Waterwatch & EstuaryWatch Citizen science in ’s waterways Annual Achievements Report 2019-2020 Contents

Introduction 1 Citizen Science Snapshot 3 Where and what we are monitoring 7 EstuaryWatch, Waterwatch 9 River Detectives 13 National Waterbug Blitz! 14 State Stories 15 Delivery Partners 16 Corangamite 17 19 Glenelg Hopkins 21 Goulburn Broken 23 25 27 North Central 31 North East 33 35 Wimmera 37 Links 40

Please note all images in this publication were taken pre-coronavirus, before social distancing was required. All images are approved with credit.

Front cover: Waterbug Blitz! event to discover macroinvertebrates and to monitor the health of the waterways at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Credit MCMA. Introduction

Victoria sustains a vibrant history of awareness, engagement and knowledge monitoring activities, including the community-based environmental of waterways has strengthened over community engagement and citizen monitoring and citizen science the year. We thank the thousands science endeavours of Waterwatch and programs, including the Waterwatch of dedicated Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch. and EstuaryWatch programs. These EstuaryWatch volunteers who visit local programs are instrumental in informing waterways to monitor water quality Funding for these programs in waterway management decisions while and collect valuable environmental regional Victoria is part of the Victorian strengthening community engagement information. Government’s $222 million investment and fostering environmental from 2016 to 2020 through the stewardship and advocacy. Catchment Water for Victoria, the Victorian fourth tranche of the Environmental management authorities (CMAs), water Government’s plan for managing our Contribution (EC4) to improve the authorities, local government and other current and future water resources, health of waterways and catchments. delivery partners play a crucial role in prioritises active community Funding for these programs in the facilitating the programs. involvement in waterway and Greater Melbourne region is through catchment health management. Melbourne Water and other local This EstuaryWatch and Waterwatch partners. Annual Achievements Report 2019- The Victorian Waterway Management 20 describes how citizen science data Strategy fosters strong community has informed waterway management partnerships and participation in decisions, and how community planning, implementation and Aboriginal Acknowledgment

EstuaryWatch and Waterwatch proudly acknowledge Victoria’s Aboriginal community and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as ’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

Local Aboriginal elders have reconnected to Country while monitoring the health of the waterways at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. Credit MCMA.

1 The 2019-20 year brought For many who have modified or unprecedented challenges to ceased regular volunteering activities, these changes may be disruptive Traditional owner Victorian communities and and disappointing. Yet, there are engagement and waterways. many ways citizen science has continued through COVID-19, such direction In early 2020 many regions were as a shift to technology-based and devastated by bushfires that degraded singular volunteering opportunities. water quality and changed the dynamics For instance, Fluker Post and frog “Going forward we must heed of stream ecosystems in complex ways. monitoring are easily accessible and the wisdom of Aboriginal and Loss of vegetation and altered soil can be included as exercise in local Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our structure made fire-affected soils more parks and reserves or volunteer’s knowledge and cultures must be erodible with heavy rain. Also, runoff own backyards. This time has also viewed as integral to improving not carried sediments and pollutants that presented an excellent opportunity to only the health and wellbeing of our affected aquatic environments, drinking review monitoring results, spend time people but of our nation.” water quality and agricultural industries. navigating the data portals and pursue Ms June Oscar AO & Mr Karl Briscoe, knowledge development. Close the Gap Report 2020. Then the world was hit with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Our volunteers have shown pandemic. This situation challenged us extraordinary patience and respect all to navigate our daily lives differently. this year, especially in modifying Environmental volunteering adapted their activities to reduce the spread or halted to protect our health and the of COVID-19. Their contribution and health of our communities, especially commitment to citizen science in the most vulnerable. Victoria’s waterways is vital, admirable and appreciated.

Taking a moment out from citizen science frog monitoring activities to connect with and appreciate the environment. Credit MCMA.

2 Citizen Science Snapshot Citizen scientists involved in the 2019-2020 programs contributed a total of 232,580 hours to care for our waterways, equivalent to 31,011 volunteer days. This contribution provides an economic value of the 2019-2020 volunteer effort of $9,707,889.

September

August • Mallee Waterbug Blitz! held with local Aboriginal elders to help • Litter Trackers launched in Bendigo gauge the health of Hattah-Kulkyne Creek by River Detectives students National Park’s waterways. Read the to investigate where litter ends full story on page 26. up and learn why litter is a serious environmental issue. Read the full • National Threatened Species Day story on page 31. along Melbourne’s Merri Creek to raise awareness of vulnerable animals • Quality Assurance Quality Control and plants at risk of extinction. July (QAQC) events puts skills and equipment to the test as Waterwatch • The Great Barwon Platypus Search, and EstuaryWatch citizen with Upper Barwon Landcare • Platypus and rakali rejoice as scientists hone their data collection Network, Corangamite CMA enclosed yabby nets, including opera proficiencies. Read more on page 12. engaged 25 community members house nets, are banned from all to collect eDNA samples, survey Victorian waterways! • Melbourne Water Urban Platypus habitat and learn about aquatic Program involved Year 9 students macroinvertebrates – the tasty diet of • Fifty people attend a community in tracking platypus by collecting platypus. forum hosted by Corangamite environmental DNA (eDNA) samples CMA to hear from scientists and from the . government agencies about the importance of managing, protecting, monitoring and appreciating the Thompson Creek estuary.

3 November

• The River Detectives program celebrates three years, completing October its third successful year as a statewide educational program. Read more on • Mallee Waterbug Blitz! with page 13. Aboriginal elders continues in caring • for waterways in Hattah-Kulkyne Sixty primary school students relish

National Park. Read the full story on learning about macroinvertebrates in Heyfield’s amazing restored page 26. wetlands. The Water for Environment • Twenty-five GPS-tracked ‘Litter Team WGCMA and Waterwatch Tracker’ bottles released into Coordinator Matt Khoury delivered an Melbourne’s waterways by students environment-themed day of hands- and community members. Read the on activities and education. full story on page 27. • Seventy community members learn • High-tech frog count at Webster’s ‘How to Spot a Platypus’ with a new Lagoon, a wetland, citizen science app, presented by undertaken by more than 30 keen the Australian Platypus Conservancy bushwalkers and campers to measure and the Upper Barwon and Geelong December the health of this changing habitat. Landcare Networks, to record platypus sightings at Birregurra and • North East National Waterbug • National Waterbug Blitz! assessed Geelong. Blitz! at Bright to determine the the condition of the Moorabool health of the Ovens and other and Barham Rivers through aquatic • The Great Curdies Perch Search waterways in the catchment. macroinvertebrate surveys with inspired over 30 volunteers and staff • End of Year Report Card: enthusiastic volunteers. to collect eDNA samples from the and tributaries to detect Celebrating a year of monitoring with the presence of the endangered Yarra Corangamite citizen scientists and Pygmy Perch. Read the full story on publishing the EstuaryWatch and page 17. Waterwatch Annual Achievements Report 2018-19.

4 Citizen Science Snapshot

January March

• Waterwatch volunteers respond to • Bendigo Creek improvements as Victorian bushfires with increased February volunteers and partner agencies work waterway monitoring to support together to enhance the health of, waterway impact assessments and and connection to, this waterway. • Merri Creek Management management decisions. Read the full Committee (MCMC joined forces story on page 33. • Ballarat Begonia Festival engages with the Friends of Merri Park for a 2,500 people about the health of • Oxygen monitoring to save wetland walk, talk and litter clean up Lake Wendouree through waterbug endangered Macquarie perch to celebrate World Wetlands Day. surveys, the Yarrowee story and in King Parrot Creek within the presentations, supporting City of • Pesticide Detectives sampling event Goulburn Broken catchment. Read Ballarat and Central Highlands Water. for citizen scientists to find out if the full story on page 23. pesticides are present at regular Waterwatch monitoring sites. Read the full story on page 18.

5 April

• River Detectives at a Distance to support remote teaching and learning May about monitoring waterway health during COVID-19 restrictions. • National Volunteer Week ‘Changing • Citizen Science in Your Backyard Communities, Changing Lives’ was encourages participation from acknowledged. home via citizen science apps, while • Jeparit Waterwatch celebrates June COVID-19 prevents water quality 25 years of continuous monthly testing by volunteers. monitoring of the • Merri Creek Waterwatch celebrated at Jeparit, thanks to one dedicated World Environment Day with 50 volunteer who conducted COVID- participants discovering frogs of safe monitoring. Darebin via an online webinar to learn about local frog species and how to use technology to collect citizen science data.

6 Mallee 22 11 3 12

North Central Wimmera 77 5 19 10 Goulburn Broken 125 2 48

Glenelg Hopkins Melbourne 6 4 184 2 140 49 7 8 7

Corangamite 187 16 18 10

225 1,019 6,922 7 Active Groups Active Sites Active Volunteers Where and what we are monitoring

Type of Monitoring Sites

Birds Waterbugs Water Quality

Litter Fish Frog

To find out more, Platypus Bat visit Waterwatch Victoria or EstuaryWatch Victoria. North East 42 1 Goulburn Broken 125 2 48

East Gippsland Melbourne 30 11 11 184 2 140 49 7 8 7

West Gippsland 30

15,260 Event Participants 8 EstuaryWatch & Waterwatch The Statewide EstuaryWatch Victoria’s Waterwatch and Citizen science and Waterwatch Program EstuaryWatch programs, having successfully built on community is valuable is achieving the vision of monitoring and engagement for 27 engaging, activating and and 13 years, respectively, leverage the The Australian Citizen Science Association describes citizen science as public empowering communities community goodwill instilled in these and other citizen science programs. participation and collaboration in scientific to care for and improve Every CMA in regional Victoria delivers research to increase scientific knowledge. the health of Victoria’s waterway health monitoring to their It’s a great way to harness community skills and passion for fuelling the capacity of waterways. region through volunteer citizen science initiatives. There are also highly science to answer our questions about the The program supports CMAs and active programs in the and world and how it works. Westernport region, led by Melbourne Melbourne Water in developing and Through the EstuaryWatch and Water and other local partners. Citizen delivering diverse opportunities for Waterwatch programs, citizen scientists scientists assess aquatic habitats, volunteer citizen scientists to connect are supported and encouraged to capture photo-point observations and and learn about Victoria’s rivers, become actively involved in local monitor water quality, frogs, platypus, wetlands and estuaries, and contribute to waterway monitoring and on-ground fish, macroinvertebrates, waterbirds waterway stewardship. activities. Every year thousands of and litter. In fact, between 2016 and dedicated volunteers head out to their 2019 more than 15,000 Victorians were Volunteers celebrate World Wetlands Day with local waterways to monitor water quality a wetland walk, talk and litter clean at Merri Park engaged to record observations and Wetlands. Credit MCMC. and collect valuable environmental collect important ecological data. information.

9 Volunteers are vital Volunteers believe that volunteering should An online survey of our EstuaryWatch and Waterwatch volunteers was maximise learning undertaken in early 2020 to: opportunities and be

• understand what volunteer monitors fun and enjoyable. They expect and value concerning the reported substantial current citizen science programs, development in skills • identify issues, challenges and and knowledge across opportunities that exist to broaden all relevant content the reach of the programs, and areas since starting • identify recommendations for with Waterwatch and future improvements to integrate EstuaryWatch. community engagement with waterway management outcomes.

The responses provided program Survey respondents had increased managers with valuable information feelings of responsibility and concern Merri Creek Waterwatch group members, Toni, about our cohort of amazing volunteers. for rivers, wetlands and estuaries; and her daughter Willow, Fionnuala and Evelyn, conduct monthly water quality testing of Merri We discovered most citizen science demonstrating a rise in volunteer Creek, Coburg. Credit MCMC. volunteers are motivated by a desire stewardship for waterways across all to improve waterway management regions. Volunteers have taken action to and waterway health. We also learnt promote waterway and estuary health, that volunteer monitors are interested such as talking to friends, family and in aligning monitoring programs with acquaintances, as well as joining other specific animal groups and species, and environmental groups and lobbying to in partnering with Traditional Owners. relevant ministers.

Who are our volunteers? The characteristics of the volunteer monitors who completed the survey were diverse; however, there were some notable trends.

Half the volunteers 6 surveyed identified as 60 female volunteers surveyed were between 6 and 78 indicated interest in 7 years old held a tertiary 6 partnering with Traditional 80 ualification Owners & Aboriginal Communities to monitor for held a cultural values of waterways 61 0 postgraduate were retirees 7 degree 10 Waterwatch ‘macroinvertebrate master’, Trevor Hausler, conducting a spring waterbug census with volunteers at Darebin Creek, Alphington. Credit: MCMC.

Program progress Furthermore, in partnership with the In 2019-2020, a survey of Centre for eResearch and Digital citizen science volunteers Data portals and Innovation (CeRDI – Federation public access University), the Waterwatch database and program delivery continues to provide essential partners provided insights Since 1993, Waterwatch Victoria, resources for all members to access to DELWP on how Victoria’s and more recently EstuaryWatch, current information and data, as well have engaged local communities on as providing the public, full access to waterway health initiatives waterway health and sustainable water data and knowledge generated by the are perceived, how well management issues. The Waterwatch programs. The Waterwatch Data Portal they align with waterway program continues to build on its had a total of 23,853 users in the past established and valued role as a key year. The average number of portal priorities and what benefits community engagement program, users has grown over 40 per cent year- are being delivered. connecting local communities with on-year since 2017 and the average waterway managers and fostering number of new users increased by over With a firm aim to understand and waterway stewardship. 30 per cent within the last year. Also, the address the current issues, barriers and average number of portal sessions per opportunities, the survey informed The Waterwatch Data Portal month grew by over 20 per cent in the DELWP’s strategic planning and and the Waterwatch Victoria Data last year. communications on a statewide level, to Confidence framework informs data strengthen citizen science programs in users of the full range of monitoring The EstuaryWatch Victoria program the future. purposes across the program. In stays focussed on supporting short, river health data collected community volunteers as citizen Importantly, the survey highlighted under various Waterwatch programs scientists to actively participate in that supporting community members can be recognised and valued for its the monitoring of estuary health. The to actively participate in monitoring contribution to education as well as EstuaryWatch Data Portal provides waterway health fortified the success of natural resource management. valuable data and images of all the programs. monitored estuary sites in the state.

11 QAQC puts skills and important event. Your commitment is appreciated and makes for a robust equipment to the test citizen science program!

Every great citizen science program For many years, EstuaryWatch and needs rigorous quality control to ensure Waterwatch have invested considerable the integrity of the community data resources to support and promote the collected. For that reason, prepared strength and significance of community ‘mystery’ samples of known values are collected water quality data. Looking vital to check the collection methods forward, the program is working on and testing equipment of both the sharing citizen science data and Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch information more effectively. monitoring programs. To learn more about how volunteers Bringing together our regional are making a difference in Victoria’s program coordinators and volunteers, waterways, visit Waterwatch & this year’s Quality Assurance Quality EstuaryWatch websites. Control (QAQC) events were held across Victoria during August and early To view Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch September. data, visit the Waterwatch Data Portal & the EstuaryWatch Data Portal.

Because every volunteer’s time and Volunteers come together every year to test effort is valuable, and the important their skills and equipment for QAQC. Credit scientific data they collect informs Waterwatch Victoria. waterway management decisions, all water monitoring results need to be accurate and reliable. Many thanks to the dedicated Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch citizen scientists and coordinators for making time for this

Corangamite CMA Waterwatch volunteers, Stuart McCallum and Helen Schofield, testing mystery water samples as part of the QAQC program. Credit Waterwatch Victoria.

12 River Detectives

With 69 Victorian schools participating Educators support school students to in the 2019 River Detectives program, observe and learn about catchment Congratulations to around 2,600 young people were and waterway health, and to actively engaged as citizen scientists, inspiring monitor the habitat, water quality students at St Patrick’s a new legion of future stewards of the and macroinvertebrates of their local Primary School in environment. waterway.

Wangaratta for your Since 2017, the River Detectives Importantly, the data collected by excellent water quality program has targeted schools across student citizen scientists is entered the state, including in the North Central, into the River Detectives portal reports. Wimmera, North East and Corangamite and contributes to the Victorian CMA regions and through Melbourne Waterwatch database. Programs that Water. The River Detectives program include hands-on, real-life science Thank you for sharing your results. continues to strive to offer professional activities undoubtedly connect students This is a great example of how learning opportunities, water science to nature and help to pique their interest reliable interpretation of water and macroinvertebrate monitoring kits, in environmental conservation. quality results delivers valuable and an online platform for classroom knowledge that can be shared resources and data capture. Learn more here: with your peers and the wider www.riverdetectives.net.au community. Teachers and volunteer educators are trained to become River Detectives Students at St Theresa’s Primary Educators by Waterwatch program School in Albion, one of Melbourne facilitators. In turn, River Detectives Students from St Theresa’s Primary School identifying Water’s sponsored River Detective waterbug from their creek. Credit: Melbourne Water. schools, have been investigating Kororoit Creek in Melbourne’s west. With support from the River Detectives program, the students tested the creek’s water quality and discovered a diversity of waterbugs (macroinvertebrates) living in the stream. They also explored the history of the watercourse, from its formation over basalt plains to its use as a swimming pool until the 1940s.

For more reports from the region, go to the latest post on Billabong Banter on the River Detectives website.

For the 2019 school year

172 students 69 schools 29 training events 99 teachers 200 water uality were citizen were involved were delivered were trained data records were scientists entered into databases 13 National Waterbug Blitz! With the completion of the Waterbug experts John Gooderham Despite one of the worst droughts second National Waterbug and Cecil Ellis imparted their knowledge on record, the program engaged a in 60 Waterbug Blitz training sessions broad range of organisations including Blitz in 2019, the program run across the country, involving over Melbourne Water, Waterwatch reflects on key achievements 750 participants with 500 being Agreed Victoria and other states, local councils, and the future for waterbug Level Taxonomy (ALT) accredited. In Landcare groups, and the Science developing a valuable set of training Pathways for Aboriginal Communities in citizen science. and education resources, the National Western Australia via CSIRO. Waterbug Blitz approach is now part Each year, Australians are encouraged of the national school curriculum with Next, National Waterbug Blitz! will to become ‘citizen scientists’ and all resources available on the National be implementing updates from investigate how healthy their local Waterbug Blitz website. recent Waterbug App evaluation and waterways and wetlands are, simply producing tailored reports for local by exploring and identifying what There are nearly 2000 active Waterbug areas to explain the findings and identify macroinvertebrates they contain. The App users in many geographical areas, priority areas for further monitoring. type and number of macroinvertebrates from Western Australia to urban found in a waterway can tell us a lot Melbourne to Tasmania’s Tarkine The National Waterbug Blitz thanks about how healthy that waterway is. wilderness. Importantly, the waterbug all the Waterwatch Victoria volunteers data generated by the app incorporates involved in each part of the program, The National Waterbug Blitz began in 60 per cent of Australia’s Natural particularly those who attended 2017 with funding from the Inspiring Resource Management regions. workshops and contributed their data. Australia Citizen Science Grants The future of the program relies on the scheme. The program succeeded The National Waterbug Blitz has continued involvement of our citizen in engaging a wide range of novice effectively combined waterbug data scientists to monitor our precious and experienced participants, of from all states and territories, making it waterways. which Waterwatchers were essential the first nationwide freshwater reporting contributors. system based on both community and professional data.

Volunteers participating in the National Waterbug Blitz! in the Mallee. Credit: MCMA. 14 Stories from across Waterwatch Volunteer Rosie Wiseman and CCMA Project Officer Anthony Byrne collecting eDNA samples. Credit CCMA. 15 the state Delivery Partners

CMAs, water corporations, local • Corangamite CMA government and other delivery partners play a crucial role in successfully • East Gippsland CMA facilitating on-ground citizen science • Glenelg Hopkins CMA programs across Victoria. There continues to be strong community • Goulburn Broken CMA support for getting involved in caring • Mallee CMA for our waterways and catchments across the State, through citizen science • Manningham Council activities. By working in partnership • Melbourne Water with individuals and community-based natural resource management groups, • Merri Creek Management we can achieve better, more lasting Committee change. • North Central CMA

• North East CMA Regional coordinators at the Statewide EstuaryWatch Waterwatch Conference 2020, • Petaurus Education Group a 2-day event to bring together coordinators from across the state to share, collaborate, • Rural City of Wangaratta inspire, and reimagine the future of Waterwatch, EstuaryWatch and citizen science in Victoria’s • West Gippsland CMA waterways. • Wimmera CMA

16 Corangamite Volunteers Track Vulnerable Fish Species: The Great Curdies Perch Search

The Yarra Pygmy Perch The Corangamite CMA (CCMA) hosted (Nannoperca obscura) is a The Great Curdies Perch Search in “The data collected November last year. Over 30 volunteers small-bodied, native fish and staff collected river water samples from The Great Curdies species found in the Curdies along the Curdies River and its Perch Search will River catchment in south- tributaries. The samples were sent to an environmental DNA (eDNA) testing lab enable the Corangamite western Victoria. to detect the presence of Yarra Pygmy CMA to map refuge Perch. Citizen scientists added to the sites for Yarra Pygmy This species is under threat of extinction search data by conducting habitat and due to the degradation of aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys, as well Perch and improve environments, invasive fish species and as assisting with the eDNA sample species protection reduced flows in our rivers. collection at 31 sites across the Curdies through targeted Historical survey records indicated catchment. waterway restoration. that the species was confined to the The lab results showed this threatened middle reaches of the Curdies River species to be in the Curdies River, We appreciate greatly and the lower reaches of the Scotts- specifically from upstream of the our citizen science Cooriemungle Creek systems, the two estuary to the Lavers-Hill Cobden major tributaries of the Curdies. Suitable Road and in the Cooriemungle Creek volunteers’ contribution habitat for this threatened species was to the Port Campbell-Cobden Road. in helping us known to exist throughout much of Unfortunately, no Yarra Pygmy Perch understand the current the catchment. Therefore, to find out DNA was detected in any of the minor if the Yarra Pygmy Perch existed more tributaries. These results indicate status of this important broadly in the catchment, and to protect that Yarra Pygmy Perch are present threatened species in its key drought refuge habitats, ‘The in around 65 kilometres of waterways Great Curdies Perch Search’ began. in the Curdies catchment. This new our catchments.” information dramatically improves our understanding of the distribution of this Anthony Byrne, vulnerable species. Corangamite CMA Project Officer

Waterbug Blitz added to the knowledge collected at the Great Curdies Perch Search. Credit CCMA. 17 32 197 123 4,305 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Pesticide Detectives in Corangamite CMA

Corangamite Catchment streams and wetlands. Through “It was great to be Management Authority the Pesticide Detectives program, Waterwatch and EstuaryWatch citizen involved with like- (CCMA) welcomed citizen scientists monitored ten estuaries in scientists and community the pilot program in May 2019. Later minded community members from the in October 2019, ten more waterways members and CCMA across the catchment were visited region to join Dr Kavitha including , , staff to help Dr Chinathamby, an aquatic Waurn Ponds Creek and Cuthbertson Chinathamby test our scientist at RMIT, to find Creek in Geelong, in Ballarat, and the . waterways to measure out more about pesticides in the presence of local waterways. The Pesticide Detectives sampling event also provided samples for the EPA’s pesticides. It was also With strong community interest in the zinc mapping citizen science program. monitoring sessions, sediment and water The EPA required water and sediment nice to see the results samples were collected at eleven sites samples from the cities of Geelong, of our testing on the including Lake Colac, Barongarook Ballarat and Colac to determine the Creek, Deans Creek, Pirron Yallock impact of stormwater on the level of Pesticide Detectives Creek, Boundary Creek and Dewing metal concentrations in urban waterways. website.” Creek. To dive into the analysis, key findings Wendy Noble, As citizen scientists, participants were and view maps where pesticides were Waterwatch volunteer. keen to find out whether pesticides were sampled, visit the Pesticide Detectives present at sites where they conduct website. It also features results from regular Waterwatch tests. Of the 79 an online survey that will help inform samples collected across the nation in pesticide use in Australian homes and this round of testing, only eight sites gardens. showed the presence of pesticides, of The assistance and participation of citizen which two sites were in Victoria. This scientists has made this project possible data is now available on the Pesticide and ensured important data is publicly Detectives website to help improve available. awareness and management of pesticides in local areas. For more information visit Matt Daniels, Kavitha Chinathamby and Wendy pesticidedetectives.com.au Noble preparing sediment samples for analysis. This was the third time citizen scientists Credit: CCMA. in the Corangamite region sampled waterways to evaluate pesticide load in the sediments of estuaries, freshwater

18 East Gippsland

A River of Knowledge Retires

As keen fishers, it makes sense that Ken and Marg Bradley take an interest in the health of their beloved Nicholson River.

In collaboration with the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA), the couple has spent twenty years monitoring the water quality of the river through the Waterwatch program but have recently decided to retire from their duties and pass the baton on.

“It’s something we fell into as members Phil Schneider is keen to learn the Waterwatch ropes from Marg Bradley on the Nicholson River. of the Nicholson Angling Club,” said Marg Bradley. “Back when we started, Nowadays the equipment is more “We’re so pleased that fellow angling we didn’t know much about what advanced, with a single probe delivering club member Phil Schneider has put up was happening in the river. I’m not results in minutes. Testing is conducted his hand to take over as there’s always sure it helped us catch more fish, but at four locations, measuring pH levels, more to do.” Waterwatch is a great way to make turbidity, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, Bec Hemming, Delivery Manager at people more aware of what goes on in among other things. Once uploaded, the EGCMA, agrees, “The Waterwatch our waterways.” the data is publicly available on the Waterwatch website and used by program is a fantastic opportunity In the early 2000s, the Bradleys the EGCMA and other government to work with community groups and would set out on their wooden cruiser agencies to better understand of the individuals who share a commitment with fellow anglers Ray Fields, Doug health of the river. to learning about and improving Clarke and Kevin Buchanan to monitor water quality and river health in East conditions as they travelled upstream. Over the last two decades, Marg Gippsland.” “Back then we did everything manually, and Ken have been involved in many so it would take a few hours, but changes to the Nicholson River. The morning tea was always involved, so it couple helped the EGCMA place was a social outing,” said Ken Bradley. wooden logs in the river to provide “It takes passion habitat for fish. Marg and Ken, together and perseverance to with the Nicholson Angling Club and Nicholson Landcare Group, also planted continue a project countless native plants along the river for this long, and and watched them grow. the EGCMA greatly “By volunteering, you form lovely friendships and hopefully make a appreciates the difference,” said Marg. dedication Marg and Ken have shown to improving the health of the Nicholson River.”

Bec Hemming, EGCMA Delivery Manager

The Nicholson River – its health is a priority for Nicholson River Angling Club members. 19 7 30 7 3 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Waterwatch Data Sparks Collaboration and Change

Romawi Landcare Group’s With monthly measurements of air Waterwatch monitoring and water temperature, electrical “Waterwatch conductivity, turbidity, pH and reactive provides a current and phosphorus, Romawi Landcare Group’s monitoring is an ongoing understanding of Waterwatch monitoring found the creek important tool in the health of Forge Creek; had high phosphorus, pH and turbidity levels at times. tackling the problem an ephemeral chain of of nutrient input into ponds near Bairnsdale in The high phosphate levels were the trigger for Romawi Landcare Group the . East Gippsland. to collaborate with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning It provides an ongoing Extending eastward for ten kilometres (DELWP), East Gippsland Catchment from its source, south of the Bairnsdale picture of the health Management Authority (EGCMA), aerodrome, Forge Creek flows to East Gippsland Water (EGW) and the of Forge Creek and Newlands Arm in the Ramsar-listed Environment Protection Authority Gippsland Lakes. The creek and assists other groups (EPA) Victoria to investigate the source. surrounding reserve provide habitat and organisations in and a water source for many species of The elevated readings in the creek understanding where fauna including kangaroos, wallabies were due to several sources including and many bird species such as the Azure surrounding agricultural land runoff, issues are and where Kingfisher (Ceyx azurea). septic tank runoff and overflow, as well improvements are as a significant waterbird roosting site. For more than a decade, Romawi Working alongside the partner agencies needed.” Landcare Group has made significant on this issue led to the elimination of efforts to fence off and revegetate the direct water discharges, improved water Alistair Mailer, reserve, as well as construct two rock management practices, and further Romawi Landcare Group’s member chutes to stabilise the creek’s ponds and revegetation of the reserve. and Waterwatch monitor prevent floodwater erosion.

Since September 2011, the group has steadily monitored Forge Creek’s water quality; keen to examine the health of the waterway, alongside bird and frog surveys, to see improvements from the rehabilitation works.

Alistair Mailer, Romawi Landcare Group and Forge Creek Waterwatch volunteer. Credit EGCMA.

20 Glenelg Hopkins

A Decade Devoted to the Hopkins

Back in 2010, Dina Selman As a newcomer to Warrnambool river or the ocean. We were keen to and Ashley Zanker joined in 2010, and with a keen interest in take part in ongoing monitoring for the science, Dina was motivated to get enjoyment, the opportunity to learn and 25 other people on a boat involved with EstuaryWatch. She recalls, to contribute to public knowledge.” Ash cruise along the Hopkins “It was a great way to learn more about has a lead role in recording the to enjoy the local Warrnambool and its habitats and meet River mouth status each month. “I’ve people from different backgrounds.” loved watching the ever-changing sights and learn about a conditions and how the mouth evolves, new ‘water monitoring’ Since then, practical observations and as well as learning about the berms and training opportunities have broadened opportunity. chemistry changes. It’s given me a really Dina’s knowledge of estuary processes good insight into how estuaries work.” and functions; something she happily This occasion marked the formation shares with friends and acquaintances Dina and Ash both recognise the of the Hopkins EstuaryWatch team, in casual conversations. “I’m now much significant land use changes that have followed by ten amazing years of more familiar with the river and its occurred along the Hopkins River since dedicated data collection and new habitats. I enjoy seeing the changes they began collecting information and friendships. with the seasons and different weather data, particularly the growth in new Today, as founding members and events, and how that impacts river housing developments. “There was so stalwarts of the Hopkins EstuaryWatch mouth changes and the water. If I’m much vacant land in the area when we team, Dina and Ash have an aware that there may be a mouth first started; paddocks on sandstone appreciation of the estuary system opening, I’ll visit regularly,” Dina said. beds. Now a lot of this area has been well beyond the 2010 sight-seeing replaced with bitumen and rooves,” Ash Ash also clearly recalls jumping on- tour. They’ve observed and recorded said. “It will be interesting to see any board the river boat in 2010, with his physical and chemical changes in trends or changes in the data over time.” wife Dianne and children, to find out the recreationally popular waterway more about EstuaryWatch and the throughout the seasons including floods significant role it offered the river they and storm surges. loved. “We live near the Hopkins and “I’m now much more just love the water, whether it’s the familiar with the river and its habitats. I enjoy seeing the changes with the seasons and different weather events, and how that impacts river mouth changes and the water. If I’m aware that there may be a mouth opening, I’ll visit regularly.”

Dina Selman , Founding member and stalwart of the Hopkins EstuaryWatch team

Dina Selman has been keeping a close eye on water chemistry conditions in the Hopkins estuary for a decade. Credit GHCMA. 21 2 9 13 31 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

For the Love of Nature

To James and Eleanor Since retiring, the active pair found Cowell, the natural world room for one more environment “Estuaries are protection quest and joined the Merri is remarkable and provides EstuaryWatch team in July 2019. interesting, dynamic an ever-changing source of Their enthusiasm for bird watching places with a lot fascination. This lifelong and photography promises to elevate going on.” passion for nature has the data portal with valuable site led the couple to pursue observations of birdlife along the Merri James Cowell , River and its wetlands, in addition Merri EstuaryWatch various ways to support and to the standardised EstuaryWatch protect natural habitats and measurements. EstuaryWatch team members Tom Sheehan, animals in their local area. James Cowell and Eleanor Cowell monitoring Merri With a rural property along the mouth conditions as well as identifying and River, James and Eleanor have long recording bird species at monitoring sites. Credit Naturally, the Cowells are GHCMA. passionate bird watchers and wildlife been aware of the important connection photographers. They have also between the land and waterways, devoted much of their time to native and the need to protect these natural revegetation and Landcare projects ecosystems. They look forward to and supported numerous conservation witnessing the changes within the Merri organisations over the years. estuary through monitoring events. “Estuaries are interesting, dynamic places with a lot going on,” James said. “Joining EstuaryWatch coincides with our interest in the natural world.”

22 Goulburn Broken

Oxygen Monitoring to Save Endangered Perch

The Goulburn Broken For the third year running, King Parrot translocation of part of the fish catchment is home to Creek, below the township of Strath population to more secure refuge pools Creek, stopped flowing during summer. within the creek for safekeeping. seven of the 11 known As the frequency, magnitude and populations of the duration of these cease-to-flow events The ability to draw on local knowledge and work collaboratively with a endangered Macquarie becomes more evident, the integration of the Goulburn Broken Waterwatch community demonstrates the Perch (Macquaria program has become vital in collecting importance of the Waterwatch australasica) in Victoria. data and monitoring dissolved oxygen program. Once again, Goulburn Broken CMA rallied their local King Parrot King Parrot Creek has one (DO) levels in isolated pools along King Parrot Creek. Creek Waterwatch monitors to help of the strongest populations monitor DO levels in several refuge of the fish. When waterways cease to flow, DO pools. Volunteers visited the creek two can rapidly deteriorate and lead to fish or three times a week to test the pools’ deaths. Algal growth in the warmer oxygen levels. Their help in this project waters is another consequence was critical to keeping an eye on the of cease-to-flow events and can health and resilience of this important further deplete DO levels. Therefore, King Parrot Creek Macquarie perch monitoring the creek’s DO levels has population. become crucial. If DO levels drop below 3 mg/L further action would be Fortunately, the Goulburn Broken required, including possible region received some vital summer rains and the Macquarie perch made it through the long hot summer. Due to the success of the King Parrot Creek monitoring, the Goulburn Broken CMA is looking to widen the program to other areas of the catchment to ensure all refuge pools are monitored.

Committed Waterwatch volunteers, David Wakefield and Laurie McMillan, sadly passed away in 2020. We thank them for their immense contribution to the Waterwatch program over their 25 years of water quality monitoring in the Goulburn Broken region.

Waterwatch volunteer, David Wakefield, testing DO levels along the King Parrot Creek over summer. Credit GBCMA.

23 1 177 63 186 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Macroinvertebrates, Wetlands and Citizen Science!

A small group of eager Greenling Damselfly (Hemiphlebia volunteers arrived armed mirabilis), it was great to learn all about them! with gumboots and smartphones for our 2019 Participants had the opportunity to identify over 15 different species of National Waterbug Blitz macroinvertebrates, using the app training day at the that easily takes the user through an Wetlands. identification key. The Goulburn Broken Waterwatch Guided by freshwater ecologist, program is looking forward to offering John Gooderham, volunteers were more of these days in the future for taken through sampling techniques, more of our citizen scientists to attend. bug identification, and how to use the Waterbug App to replicate Volunteers identifying macroinvertebrates this information at their own local collected in the Yea Wetlands with help from John waterways. “It was a great day, and Gooderham. Credit GBCMA.

There were many possible sample sites I can’t wait to see what in the area, including the Yea River, macroinvertebrates I but for ease of access, the wetland was chosen. Volunteers enjoyed taking can find in my local samples among the ribbon weeds, fallen creek.” timber and deeper pools. John, Volunteers were also enthusiastic and volunteer, Kilmore Creek. willing to learn about the importance of macroinvertebrate populations in a waterway and wetland system. And while the group wasn’t lucky enough to come across the endangered Ancient

Volunteers practicing their sampling techniques in the Yea Wetlands. Credit GBCMA.

24 Mallee

Watching Wetland Birds to Give Back

Retired flora and fauna consultant “I saw the workshop advertised and The data collected from the Water and Maryborough local, Garry Cheers, I thought perhaps it’s time I gave for Birds project will increase local frequented the Victorian Mallee for something back. The day was to show understanding of the benefits of much of his professional career. Now people how to do the monitoring, which environmental watering for the he’s joining other like-minded people as is really good.” Garry said. Mallee and Wimmera waterbodies. a citizen scientist, to volunteer and give The MCMA will also leverage the back. Garry praised the MCMA workshop, bird data to report on the outcomes which he said helped engage people of specific environmental watering Earlier this year, Garry took part in with an interest in the environment to events. “I do it already now, and I do a the Mallee Catchment Management put their birdwatching experience to bit of photography. I go away for three Authority’s (MCMA) Water for Birds good use. “Even though I’ve done this or four days, but this will be going to workshop at Birchip. Armed with new sort of thing a lot before, I needed to see a project, which is really interesting.” bird spotting scopes, tripods and birding how the partner agencies wanted me to Garry expects to see a variety of birds field guide books, the volunteers learnt monitor birds.” that rely on wetlands in the Mallee bird monitoring methods sourced from catchments to appear in the monitoring Workshop participants decided what BirdLife Australia’s Atlas and Birdata. data. “Without the water, they won’t be wetland or waterbody they would there,” he said. The Water for Birds project monitor and where there are gaps. Garry, who has always loved being out in aims to harness the power the bush and wetlands, now drives to an of citizen scientists to area each month to conduct monitoring. “I’ve made a good living collect data on the presence “I’ve made a good living out of doing that sort of thing for 35 years. I feel it’s out of doing that sort of birds at various water time to put something back in. And I bodies in the Mallee need something to do now I’m retired,” of thing for 35 years. catchment. he said. I feel it’s time to put something back in.”

Garry Cheers, volunteer.

Garry Cheers at Cronomby Tanks. Credit MCMA.

25 4 50 42 8 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Elders Reconnect with Country in the Name of Science

For Robinvale Aboriginal Aunty Rose, who’s been involved in elder, Aunty Rose Kirby, the Aboriginal education for much of her life, said having young Aboriginal National Waterbug Blitz was students join the field trip helped pass an opportunity to reconnect the knowledge to the next generation. “They’ve already asked me when they can with Country while learning do this again,” she said. “It was fantastic, about the world of aquatic just being out bush. I felt like taking off macroinvertebrates. my shoes and paddling out there!” Euston elder, Aunty Margaret Hannah, Aunty Rose joined other elders, said the Waterbug Blitz reinforced the freshwater ecologist John Gooderham importance of all living creatures in an and the Mallee Catchment Management ecosystem and caring for places like Authority (MCMA) at Hattah-Kulkyne Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. “If we National Park to take part in the national didn’t have these places, where would we Aunty Margaret Hannah discovering program. go? It’s a food chain for all our other little macroinvertebrates. “It’s a food chain for all our other little animals.” Credit MCMA. The program mobilises citizen animals,” she said. “I’ll take away a lot of scientists to take an active role in knowledge.” netting, identifying and recording The National Waterbug Blitz helps the “If we didn’t have these macroinvertebrates in their local MCMA understand how environmental waterways to paint a clear picture of the flows influence the range of species places, where would we health of aquatic ecosystems across the present in Mallee waterways. The data go? I’ll take away a lot country. “You see those things about, collected at Hattah-Kulkyne National in the water, but you don’t think about Park, and other sites across the region, of knowledge.” them, you don’t know what they do or contributes to the site’s environmental how they survive,” Aunty Rose said. water management plan, which builds a Aunty Margaret Hannah. “They’re good for the environment, but I picture of how the wetlands respond over didn’t realise how important they were.” time to environmental water activities. Aunty Rose and John Gooderham at Hattah- Kulkyne National Park. Credit MCMA

26 Melbourne Litter Trackers: Chasing Bottles to Bays and Beaches

Ninety-five per cent of Online interactive maps allowed anyone Throughout 2019-20, data was litter that washes up on to follow the bottles and discover how collected from 20 rivers and creeks and litter travels through our waterways. The attracted more than 400 participants Port Phillip Bay beaches results showed that some litter makes it including 18 schools and 20 community starts by being dropped onto all the way to the bay whilst other times groups. As part of the project, classroom suburban streets. it gets caught and remains very close to materials and teacher resources where it was dropped. have been developed to educate From cigarette butts to plastic bottles, school children about littering and Project leader Dr Kavitha Chinathamby most litter from our streets is washed its environmental impacts. These said Litter Trackers gives all of into the stormwater system by rainfall. education resources are available at Melbourne the chance to see the Subsequently, it gets caught in Melbourne Water - Litter Trackers true environmental scale of our litter waterways or travels to our bays and project. problem and shows how we can all be washes onto our beaches. part of the solution. “Litter reduces You can see how far the litter travelled To discover exactly how rubbish makes water quality, harms fish and animals, by heading to the RMIT Litter Tracker its way from suburban streets through and ruins our city’s natural beauty,” said website to view tracking data and videos stormwater drains and to our waterways Dr Chinathamby. of the litter’s journey. and beaches, Melbourne Water “To build a more sustainable and partnered with the AQUEST Research liveable future for Melbourne, we need Group at RMIT University to carry out a “Litter reduces water healthy waterways – and that means ground-breaking Litter Trackers project. we need to tackle our litter problem quality, harms fish and Launched in May, GPS-tracked bottles at the source. Through Litter Trackers, animals, and ruins our everyone can get on board with driving were tossed into creeks and rivers all city’s natural beauty.” over Melbourne, from Werribee to this change and create a cleaner, healthier future for our waterways and Gisborne to Healesville to Frankston. “To build a more The project was the first of its kind for bays,” Dr Chinathamby said. Victoria, and only the second time sustainable and liveable Melbourne Water’s Waterwatch Lead that litter has been GPS-tracked in Yvonne Cabuang says Litter Trackers future for Melbourne, Australian waterways. is a terrific learning tool. “Melbourne we need healthy Water spends millions of dollars a year RMIT University scientists worked in waterways – and that collaboration with Melbourne Water, removing litter from our waterways. This local primary and high schools and project is an important reminder for means we need to tackle community groups to deploy 100 GPS- everyone to bin their litter,” Ms Cabuang our litter problem at tracked bottles in 20 locations across said. Melbourne’s catchments. the source.” “Through Litter Trackers, everyone can get on board with driving this change and create a cleaner, healthier future for our waterways and bays.”

Dr Kavitha Chinathamby, Litter Trackers Project leader

Drone image of Cronomby Tanks. Credit MCMA. 27 164 397 6,548 8,225 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

RMIT’s Dr Kavitha Chinathamby (right) and Moreland City Council Mayor, Cr Natalie Abboud, watch as Antonine College student Jude Elkadi tosses a GPS-tracked bottle into the Merri Creek at Coburg as part of the Litter Trackers project. Credit Melbourne Water. 28 New Frog Monitoring Method for Billabongs Environmental Watering

Billabongs of the Lower timing and duration of watering required for breeding vary between are watered species, and the water holding capacity as part of the Yarra River also differs between billabongs.

environmental entitlement. Effective monitoring of frogs was One of the key values of identified as a gap in the Environmental Water Resources Strategy, with the these billabongs are frogs, Lower Yarra Billabongs identified as the “Citizen scientists have with ten species recorded ideal location for a pilot study. supported the billabong historically for the area. To obtain more data on species program for the past presence, Waterwatch worked with three years, with some Up until now, frog monitoring has the Melbourne Water Environmental largely relied on frog call recognition to Water team to enhance the existing volunteers monitoring determine which species are present. Melbourne Water Frog Census app to These data have usually been obtained geo-fence the Lower Yarra Billabongs. sites for over 20 years.” from song recorders, which record calls This allowed the team to highlight James Frazer, for set periods and are then analysed by billabongs of interest (such as those an ecologist. Some citizen science data about to receive water) within the app Waterwatch Coordinator has been recorded and as Waterwatch and recruit volunteer effort to these Coordinator James Frazer tells us, sites. A geo-fence is a virtual boundary “Citizen scientists have supported the for a geographical area, in this case a billabong program for the past three billabong. years, with some volunteers monitoring sites for over 20 years. That said, The collaboration between Waterwatch coverage of reports has been low at and the Environmental Water team has some sites, so there has been a need to two main benefits; allowing the effective formalise and scale-up”. collection of data on the billabongs and communicating the environmental In addition to species presence, the watering program to over 1,800 Frog With the Frog Census app for Apple or Android, success of the billabong watering you can record frog calls at any river, creek, Census volunteers. All citizen science wetland or other type of waterway. Credit program for frogs is determined by data collected by volunteers is analysed Melbourne Water. watering at the right time with the right by ecologists to ensure correct frog amount to ensure frogs can complete species identification. lifecycle stages and reproduce. The

29 In addition, Ecology Australia has been engaged to develop a conceptual model and monitoring protocol of frog responses to watering. This involves a combination of call identification, tadpole monitoring, nocturnal surveys, and water level and quality monitoring. recommendations to specific billabongs The conceptual model will guide the is another benefit. As each billabong appropriate watering regime for each has different conditions, it is necessary billabong, depending on what species to monitor during watering events, are present, and the monitoring until we have a greater understanding program will allow us to determine of how each billabong and their frog whether the watering has resulted in communities respond to the watering. successful frog reproduction in each of Along with geo-fencing of the app, the billabongs. other app upgrades include a reporting The monitoring protocol will allow function that will allow users to us to add water when the frogs need download frog data sets direct from the it. This is important for the stages in app; frog report verification - this will a frog’s lifecycle, such as if tadpole confirm species ID and include assessor comments; and other bug fixes. The Willsmere Billabong after receiving a much- metamorphosis is incomplete needed drink of environmental water. Credit and the billabong is drying out. upgrade will be launched in Spring Melbourne Water. Further refinement of watering 2020. 30 North Central Bendigo Creek Litter Trackers: An Important Message in a Bottle

On a winter’s day in June 2019, 20 “Inside the bottles are GPS trackers, and “It was like looking for a needle in a haystack Northern Bendigo Landcare Group the students are able to map exactly where and reminds us about the importance of volunteers spent three hours picking up they end up. They will be able to see what disposing litter correctly,” said Britt Gregory, rubbish along a 3.5 kilometre stretch of happens to rubbish when it enters the NCCMA Project Officer. the Bendigo Creek. creek,” said Cr. O’Rourke. “We plan to work with River Detectives The group collected 440 Cr. O’Rourke said such projects were an students to further help them understand important part of the Reimagining Bendigo why litter is an important environmental kilograms of plastic, glass Creek project. issue, how it remains trapped in our and aluminium drink “The City of Greater Bendigo is working waterways, the impact it has on the aquatic containers - enough rubbish closely with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans environment and what can be done about it. to fill three trailers and a ute. Aboriginal Corporation, the NCCMA, We’ll share this knowledge with the broader Coliban Water, state government community too. “Given the type of rubbish collected, it departments and community We live in a beautiful city and need to was clear most of it had washed down representatives to create a shared vision manage the waste we produce to ensure the creek from Bendigo’s streets,” North and plan for the creek over the coming that our waterways remain clean and free Central Catchment Management Authority year,” she said. of litter for everyone to enjoy, and to keep (NCCMA) Chair Julie Miller Markoff said. “Projects such as these create awareness ourselves and local wildlife safe,” she said. “Bendigo Creek is a waterway that supplies about the creek and remind us how “Quite clearly, stopping litter at the source is water to irrigators further downstream and important it is to the city and to those who the best option. Everyone needs to be part is an important cultural and environmental live downstream.” of the solution by being actively responsible asset for the region. We have an obligation For the first few days the trackers travelled for their own litter,” said Ms Gregory. to our neighbours downstream, as well as easily along the concrete stretch of the The Litter Trackers project is a collaborative ourselves, to keep Bendigo Creek clean and creek to just below Lake Weeroona. Here project between NCCMA, the CoGB, ensure the water in it remains healthy.” the creek changes dramatically; dense RMIT University and Melbourne Water. North Central Waterwatch and River vegetation grows in the silted-up channel. The project is funded by the CoGB and the Detectives program is partnering with Unable to move through the thick reeds, Victorian Government. the City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB) and most litter finds its resting place here, as did RMIT to raise awareness about litter, how the trackers. “Ordinarily, throwing it enters the creek and where it goes. In The extent of litter among the dense tangle August 2019, Ms Miller Markoff and CoGB of vegetation and silt was unexpected. plastic bottles into Mayor Margaret O’Rourke joined students Three of the five trackers were lost among the creek is not at Golden Square to launch five special the layers of litter that has accumulated in trackers into the creek. the creek over decades. recommended, but these ones will tell an important story.”

Julie Miller Markoff, NCCMA Chair.

Students send the first of five Litter Trackers down the Bendigo Creek. Credit: NCCMA

31 4 77 56 1,243 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Reconciliation at the Heart of Waterway Health Waterwatch and River She is also guiding our future project The North Central CMA are proud to Detectives staff have development ideas to ensure we are partner with the region’s Traditional working towards reconciliation by Owners in planning this event and relished the opportunity acknowledging First Nations people in all other work being undertaken. “Creating to work closely with the work the North Central Catchment further opportunities for engagement Dja Dja Wurrung Clans CMA do. and collaboration is a key priority. By working together with our Traditional Aboriginal Corporation Additionally, Aunty Marilyne is playing Owners and First Nations people, we’re and Taungurung Clans a lead role in developing an annual Kia working towards reconciliation,” said Britt Dhelk Gatjin (Speaking Healthy Water Aboriginal Corporation Gregory, acting Regional Waterwatch – Dja Dja Wurrung language) major Coordinator, North Central CMA. to share knowledge school event. Through her involvement, and understanding of North Central CMA are partnering with Djandak, Parks Victoria and the City of waterway health in the Greater Bendigo to plan and deliver this North Central region. exciting full-day event. Kia Dhelk Gatjin will celebrate Dja Dja Wurrung Culture The opportunity to learn from each and the fantastic work of our River other and incorporate Traditional Detectives students. Knowledge and Aboriginal Perspectives into the Waterwatch program has been A highlight of the day will be a ‘kids invaluable. Furthermore, developing teaching kids’ activity, where students future engagement activities and will present their results and water deepening our collaboration efforts is a monitoring programs to students from significant step towards reconciliation. other schools. The afternoon will also include round-robin style activities led Aunty Marilyne Nicholls is a descendant by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners. of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans people of Postponed from April 2020 due to the central Bendigo region and has multi- COVID-19 restrictions, the upcoming Kia clan connections to the Ngarrindjeri Dhelk Gatjin event will ultimately be held Nation in South Australia of the Coorong at the Wanyarram Dhelk Frog Ponds, a Coast and the Murray River, Swan Hill wonderful site developed by Djandak. Aunty Marilyne Nicholls. area. Aunty Marilyne is helping us create culturally appropriate and safe resources for North Central Waterwatch.

Aunty Marilyne Nicholls during a Waterwatch tour of the . Credit: Fern Millen Photography.

32 North East

Waterwatch Volunteers Respond to Bushfire Call

From January through March 2020, New Waterwatch volunteers in the region, Still, the bushfires significantly disrupted bushfires ripped through the Victorian Gavin Melgaard and Jane Bateson, gladly the Waterwatch program as some of the Alps, causing a lot of destruction and offered to conduct accelerated monitoring volunteers were unable to continue with pain in remote communities. The most on two priority sites on the Buckland and their monthly site monitoring between affected areas were the Upper Murray Buffalo Rivers. Corryong teacher and March and May. It also meant Waterwatch region (Corryong-Cudgewa-Walwa), the Waterwatch volunteer, Vicki Kane, involved staff could not provide face-to-face Buckland and Buffalo sub-catchments her chemistry students from Corryong support to volunteers. Nevertheless, the of the , and the Cobungra- College in her water monitoring activities. enthusiasm of our volunteers and the value Bundara reaches of Upper Mitta Mitta. The changing results in water quality of the Waterwatch program in monitoring provided her students with valuable, real- bushfire-affected waterway health and Despite the disruptions, life learning experiences in chemistry. recovery has been well demonstrated some Waterwatch volunteers during this challenging period. answered the call for increased “The students could see the water wasn’t in great condition, but by undertaking tests vigilance by checking water they could see how measures like turbidity quality in affected waterways. could go from very poor, improve, then - “While the farmers were after heavy rains washed ash into the creeks busy rebuilding homes Monitoring intensity increased markedly - very poor again,” Vicki said. “With weekly with the volunteers visiting and monitoring monitoring they could observe and confirm and fences, my monitoring more sites each week rather than the that overall water quality in Cudgewa and activities with Waterwatch previous monthly visits, even while their Nariel Creeks slowly improved after the communities were severely impacted by fires.” gave me something I could the fires. do to contribute and help The Waterwatch monitoring, coordinated The aim was to fast-track waterway by the North East CMA, not only farmers by giving them monitoring soon after the bushfires to complemented the formal monitoring feedback about their assess the impacts and continue the conducted by agencies, it supported accelerated (weekly) monitoring over a few crucial decisions by local water and land water quality.” months to understand how the waterways management agencies after the bushfires. Vicki Kane, were recovering. Priority sites were selected It was vital in helping waterway managers on the following waterways: Cudgewa understand the impacts of the fires on Waterwatch Volunteer and Chemistry Teacher, Corryong College. and Nariel Creeks in Upper Murray, aquatic habitats, particularly the effects of Bundara River in Upper Mitta, the Ovens low dissolved oxygen and high turbidity on River at Mullinmur, Hurdle Creek (King fish. The data will be essential for informing Catchment), and the Buffalo and Buckland and monitoring the recovery of waterways Rivers. In total, 58 weekly site assessments across North East Victoria and provides were conducted over this period. important baseline information to plan for and respond to future fires.

Corryong College students conduct water quality tests on bushfire-affected Nariel Creek. Credit: Vicki Kane.

Waterwatch volunteer Gavin Melgaard undertaking water quality testing near the Porepunkah Jetty. Credit: Kathie Le Busque.

33 5 42 33 1,086 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Waterwatch Helping to Transform Mullinmur Wetland

Mullinmur Wetland is situated on the the regional landscape. An allocation Delivery of Waterwatch activities Ovens River floodplain just north of of environmental water through the at Mullinmur has been led by the Wangaratta City. Located on private Victorian Environmental Water Holder Rural City of Wangaratta, following a land belonging to Catholic Education ensures the billabong is refreshed partnership agreement with NECMA in Victoria (CEV), the wetland is managed during the dry summer months and July 2019. Concurrently, NECMA also and protected by Wangaratta Landcare supports the translocation of native partnered with Petaurus Education & Sustainability Inc (WLS) in partnership catfish back into Mullinmur Wetland. Group to expand the Waterwatch with the CEV’s Borinya Wangaratta program across Victoria’s entire north Community Partnership (Borinya), The site is a major drawcard for the local east region. whose centre is nearby the wetland. community and is used for outdoor learning by Borinya, Galen Catholic Borinya is an alternative learning College and other local schools. program, spearheaded by CEV, for Further partnerships with Arthur Rylah “It’s really exciting young people at risk of disengaging Institute, Rural City of Wangaratta and from mainstream education. Aptly, other organisations have also been to provide a Borinya is a local Bpangerang word to established. healthy habitat for describe a river that parts from its main the translocated course for a short time, then later re- In July 2019, the North East Waterwatch joins it. program partnered with WLS and freshwater catfish. Borinya to introduce water quality Over the last three years, North East monitoring at Mullinmur as part of Kelvin Berry CMA (NECMA) has supported the WLS the site’s management. Waterwatch volunteer Wangaratta Landcare & to rehabilitate and improve the Mullinmur trained six WLS volunteers and over 100 Sustainability Inc. billabong. Funding was provided to Borinya students to conduct testing develop a wetland demonstration site of the billabong and nearby Ovens and management plan, enrich the aquatic River at four new monitoring sites. habitat through constructed wetlands, By monitoring baseline and seasonal carry out weed control and revegetation, trends in Mullinmur’s water quality, the raise community awareness, and remove community gains an understanding of feral carp. how management interventions are improving the habitat for the catfish and The project has transformed the other fauna. Thus, the new water quality billabong into a valuable wetland monitoring has a vital role to play in Waterwatch training at Mullinmur and demonstrates that appropriately conserving the wetland. managed wetlands are important in

34 West Gippsland

Waterwatch at Heart Morass with Field & Game

The rehabilitation of four hours to monitor all the sites each Water for the Environment team Heart Morass from a dry month, the volunteers enjoy a social day member Dr Adrian Clements says, “It’s out; measuring the water’s electrical great having the Field & Game crew dustbowl continues since conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen, out there collecting data regularly. It the 1,300-hectare wetlands turbidity and temperature. Importantly, gives me a sense of what’s going on changed ownership in 2006. the EC and pH levels indicate to the across the wetland and informs my volunteers how Lake Wellington’s salty water planning. Gary also notes other Saltwater intrusion from Lake water is impacting the wetlands and significant happenings. Earlier this year Wellington threatens the Heart Morass’ how the acid sulphate soils are tracking. the crew observed over 40 Glossy Ibis at freshwater and brackish wetlands. The one of the sites, a bird not often seen at As the wetland receives environmental site’s acid sulphate soils also endanger the Morass.” water flows, water quality monitoring the habitat of animals and up to 30,000 was a natural next step for Field & Game waterbirds that visit Heart Morass at as wetland conservationists. Conserving any one time, including Latham’s Snipe, “Field & Game certainly the Morass is more than just for hunting, a migratory snipe of the East Asian- Gary emphasises, “There was a view that want to improve the Australasian flyway. ‘wetlands were wastelands’, that they site, but we want Since 2006, dedicated volunteers could be drained. We’re there fighting members of the public to save, protect and enhance them.” from the Sale branch of Field & Game to come and enjoy it Australia have planted over 60,000 By uploading the water monitoring trees and for the last two years have too. We’re building results onto the Waterwatch data portal, also monitored the water quality at this valuable information is shared new walking tracks, Heart Morass. Initially proposing six with the West Gippsland Catchment maintaining other sites across Heart Morass, Waterwatch Management Authority (WGCMA), volunteer, Gary Howard, and other Field tracks and encourage and other stakeholders, so better water & Game volunteers opted to monitor delivery and management decisions can people to come for an incredible 12 sites! Taking around be made to help the Morass. WGCMA’s a walk or bike ride. We might be the key manager now, but it’s a community asset we want people to enjoy,”

Gary Howard, Waterwatch volunteer.

Field & Game volunteers ready to go Waterwatch monitoring. Credit: Gerard Callinan.

35 5 30 30 73 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

From Waterwatch Volunteer to Water Career

For Jem Stirling, landing a job at the West Jem was also an EstuaryWatch Jem would recommend anyone keen to Gippsland Catchment Management volunteer, at times collecting data with pursue water management as a career Authority (WGCMA) two years ago was the EstuaryWatch group. to give Waterwatch or EstuaryWatch a dream come true. “I’ve always been Jem feels these opportunities were volunteering a go: “It’s an easy way to passionate about the environment instrumental in turning her volunteering learn more about the industry, learn but ended up in a completely different into a professional opportunity; “I really some new things and get to know your field. Eventually the stars aligned, the valued the people I met along the local waterways better.” opportunity came by and graciously, the way, especially the other volunteers. It WGCMA gave me a go,” said Jem. was great to meet people who shared similar passions and to broaden my “From a CMA Since taking the job, Jem has environmental networks.” perspective, I been learning to manage So far, Jem is enjoying the new appreciate being able Water for the Environment responsibilities of co-ordinating and delivering groundworks, WGCMA’s Waterwatch and to look at datasets but in 2020 a full-circle EstuaryWatch volunteers. “All the other volunteers have volunteers have been really lovely and came to pass. accepting. I’m looking forward to getting gathered – they do to know them better and learning more come in handy!” “When Matt Khoury, the Waterwatch about their stories. It’s also interesting and EstuaryWatch co-ordinator, to learn more of how it works from the Jem Stirling, announced he was leaving, I was pretty ‘other side’; there’s great work out there ex-Waterwatch volunteer. quick to put my hand up and say I’d and people have gathered incredible like to give his role a go,” Jem said. The datasets that will remain useful for years WGCMA agreed, and Jem now also to come,” she said. manages WGCMA’s citizen science program, including coordinating and Jem Stirling, monitoring in 2019 for supporting volunteers. the WGCMA. Credit Elsa Burnell. A Waterwatch volunteer for seven years, Jem considers her new responsibilities as pretty special; “I monitored the at Mossvale Park and really enjoyed the opportunity. It was a great way to gain skills and get to know a waterway.”

36 Wimmera Escaping the Classroom to Make A Difference

At Stawell Primary School, First, the River Detectives program A ClimateWatch trail was already a new environment and provides students with equipment established at Venus Baths in Halls Gap; and learning materials to measure therefore, the school located their River sustainability program has the water quality, habitat, and aquatic Detectives site at Venus Baths to collect initiated two citizen science macroinvertebrates of a local waterway. a wider spread of comprehensive data opportunities for Year An education initiative of Victorian from one monitoring site. CMAs, River Detectives supports 5 students to experience teachers to connect young people to When asked about the school’s real-life, hands-on learning their local waterway. motivation to participate in both citizen science programs, Ms Stewart highlighted activities. Through the program, participating the proven benefits of bringing young schools and teachers receive river students into contact with nature and health training, a water quality contributing important data to a greater monitoring kit, and additional support cause. from a local facilitator. Plus, the River Detectives website provides teaching “Connecting kids with positive resources and a host of educational experiences in nature leads to positive activities designed to maximise student environmental behaviours, so we know involvement and make participation we’re providing long-term benefits for easy for teachers. the planet. The students are always enthusiastic about heading outdoors; Lead teacher Ms Toni Stewart said, they think they’re escaping the “When we think about the devastating classroom, when in fact they’re growing impacts of climate change, and the a host of scientific and mathematical continued destruction of our natural skills such as scientific methodology, environment, it can be overwhelming. ecology, freshwater science, as well as Many of us are left wondering what measurement and data,” she said. we can do in an educational setting to make a difference. One fantastic way we can make meaningful change is through participation in citizen science programs.”

Second, the ClimateWatch in Parks program, an initiative of the Earthwatch Institute, facilitates students collecting valuable data on local plant and animal species. This data is interpreted by Earthwatch to monitor changes and understand the impacts of climate change on the plants and animals over time.

Ebony Hall grabs a water sample. Credit WCMA

Blake Hyslop prepares to measure reactive phosphorus. Credit WCMA

37 1 10 7 100 Active Active Active Event Groups Sites Volunteers Participants

Twenty-five Years of Monitoring the Jeparit Waterwatch through the years; Wimmera River: A Milestone Effort ten years in 2005, 15 years in 2010. Credit Jeparit Waterwatch.

The Jeparit Waterwatch Jeanie has been involved from the David Livingstone will be sadly missed group marked an impressive beginning, supporting the interest by the Jeparit Waterwatch group, and of the group, originally led by Alan by the broader Wimmera community. milestone this year, McKenzie (dec.) and enlisting the local We thank him for his immense achieving 25 years of primary school to participate, whilst contribution. monthly water quality supporting and encouraging quality water monitoring, educational activities Frank Pitt, another local farmer, now in monitoring of more than and community advocacy. “If you want his 80’s, echoed the motivation to know six sites along the lower to know your local water place and how about the salinity in the community, “The most important test we do is Wimmera River. healthy it is, then Waterwatch is a great place to do some citizen science,” she salinity,” Frank says. He began as a volunteer with Waterwatch during the Established in 1995 by retired farmers, said. Millennium Drought, in 2002. Puzzled the group has seen many changes in Founding member, David Livingstone, by why the sheep in his paddock beside the river’s water quality including the lived on the banks of the Wimmera the river were refusing to drink from Millennium Drought, 2011 floods and River all his life, and sadly passed away it and losing condition, he soon learnt various environmental flows. Volunteer not long after his 25 year monitoring about the salinity levels being too high and former coordinator, Jeanie Clark milestone. for sheep to safely drink. recalls, “The group thought monitoring the Wimmera River stretch at Jeparit A great source of first-hand information would be worth doing for their own about the river, David had been the knowledge, and the community, and so voice of the Jeparit Waterwatch for formed Jeparit Waterwatch. Since this many years, sharing his knowledge time, the dedicated Jeparit Waterwatch with the community and as the group’s volunteers have undertaken monthly spokesman. monitoring from six to twelve sites between Antwerp to .” 38 Another member, who started with The group’s quarter-century of “It’s inspiring and a Jeparit Waterwatch in 2000 at the dedication and achievements calls for age of five, is Jeanie’s son, Michael a celebration; however, the coronavirus privilege to be part of Clark. After many years involved in pandemic halted these festivities. At this Jeparit community Waterwatch activities, the ideal training the time of the milestone anniversary, ground for his future career, Michael environmental volunteering activities for over a quarter- left the Wimmera to complete honours across the state changed to protect century and to share in ecotoxicology at RMIT University. volunteers and the broader community this way of caring for “Over a decade, I gained practical water from COVID-19. However, dedicated quality monitoring experience which volunteer, Martin Stone, navigated the the Wimmera River and set me in good stead for the career path COVID-19 restrictions and performed its environment.” I later chose, now as an environmental solo tasks, so Jeparit Waterwatch could scientist with RMIT University’s Aquatic reach their 25 years of continuous Jeanie Clark, Environmental Stress research group,” monthly monitoring. Jeparit Waterwatch. explained Michael. Waterwatch Victoria would like to “Waterwatch is an excellent citizen wholeheartedly thank you all for your science program to learn the basics of commitment to citizen science and water quality monitoring and the nature acknowledge your contributions to the of the local environment,” Michael said. environment and the community over 20 years in 2015, and 24 years in 2019. the years. Credit Jeparit Waterwatch

39 Waterwatch Victoria www.vic.waterwatch.org.au EstuaryWatch www.estuarywatch.org.au River Detectives www.riverdetectives.net.au National Waterbug Blitz! www.waterbugblitz.org.au Litter Trackers https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/ our-values/sustainable-develop- ment-goals/goal-3/the-litter-trackers Saltwatch http://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/salt_data_portal.php Fluker Post Project www.flukerpost.com

Contact Sasha Wells Statewide Citizen Science Facilitator [email protected] or [email protected] 0459 835 628.

Waterwatch Victoria

EstuaryWatch Victoria

Vale David George Livingston 10.09.1931 - 01.10.2020

Thank you for your dedication and for all you have shared with, and taught to, those who have been part of Jeparit Waterwatch and the Wimmera community, over the last quarter-century.