsible had cut the fence, not only at the star-pickets, but where the
fence met the tension posts. The fence was repaired again. Again the fence was cut.
This time, those responsible cut the actual fence, not just the joins. The gate was
stolen around this time and was replaced by another. This time the gate was welded so
that it could not be removed without going to a lot of trouble to do so. The fence was
again cut. This time those responsible removed complete sections of it. One section
approximately 30m long, was located in the Murray River some days later. Other
sections still have not been located. (Appendix 8)
5
7.1.3 Flood
The year 2000 saw the area under water. (Appendix 9) The entire project area was
approximately 1m under water for a period of some time. Access to the area was
impossible.
7.1.4 Impacts
The impacts caused by cutting the fence were many. Whilst there were many people
who volunteered to assist in repairing the fence, a lot of time was wasted. Cattle were
again able to access the area as the theft of the gate had left a huge gap through which
they could enter. Repeated repairs to the fence did not return the fence's original
tension. Large tree branches and other materials were pushed against the fence by the
floodwaters and without the original tension, parts of the fence collapsed under the
weight. (Appendix 10) which also allowed the cattle to gain access to the area by
walking over the collapsed fencing. (Appendix 10) Sections of the fence that had not
lost the original tension held firm and were not affected by the floodwaters.
(Appendix 11 & 12)
The owner of the cattle, in consultation with Albury City Council, commented that he
would try to keep the cattle out. With this in mind it was decided to test plant.
(Appendix 13) The cattle managed however to find their way in however and the
tubestocks were eaten.
This in itself created a further impact. The time for planting had approached but could
not be utilised whilst the cattle were still in the area as witnessed by the test planting.
The planting season came and went which meant that more time was lost. Regrowth
had little or no chance of survival whilst the cattle were still grazing in the project
area.
Albury City Council, in their wisdom, decided that the current agistment lease would
be the last and the cattle were removed from the project area (Higgins 2001&
McLennen 2001). (Appendix 14) The fence was not needed and was subsequently
dismantled. The project could resume, beginning with revegetation. A fence was not
required for Stage 2 as the cattle had been removed from this area also.
7.1.5 Regrowth
The removal of cattle from the project area allowed a number of things to occur.
Firstly, the regrowth of native plant species could begin. The main regrowth came
from the River Red Gums. At the time of writing this report, there are conservatively
10,000 River Red Gums growing in the project area. (Appendix 15) A survey
(Appendix 16) has been undertaken to determine what, if any, fauna species have
adopted the regrowth as habitat. A decision on what should be done with the regrowth
will be decided in the closing stages of the project and after consultation with
community members has taken place. Whilst the removal of cattle allowed regrowth
on a large scale to occur, it also led to a weed problem. Unwanted weed species such
as the Scottish Thistle began to grow in huge numbers and along with other weed
species began to crowd out the native plant species.
6
7.1.6 Revegetation
Planting was undertaken in two separate stages. The first involved the planting of
approximately 6,000 plants. The plant species consisted of Silver Wattle, River
Bottlebrush, Carex A. Tree Violet, Prickly Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Phragmites and
Blackwood (Murray Catchment Management Committee & Department of Land &
Water Conservation 1998). The second stage involved the planting of approximately
5,700 plants. These plants were of the same species as the first stage. (Appendices 17,
18 and 19)
7.1.7 Picnic Settings
Picnic settings were to be of the same type that had been constructed by Albury City
Council in previous years. Existing settings consisted of steel legs and concrete seats
and tabletops. It was decided that students from the local TAFE would construct the
settings. Ten picnic settings were constructed by TAFE but a number of errors saw
them deemed unfit/unsafe for public use by Albury City Council.
The formwork did not consist of beading around the inside to prevent the edges from
becoming sharp when the concrete cured. The result being that all tables and seats
were very sharp on the edges when the formwork was dismantled. The tables and
seats were stacked on top of each other. The weight of one on top of another (as in a
domino effect) led to them becoming cracked and broken.
With this in mind, Council decided that in keeping with a new look that they had
envisaged for the City of Albury, all picnic settings would, in future, comprise
recycled plastic. Council had a change of mind and the settings have been
manufactured utilising Cypress Pine. A total of ten (10) picnic settings have been
ordered and at this time have nearly all been installed in strategic sections of the
project area. (Appendix 20) As the settings were an expensive item it was decided that
the project could afford 5 settings only. Albury City Council agreed to purchase the
other 5 settings and incur the costs themselves, free of the committed funds.
7.1.8 Walking Tracks
It was decided to utilise many of the existing trails in the project area for walking
tracks. This meant that Council had to close off sections of trails currently utilised by
vehicles. Stage 1 of the project area will have an extra walking track developed and
the existing walking track will be upgraded. The existing vehicle trail will be left as
is, so that Council and emergency vehicles as well as the general public can utilise it.
Stage 2 will have a number of existing vehicle trails revegetated and existing walking
tracks will be upgraded. Two walking tracks will not be available for use until further
maintenance is undertaken on them.
8. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Community were also informed of the project via extensive advertising (Price 2001).
Participation by community was needed (Esber 1992) and would be mostly
undertaken on a voluntary basis. Volunteers came from different cultural
backgrounds, different educational backgrounds, with different languages and with
different levels of environmental and Indigenous cultural awareness. Volunteers
7
consisted of both female and male and ranged in ages from 2 years of age to someone
in their eighties. (Appendices 21 to 28)
Volunteers participated in every stage of the project. This included the following:
•
Media: All relevant coverage of the project consisted of newspapers, television
and radio. This assisted the management team in their efforts to inform the
communities of Albury-Wodonga about the project. Media coverage was utilised
in attempts to highlight the impacts that vandalism was having on the project and
in efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers. Media were utilised to thank the
communities and volunteers for their time, and for their physical participation;
•
Opening ceremony: Volunteers assisted in the organisation, provision of materials
and presentation of the ceremony;
•
Fencing: Volunteers assisted in erecting the fence and in the provision of fencing
materials;
•
Repairs: Repairs to the fence were carried out by volunteers and were undertaken
every time the fence was impacted upon;
•
Dismantling: Volunteers assisted in dismantling the fence and in ensuring that the
fence was stored correctly;
•
Revegetation: Volunteers were involved in all stages of the planting processes;
They came from schools, Universities, Albury City Council, individuals, families,
representatives of numerous organisations and agencies, Wiradjuri community
members, other Indigenous people and members of the broader communities of
Albury Wodonga;
•
Interpretation: The interpretation signs applicable to the project were erected by
volunteers from Charles Sturt University's Albury and Thurgoona Campus's. The
information brochures were distributed throughout the Albury Wodonga area
utilising volunteers; and
•
Management: The day to day running of the project was the responsibility of the
management team, whilst the development of a Management Plan became the
project of TAFE students and staff members in a voluntary capacity.
In the embryonic stages of the project, it was decided that all those who participated
would in one way or other, be recognised on a plaque, or sign. To this end, all school
children who participated in the planting stages have had their name inscribed on a
sign that is situated between the areas known as Stage 1 and Stage 2. An individual
school was recognised if respective schools did not forward their names to the
management team. All other volunteers were also recognised on the same sign along
with organisations, groups and individuals that gave of their time and resources. The
sign has approximately 550 names on it. It can be seen that community support and
participation was paramount (AHC 2002) to the success of the project.(Appendix 29)
8
9. PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
In consultation with Albury City Council and Riverina Institute of TAFE staff and
students, it was decided that the TAFE students develop a Plan of Management for the
project area. The students have not completed the Plan of Management at this stage
however. Drafts that have been forwarded to me thus far have not been of a type
consistent with the Objectives of the project and were therefore not considered for
inclusion in this report. In real terms, this means that another time delay has impacted
on the project. It is envisaged though, that the management team and Council will
discuss and develop a Plan of Management for the project area in the very near future.
10. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is their recommendation that:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A Plan of Management be developed for the area.
Until a Plan of Management is developed, Council maintain the area in keeping
with its current Parks and Grounds management regime.
Control burning practices be undertaken in efforts to reduce the amount of
unwanted weeds.
Two large open ‘green’ spaces be developed to compliment existing ‘green’
spaces.
The ceremonial tree and other Indigenous places/sites in the area be afforded full
Council protection in keeping with current legislative requirements.
Further consultation with Albury City Council, the management team, the survey
teams and the community, takes place in relation to the River Red Gum regrowth.
Birds and other fauna utilising River Red Gum (Eucalyptus
camaldulensis) regeneration at Mungabareena Reserve:
implications for management.
Matthew Herring, Adam Bester and Damian Michael – February 2003
1.
Introduction
In certain parts of the Mungabareena Reserve there has been intense regeneration of River Red Gums
(Eucalyptus camaldulensis) following a flood in 2000 and the cessation of grazing early in 2001. The aim of
this study was to determine the relative value of this regeneration to birds and other fauna and provide
directions for future management.
9
Mungabareena Reserve is located 5 km east of Albury, New South Wales, on the Murray River
floodplain. This reserve includes a number of ephemeral and permanent billabongs that are filled when
the Murray River has high flows. The three study sites were located to the west of the most frequently
visited part of the reserve and comprised an area of approximately 3.5 ha. The dominant vegetation
consists of mature River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis with large sections of River Red Gum
regeneration, mostly around the fringes of the billabongs. Site 1 was located approximately 80 m southwest of the toilet facilities (see Figure 1) and contained small strips of regeneration and three mature River
Red Gums. The average height of regeneration was 1 – 1.5 m and was the least dense of all three sites.
Site 2 was located at the northern end of the study area and contained the same number of mature
remnant trees but regeneration was taller 1 – 3 m and more dense. Site 3, located to the west of the
study area was more open and contained small, low strips of regeneration (i.e 1 – 2 m). However, these
strips were very thick in sections and densities of up to 155 stems per 1 m2 were not uncommon.
10
2.
Methods
3.1
Birds
Birds were surveyed at each site using standard spot-transect techniques prior to 11.00 am. Due to the
small size of each site, it was possible to survey birds whilst in a stationary position. Two observers
surveyed each site for one hour, which included three 20-minute survey periods over three different
mornings in September 2002. Birds that specifically utilised the regeneration were noted.
3.2
Reptiles and amphibians
Diurnal reptile and amphibian searches were conducted for a total of a one-person hour at each of the
three sites. Rocks, logs and loose bark on trees were targeted.
3.3
Opportunistic searches
All incidental observations of animals, from anywhere in the study area, were also recorded (see
Appendix 1).
4. Results
4.1 Birds
A total of 51 species were recorded within the study area, including three introduced species and one
threatened species (see Appendix 1). From this list, a total of 15 species were recorded using the River
Red Gum regeneration (Table 1). All of the species found in the regeneration were relatively small, apart
from the Common Blackbird. Site 2 easily had the highest species richness (14 species) and the most
number of individuals (43). Site 3 had 7 species, whilst Site 1 had the least number of species with only
11
5. The Superb Fairy-wren had the highest percentage occurrence over all sites. Other species that were
commonly recorded included the Striated Pardalote, Weebill and Grey Fantail.
4.2
Reptiles and amphibians
Only one reptile species was found and two species of frog were recorded calling during the survey. The
Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard was recorded on the edge of site 3 in an open area, although this species
may frequent the regeneration on occasions. The Common Froglet and Plains Froglet were heard just
outside of the three sites, however at other times of the year are likely to use the fringe of the regeneration
and the billabong when it contains water.
12
Table 1
Results of diurnal bird searches within regeneration. Results are expressed as the mean
number of individual birds recorded per 20-minute search. Figures in brackets are
total number of individuals observed.
Species
Superb Fairy-wren
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Total
% occurrence
3.7
(11)
3.7
(11)
0.3
(1)
1.0
(3)
1.0
(3)
0.3
(1)
1.7
(5)
1.3
(4)
1.0
(3)
0.3
(1)
1.0
(3)
1.3
(4)
0.7
(2)
1.3
(4)
1.3
(4)
2.7
(8)
0.3
(1)
(26)
26.5
(5)
5.1
(18)
18.4
(4)
4.1
(1)
1.0
(5)
5.1
(4)
4.1
(4)
4.1
(1)
1.0
(13)
13.3
(10)
10.2
(2)
2.0
(3)
3.1
(1)
1.0
(1)
1.0
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
2.3
(7)
White-browed Scrubwren
Western Gerygone
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Striated Thornbill
0.3
(1)
Yellow Thornbill
Weebill
2.7
(8)
1.3
(4)
Grey Fantail
European Goldfinch
Golden-headed Cisticola
1.0
(3)
Silvereye
0.3
(1)
0.3
(1)
Common Blackbird
Number of individuals per search
Total number of individuals
Number of species per search
Total number of species
Number of 20 min searches
Table 2
0.7
(2)
0.7
(2)
10.3
(31)
1.7
5
3
14.3
(43)
4.7
14
3
8.0
(24)
2.3
7
3
100.0
(98)
1.7
15
9
Results of diurnal reptile and amphibian searches
Species
Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard
Site 3
1
13
3.
Discussion
The diversity of birds, particularly small insectivores, recorded during the surveys
was much higher than anticipated, especially for Site 2. This diversity represents a
significant increase in bird life at Mungabareena following the regeneration, because
almost all of these species would have certainly been absent when the area was only
open pasture with scattered remnant trees. Indeed, it appears that the exclusion of
stock has already had a positive impact on biodiversity through reinstating the shrub
layer in parts of Mugabareena Reserve. However, the response of other species to this
restoration process, including threatened species like the Brown Treecreeper and
Squirrel Glider, will not be evident for many years. Such species often rely on older
trees that have hollows for nesting and roosting, and more extensive foraging
resources like nectar and peeling bark. The lowest-lying areas in the billabongs
contain little or no regeneration, so many waterbirds will still be able to utilize these
open areas when they are next flooded.
The removal of grazing from Mungabareena might necessitate greater efforts to suppress weeds at the site.
Environmental flows can have positive impacts on weed control (Nias et al. 2002) and it is possible that
special flows for Mungabareena could be organised.
In the Barmah-Millewa Forest, E. camaldulensis has invaded naturally-open wetland areas, because altered
river hydrology for irrigation purposes has reduced the depth and duration of flooding in winter/spring,
and increased summertime flooding, favouring mass-germination (Chesterfield 1986, Bren 1992). Areas of
Barmah-Millewa floodplain that were naturally treeless or had only a few very old, well-spaced trees have
been lost. This loss has been detrimental to many species that rely on open areas, whilst others have been
advantaged by the regeneration. The wetlands surveyed at Mungabareena Reserve during this study are
subject to the same altered flows of the Murray River and unless these are changed, the intense
regeneration of E. camaldulensis could continue to occur when the area is flooded. Additionally, the
regeneration from the previous flood may be killed when next flooded, depending on the particular
flooding dynamics. This illustrates the need for ongoing adaptive management of the area.
If necessary, trials could be undertaken to remove and/or thin some regeneration areas at Mungabareena
Reserve. Several large E. camaldulensis wetlands in the Stanhope region, west of Shepparton, have
undergone similar changes in the last few decades and are now largely unsuitable for many of the
waterbirds formerly known from these sites. In this region, particularly Mansfield Swamp near Corop,
several different thinning and removal trials have been tested. Bill Emmett, Kyabram Field & Game Inc.,
has supplied the following information.
14
Removal of older regeneration by bulldozer appears to have impacted negatively on the wetland seed bank,
as little or no aquatic vegetation has grown in these areas since the trials took place 20 years ago. Clearing
by a tractor/slasher and burning has also been tested but this is only feasible when the thickets have just
emerged. This method has been very successful and could be used in the future at Mugabareena just after
mass-germination events have occurred. Chemical control of the regeneration has also been tested. Cutand-pasting with Round-up proved impractical, so spraying with Trounce was used. It was applied to thickets
when they were around 30 cm in height and repeated four weeks later. It is not known how well this
technique has worked. Removal of the plant material after any of the clearing/thinning methods appears to
facilitate greater aquatic plant growth and waterbird use.
4.
•
Recommendations
If possible, retain the current stands of regeneration around Site 2 due to their significance for small,
insectivorous birds.
•
If removal or thinning of all areas is necessary, then the retention of at least a few of the young trees
should be given priority.
•
The retention of isolated young trees (not part of a thicket) could be given priority because they are
likely to grow faster and develop hollows, nectar, bark and other resources much quicker.
•
The extent of regeneration across the reserve should be monitored in the long-term and examination
of periodical aerial photographs should be given priority.
•
Management across the reserve should aim towards maintaining a mosaic of different E. camaldulensis
ages, heights and structure.
15
5.
References
Bren, L. J. (1992). Tree invasion of an intermittent wetland in relation to changes in the flooding frequency
of the River Murray, Australia. Australian Journal of Ecology 17: 395-408.
Chesterfield, E. A. (1986). Changes in the vegetation of the river red gum forest at Barmah, Victoria.
Australian Forestry 49: 4-15.
Nias, D., Alexander, P. & Herring, M. (2002) Trial watering of wetlands on private land within the Murray
Irrigation Limited Area of Operation. NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group, Albury.
16
Appendix 1
- List of all vertebrate species recorded within the study area
*** = Introduced species
### = Threatened species
Birds
Chenonetta jubata
Anas superciliosa
Phalacrocorax varius
Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Pied Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Egretta novaehollandiae
Ardea alba
Threskiornis spinicollis
Threskiornis molucca
Elanus axillaris
Haliastur sphenurus
Falco cenchroides
Gallinula tenebrosa
Porphyrio porphyrio
Vanellus miles
Geopelia striata
Cacatua roseicapilla
Cacatua galerita
Platycercus elegans flaveolus
Platycercus eximius
Psephotus haematonotus
Chrysococcyx basalis
Dacelo novaeguineae
Cormobates leucophaeus
Malurus cyaneus
Pardalotus punctatus
Pardalotus striatus
Sericornis frontalis
Gerygone fusca
Acanthiza reguloides
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Acanthiza lineata
Acanthiza nana
Smicrornis brevirostris
Philemon corniculatus
### Melithreptus gularis
Melithreptus brevirostris
Falcunculus frontatus
Pachycephala rufiventris
Colluricincla harmonica
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Grallina cyanoleuca
Gymnorhina tibicen
White-faced Heron
Great Egret
Straw-necked Ibis
Australian White Ibis
Black-shouldered Kite
Whistling Kite
Australian Kestrel
Dusky Moorhen
Purple Swamphen
Masked Lapwing
Peaceful Dove
Galah
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Yellow Rosella
Eastern Rosella
Red-rumped Parrot
Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra
White-throated Treecreeper
Superb Fairy-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Western Gerygone
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Striated Thornbill
Yellow Thornbill
Weebill
Noisy Friarbird
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Eastern Shrike-tit
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike Thrush
Grey Fantail
Magpie-Lark
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Corvus coronoides
*** Carduelis carduelis
Hirundo neoxena
European Goldfinch
Welcome Swallow
17
Hirundo nigricans
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Golden-headed Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
Silvereye
Zosterops lateralis
Common Blackbird
*** Turdus merula
Common Starling
*** Sternus vulgaris
Amphibians
Crinia signifera
Crinia parinsignifera
Common Froglet
Plains Froglet
Mammals
*** Oryctolagus cuniculus
European Rabbit
Reptiles
Tiliqua scincoides
Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard
18
11. REFERENCES
Albury City Council. Environment protection zones study: Draft. Albury City
Council. Albury. NSW, Australia. 2000.
Albury Wodonga Development Corporation. Aboriginal archaeology of the AlburyWodonga region. Albury-Wodonga. Thurgoona. NSW, Australia. 1982.
Australian Heritage Commission. Ask first: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage
places and values. Canberra. ACT, Australia.2002.
Collis, M. Draft media release. Albury City Council Public Relations Team. Albury
City Council. Albury. NSW, Australia. 2000.
Esber, G. S. Applied ethnography addresses cultural diversity. CRM. 1992. Vol 15 No
7. p.22.
Flood, J. Archaeology of the dreamtime. Collins Publishers. Sydney, Australia. 1983.
Gardner, P. D. Some notes on Victorian alpine Aborigines. Ngarak Press. Victoria,
Australia. 1997.
Higgins, N. The Border Mail. 2001.
McLennen, B. J. Unpublished. Albury City Council. Albury. NSW, Australia.2001.
Murray Catchment Management Committee & Department of Land & Water
Conservation. In Stelling, F. (ed), south west slopes revegetation guide: From little
things big things grow…Albury, Australia. 1998.
Price, L. The Border Mail. 9th Feb. 2001.
Tindale, N. B. Catalogue of Australian Aboriginal tribes: New South Wales. 1974.
Wesson, S. An historical atlas of the Aborigines of eastern Victoria and far southeastern New South Wales. Monash Publications in Geography and Environmental
Science. 2000. Number 53. Victoria, Australia.
19
20
The Impacts of cattle agistment
21
The project sponser; The Natural Heritage Trust.
22
Information signage.
23
Found following the flood of 2000.
24
Flood waters receding in 2000.
25
The impact of the flood on the fencing.
26
Rising flood waters (above) and the impacts of the flood.
27
One of the happy volunteers.
28
Charles Sturt University Student, looking very studious!
29
Community members getting their hands dirty.
30
Enjoying a well deserved break.
31
Wetland planting.
32
The results of the first day planting by school children.
33
A Charles Sturt University student (with helper).
34
Regrowth of river red gums following the flood of 2000.
35
Further efforts of school children.
36
Albury City Council workers sorting plants by species.
37
Father of two and working hard.
38
Cypress Pine table setting.
The names of schoolchildren and volunteers.
39
Project manager, Yalmambirra with Mr Robert Clegg, Indigenous
Land Management Facilitator.
Albury City Council employee with the necessary
ingredient…water!