Catchment Health Indicator Program 2016–17

Supported by: In Partnership with: This report was written using data collected by over 200 Waterwatch volunteers. Many thanks to them. Written and produced by the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch team: Woo O’Reilly – Regional Facilitator Danswell Starrs / Clarissa Barbosa – Scientific Officer Antia Brademann – Cooma Region Coordinator Martin Lind – Southern ACT Coordinator Damon Cusack/ Kat Vincent / Bruno Ferronato – Ginninderra and Yass Region Coordinator Deb Kellock – Molonglo Coordinator

The views and opinions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect those of the ACT Government or Icon Water. For more information on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch program go to: http://www.act.waterwatch.org.au The Atlas of Living Australia provides database support to the Waterwatch program. Find all the local Waterwatch data at: http://root.ala.org.au/bdrs-core/umww/home.htm All images are the property of Waterwatch unless otherwise stated. b Contents Executive Summary 2 Primrose Creek PRI1 66 Cooma Region Catchment Facts 8 Queanbeyan River QUE1 67 Badja River BAD1 10 Queanbeyan River QUE2 68 Badja River BAD2 11 Queanbeyan River QUE3 69 Bredbo River BRD1 12 Scabbing Flat Creek SCA1 70 Bredbo River BRD2 13 Sullivans Creek SUL1 71 Cooma Creek COO1 14 Sullivans Creek ANU SUL3 72 Cooma Creek COO2 15 Watson Wetlands and Ponds WAT1 73 Cooma Creek COO3 16 Weston Creek WES1 74 Cooma Back Creek COB1 17 Woolshed Creek WOO1 75 Gungoandra Creek GUD1 18 Yandyguinula Creek YAN1 76 Kybeyan River KYB1 19 Yarralumla Creek YAR1 77 Michelago Creek MIC1 20 Murrumbidgee River CMM1 21 Southern ACT Catchment Facts 78 Murrumbidgee River CMM2 22 Barney’s Gully MMB1 80 Murrumbidgee River CMM3 23 Bogong Creek Catchment CGB1 81 Murrumbidgee River CMM4 24 Cooleman Ridge Dams RAN1 82 Murrumbidgee River CMM5 25 Cotter River MCC1 83 Murrumbidgee River CMM6 26 Cotter River MCC2 84 Numeralla River NUM1 27 Gibraltar Creek GIB1 85 Numeralla River NUM2 28 Gudgenby River Catchment CGG1 86 Numeralla River NUM3 29 Hospital Creek Catchment CGH1 87 Numeralla River NUM4 30 Isabella Pond TIP1 88 Rock Flat Creek ROC1 31 Lake Tuggeranong Wetlands TLT1 89 Strike-A-Light River STR1 32 Lake Tuggeranong TLT2 90 Goodwin Village Pond RAN2 91 Ginninderra Catchment Facts 34 Murrumbidgee River CMM7 92 Ginninderra Creek GIN1 36 Murrumbidgee River CMM8 93 Ginninderra Creek GIN2 37 Murrumbidgee River CMM9 94 Ginninderra Creek GIN3 38 Murrumbidgee River CMM10 95 Ginninderra Creek GIN4 39 Naas River NNN1 96 Ginninderra Creek GIN5 40 Paddy’s River Catchment CTP1 97 Gooromon Ponds Creek GOO1 41 Point Hut Ponds MPG1 98 Gungaderra Creek GDC1 42 Spring Station Creek CMS1 99 Gungahlin Pond GUN2 43 Stranger Pond MSP1 100 Kippax Creek KIP1 44 Swamp Creek LMS1 101 McKellar Wetlands MCW1 45 Tidbinbilla River CTT1 102 Mulligan’s Flat Dam MFL1 46 Tuggeranong Creek, Upper TUG1 103 Murrumbidgee River CMM11 47 Tuggeranong Creek, Middle TUG2 104 The Valley Ponds GUN1 48 Tuggeranong Creek, Lower TUG3 105 Yerrabi Pond YER1 49 Westwood Farm TMM1 106

Molonglo Catchment Facts 50 Yass Catchment Facts 108 Banksia Street Wetland SUW2 52 Murrumbidgee River CMM12 110 Burra Creek BUR1 53 Murrumbidgee River CMM13 111 David Street Wetland SUW1 54 Yass River YAS1 112 Dickson Wetland DIC1 55 Yass River YAS2 113 Googong Creek GGG1 56 Yass River YAS3 114 Jerrabomberra Creek JER1 57 Jerrabomberra Creek JER2 58 Additional Waterwatch Data 115 Lyneham Wetland LYN1 59 Volunteer list 117 Molonglo River MOL1 60 Glossary 120 Molonglo River MOL2 61 Abbreviations 121 Molonglo River MOL3 62 Appendix I 122 Molonglo River MOL4 63 Appendix II 124 Molonglo River MOL5 64 Appendix III 127 Molonglo River MOL6 65 Appendix IV 129

1 Executive Summary Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch (Waterwatch) works with the community to monitor, raise awareness, educate, restore and protect our local waterways. Waterwatch has been running in the ACT region since 1995 and covers the Murrumbidgee catchment upstream of Burrinjuck Dam (with the exception of the Goodradigbee catchment). The total area monitored by Waterwatch is more than 11,400km2. Two primary functions of the Waterwatch program are to facilitate community engagement through the monitoring and care of local waterways, and to use the data (water quality, macroinvertebrate [water bug] and riparian condition) as an early warning system for aquatic ecosystem health issues. A key output of this program is the annual Catchment Health Indicator Program (CHIP) report, which provides a numerical score of catchment health displayed in individual reach report cards, using data collected by Waterwatch volunteers. The 2016-2017 CHIP report is based upon 1,861 water quality surveys, 199 water bug surveys and 210 riparian condition surveys conducted by over 200 volunteers! The total number of sites surveyed has decreased from 243 to 222 with a total of 94 reach report cards produced. While there has been a reduction in surveys conducted, the variation has not been as substantial as in the three preceding CHIP reports when the report was growing. We are now seeing numbers plateau as we find the optimum numbers of sites within our current capacity and to satisfy the requirements of the CHIP methodology. There were no new reaches created in this CHIP year and Castle Hill Creek in southern ACT was withdrawn. The key reach of CMM11 on the Murrumbidgee immediately downstream of the Molonglo River confluence near the new Ginninderry development on the ACT/NSW border was data deficient due to access issues, but will be reinstated during this coming CHIP period. A new reach for the Yass township has recently been set up on the Yass River and will feature in the 2017-18 CHIP report. The Yass catchment continues to be an area for growth for Waterwatch and its inclusion in the CHIP supports the notion that Waterwatch is a truly regional program. Of the 94 reaches presented in this report (Table 1), five were scored as in ‘excellent’ condition. One reach in the Molonglo catchment plus two each in Cooma and Southern ACT. 45 reaches were scored as being in ‘good’ condition, six more than last year and is the most common health score given, with Cooma contributing the most reaches to this category. Forty-two reaches were in ‘fair’ condition, six down on last year, and only two reaches received a ’poor’, one in Ginninderra and the other in Molonglo, which is four less than last year.

Table 1: CHIP results for 2016–2017. CHIP Result Cooma Ginninderra Molonglo Southern ACT Yass Total Excellent (A) 2 0 1 2 0 5 Good (B) 15 3 12 13 2 45 Fair (C) 6 9 12 12 3 42 Poor (D) 0 1 1 0 0 2 Degraded (E) 0 0 0 0 0 0

While it may be tempting to celebrate the general improvement in scores for CHIP 2016-17, it is important to remember that year-to-year variation (primarily driven by climatic processes) plays a major role in changes to CHIP scores. The very wet Winter and Spring and the follow-up rains of late Autumn would have had a significant positive impact on water quality data as well as the water bug scores. It is intended that presenting long term trends will become a key feature of future CHIP reports. Another factor that may have played a small part in the improved scores was the improved water bug techniques adopted by the Waterwatch staff over the past year. The team were lucky enough to have coaching last October with water bug expert, John Gooderham, aimed at improving our knowledge and methods for conducting water bug surveys. On top of some great knowledge building, John helped show the staff some great techniques for negotiating the all too common issue of silted up urban wetlands. The Waterwatch staff are now managing to capture the bugs in the net while leaving the majority of silt/algal scum in the water body. This has greatly improved detection rates in some of our more degraded systems.

2 While the scores have improved, the upper Murrumbidgee catchment suffered, as it did during the same time last year, from low dissolved oxygen events during an extremely hot, dry spell in Summer and early Autumn. 46 reaches this year received a ‘degraded’ score for dissolved oxygen (DO) – the worst of any water quality parameter. Temperature and DO levels are intrinsically linked as the warmer the water gets, the less capacity it has to hold oxygen. This has potential to be a greater problem in waterways with poor streamside shading, as their temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and in warmer seasons, lead to significant drops in DO, potentially stressing aquatic life. Conversely, when a waterway is overloaded with nutrients and algae, the algae grows rapidly producing lots of oxygen in the process. This can result in super saturation with waterways sometimes measuring 120% DO saturation which is also considered ‘degraded’. These can have a negative effect on our aquatic life and are all signs of waterway disturbance. Issues such as weeds, the lack of both native riparian and in-stream vegetation in our rural and urban catchments as well as the importance of maintaining groundcover, are all major factors contributing to poorer health. Revegetation of river corridors, and maintaining groundcover on a broader scale, would not only reduce sediments and nutrients entering the system and stabilise dissolved oxygen levels, but provide valuable habitat for water bugs and other aquatic species.

The Rise of the CHIP Waterwatch continues to work hard to promote the CHIP to government and community organisations involved in managing our waterways. The success of this is evident in the increased uptake of the CHIP, and the Waterwatch data more broadly, over recent years. Waterwatch data has gone from being an underutilised dataset on the fringe to one that sits within an integrated monitoring framework for the ACT region and the CHIP has played a major role in communicating that data. Some examples include: • A successful $100,000 NSW Environmental Trust Grant was obtained by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council in 2016 for restoration works on the Cooma Creek. The grant contained a combination of Platypus data obtained during Waterwatch’s Platypus Month and the results on Cooma Creek from the CHIP report. • The next ACT State of the Environment report is moving towards an international ‘environmental accounting’ approach. Waterwatch data is being used as a ‘proof of concept’ as the CHIP data analysis process is highly amenable to this kind of approach. • The Capital Metro project used Waterwatch data to help establish a historic baseline along the project alignment; and • Within the ACT Government’s Environment Division, the Biodiversity, Research and Monitoring Program, the Conservation Effectiveness Monitoring Program as well as the draft ACT Integrated Water Monitoring Plan all include Waterwatch data. The 2016-2017 CHIP report would not have been possible without the generous financial support from ACT government, in partnership with the Australian government, through the ACT Healthy Waterways Program and from Icon Water. Thank you, as always, to the volunteers. This report would not be possible without their continued efforts to collect this important data on the health of our waterways. The CHIP continues to rise in profile and be used by more catchment managers and policy makers. The continued collection of large amounts of high quality data is a real credit to the dedication of the volunteers who have demonstrated that with support, they can make a significant contribution to the improvement of our waterways.

3 Introduction

Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch (Waterwatch) engages with the community to monitor, raise awareness, educate, restore and protect our local waterways. Waterwatch has been running in the ACT region since 1995 and covers the Murrumbidgee catchment upstream of Burrinjuck Dam, with the exception of the Goodradigbee catchment. The total area monitored by Waterwatch is more than 11,400km2. Four Waterwatch co-ordinators support volunteers in the major sub-catchments of Cooma, Molonglo, Southern ACT, Ginninderra and Yass (see Figure 1). Each of these sub-catchments will make up sections I – V of this report. This year Yass has five report cards, and will be an area of growth over the foreseeable future. As at 30 June 2017, Waterwatch had 222 active sites being monitored by over 200 volunteers. Waterwatch thanks the generous funding from the ACT government, in partnership with the Australian government, through the ACT Healthy Waterways (Basin Project) as well as funding for the Cooma Region through Icon Water. The Atlas of Living Australia also provides support through the maintenance of the database used by the Waterwatch program. At the time of writing this report, the database houses over 23,000 Waterwatch records. The purpose of the CHIP The Waterwatch annual report card is called the Catchment Health Indicator Program (CHIP), based upon the data collected by volunteers throughout the preceding year. The purpose of the report is to give the community a better understanding of water quality and riparian health issues in the catchment as well as providing an ongoing baseline assessment of catchment health to assist natural resource managers and policy- makers in addressing some of these issues. The CHIP is recognised in the ACT Water Strategy 2014-44 as a way to ‘Enhance knowledge and spatial planning for water and catchment management’. How does the CHIP work? Waterwatch volunteers and co-ordinators collect data relating to water quality, water bugs (macroinvertebrates), and riverbank (riparian) vegetation. The frequency of this data collection is outlined in Table 2. These data sources provide the basis for a composite CHIP score that encompasses physico- chemical properties of water, in-stream water bug diversity and abundance, and riparian vegetation condition. When combined for an individual stretch of waterway (a reach), the data gives us a score that indicates the overall health of that reach. This CHIP score is linked with a colour to produce maps of reaches at both an individual and sub-catchment scale. Importantly, each individual reach map is accompanied by a report card written by the local co-ordinator. This provides further insight into the state of that reach and possible issues influencing the score. Data from other Waterwatch initiatives such as Platypus Month and Carp Love 20°C are also used in these report cards to provide greater context. Technical details regarding the computation of CHIP scores is provided in Appendix II.

Table 2. Summary of data collected to produce the CHIP. Parameter Frequency Number of sites Water Quality pH Monthly All sites Electrical Conductivity Monthly All sites Turbidity Monthly All sites Phosphorus Monthly All sites Nitrate Monthly All sites Dissolved Oxygen Monthly All sites Temperature Monthly All sites Macro-invertebrates SIGNAL 2.0 Biannual (Spring & Autumn) Key sites (min 1/reach) Riparian Condition RARC Biennial All sites

4 Figure 1. Overview of the Upper Murrumbidgee River catchment, outlining the five major sub-catchment areas represented in this report. Goodradigbee is not included in this report.

5 2016–2017 CHIP

The 2016-2017 CHIP report is based upon 1,861 water quality surveys, 199 water bug surveys and 210 riparian condition surveys conducted by over 200 volunteers! The total number of sites surveyed has decreased from 243 to 222 with a total of 94 reach report cards produced. While there has been a reduction in surveys conducted, the variation has not been as significant as in the three preceding CHIP reports when the report was in a period of growth. We are now seeing numbers plateau as we find the optimum numbers of sites that can be managed within our current capacity and to satisfy the requirements of the CHIP methodology. Thank you, as always, to the volunteers. This report would not be possible without their continued efforts to collect this important data on the health of our waterways. The CHIP continues to rise in profile and be used by more catchment managers and policy makers. The continued collection of large amounts of high quality data is a real credit to the dedication of the volunteers who have demonstrated that with support, they can make a significant contribution to the improvement of our waterways.

6 .

7 Cooma Region Catchment Facts

The Cooma Region includes the upper Murrumbidgee River south of the ACT, the Bredbo, Numeralla, Kybeyan and Badja River sub catchments. Landuse in the Cooma Region includes urban, rural residential, rural (grazing and cropping) and conservation. The lower lying, more fertile areas of the catchment are generally cleared and modified with more intensive landuse and limited native riparian vegetation. Local landcare and fishing groups are working to restore river health in the Cooma Region via erosion control works, riparian planting, returning woody debris for fish habitat, native fish stocking and removing Carp. Groups involved include the Numeralla, Bredbo and Michelago Landcare Groups and the Numeralla and Bredbo Fishing Clubs. The Actions for Clean Water (ACWA) Plan sets out a strategy for improving water quality (targeting turbidity) in the upper Murrumbidgee catchment. It identifies the Numeralla and Bredbo Rivers as high priority catchments where erosion risk was assessed to be very high. The plan also maps point source erosion sites throughout the catchment. The Cooma Monaro LGA Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management also identifies the Numeralla, Badja and Bredbo River catchments as significant koala habitat. Riparian connectivity and ribbon gum stands are important elements of this habitat. Small yet resilient native fish populations are also found in the catchment including Murray cod, Trout cod, Macquarie perch and Mountain galaxias. Macquarie perch are endangered yet occur in the Murrumbidgee River, and have been the subject a PhD research project investigating the habitat requirements and environmental cues for spawning in this species. The Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach (UMDR) initiative supports the recovery of native fish populations in the upper Murrumbidgee River with a focus on the upper Murrumbidgee River between Bredbo in NSW and Casuarina Sands in the ACT. Waterwatch volunteers have been monitoring river health in the Cooma Region since 2010.

8 COOMA CATCHMENT 9 Our data is being enhanced thanks to the efforts of our hardy Platypus Month survey volunteers who volunteers survey Month Platypus of our hardy the efforts to thanks is being enhanced Our data native and two Ten individual Platypus 2016. during August four sites over surveys in twelve participated six capturing FeralFishScan, via recorded to be continue Carp sightings total. in recorded were rats Water and Alpine Hotel Bredbo The Numeralla, during Spring in the Cooma catchment. events Carp breeding Outs. fishing spots via annual Carp at their local Carp numbers target to continue fishing clubs Anglers The Cooma creeks will benefit from the ‘Improving Cooma Creeks’ project, funded by the NSW Environment Environment NSW the by funded project, Creeks’ Cooma ‘Improving the from will benefit creeks Cooma The a known which will also protect and revegetation site an erosion stabilising control, weed via woody Trust, site. breeding Platypus Seasonality aside, our waterways are likely to show improvement in the coming years due to work being work due to years in the coming improvement show to likely are our waterways Seasonality aside, of Carbon Rivers Reach (UMDR) Demonstration The Upper Murrumbidgee out in the catchment. carried fencing and control, weed woody via condition steam is improving project River Upper Murrumbidgee Bredbo. of downstream fish habitat connect high quality native and to protect riparian revegetation Seasonal conditions are likely to have partly influenced results. For example, a wet Spring ensured good Spring ensured wet example, a For results. partly influenced to have likely are Seasonal conditions contrast, water bugs. In of diversity and processes including abundance supporting aquatic flows stream flow low and temperatures warm to linked oxygen dissolved low summer showed over dry conditions in samples across absent consistently were stoneflies showed bug surveys water The Autumn conditions. water Our hot Summer. to the dry, been linked could have which season, in the survey later until the region ‘excellent’score. an to achieve caddisflies and mayflies of stoneflies, the presence require bug surveys This year’s results show that health scores have improved overall compared to last year. Notably the urban the urban Notably year. last to compared overall improved have scores health that show results This year’s reach scoring worst as the rates still although it fair, poor to from has improved the Cooma Creek of reach with notable scores indicator health in catchment a decrease recorded reaches Four Region. in the Cooma from River) (Kybeyan and KYB1 good to excellent from Undoo Creek) above River (Badja in BAD1 decreases fair. to good Cooma Catchment Health Summary Health Catchment Cooma Badja River BAD1 Headwaters to Undoo Creek Reach Condition 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) Water quality was ‘excellent’ overall, reflecting 2015/16 CHIP Result A (Excellent) the intact in-stream and riparian habitat found in Parameter Rating No. Survey this reach. The hot dry Summer reduced flows, lowered dissolved oxygen levels linked with Water quality Excellent 20 warmer water and resulted in more concentrated pH Excellent levels of electrical conductivity and phosphorous. Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent This strong seasonal influence may also have been Nitrate Excellent a driver for reducing water bug results for this Electrical Conductivity Excellent reach, in turn affecting the overall CHIP score. Dissolved Oxygen Degraded The surveys found lower than expected stonefly numbers in the Badja River, but this reach remains Water bug Good 3 notable for the abundance and diversity of other Riparian condition Good 2 sensitive water bug types such as caddisflies and low numbers of very pollution-tolerant bugs. Reach Facts Riparian condition was ‘good’ overall, due to Reach network length: approx. 51km native vegetation with shrub and canopy layers, Dominant land uses: Rural and conservation high levels of ground cover and habitat features such as native tussocks and logs. Carp sightings This reach includes the headwaters of the Badja River are not recorded in this reach. Trout have been down to and including Undoo Creek. The headwaters sighted. of the Badja River rise in the Badja Swamps Nature Reserve which include the nationally-listed Big Badja Swamps. The top of the reach flows through open, historically cleared country then on through steeper, uncleared areas with good native vegetation cover.

Peppers Creek at PEP050. Badja River 1 km upstream of the Braidwood Road bridge

10 COOMA CATCHMENT 11

Aerial shot of the Badja River at BAD100. at Aerial shot of the Badja River Reach Condition Reach in ‘excellent’ to be quality continues Water habitat in-stream good due to likely this reach, A hot and this reach. along and riparian zones with high water associated dry Summer was dissolved low levels, water low temperatures, levels conductivity electrical and elevated oxygen this reach). (130µS/cm for - twice usual levels less but show ‘good’ were bug surveys Water pollution-sensitive and abundance of the diversity compared nymphs stonefly and such as mayfly types during the – particularly upstream the reach to when (BAD100) the confluence at Spring survey had Both surveys caught. were bug types only seven whichlarvae fly tolerant more a dominance of the the sandy deposits on the from benefited have may sites. survey at the main pools of the bottom over controlled been and Blackberry have Willows and this has Landcare Numeralla by year two the last condition. riparian improved sighted regularly are Carp and Trout introduced The Platypus too are so news, in better but, in this reach rats. and Water 2 3 29 No. Survey Fair Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Excellent approx. 8.6km approx. Rural and rural residential and rural Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) B+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the lower section of the Badja section of the Badja includes the lower This reach River the Numeralla to Undoo Creek from River country open, cleared through It flows confluence. (sheep and horses) grazing for used predominantly native Continuous and some dryland cropping. zone on both found in the riparian is vegetation reach. along the entire sides of the river Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Undoo Creek to Numeralla River confluence River Numeralla to Creek Undoo Badja River BAD2 River Badja Bredbo River BRD1 Headwaters to Cowra Creek confluence

2015/16 CHIP Result A- (Excellent) Reach Condition Water quality continues to be ‘excellent’ for this 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) reach. Volunteers here need to be of the hardy variety Parameter Rating No. Survey as a number of the waterways were reported as partially frozen over the Winter months. Cowra Creek Water quality Excellent 13 was noted as being under 4cm of ice in June 2017! pH Excellent Turbidity Excellent Riparian zones with good native vegetation to the Phosphorus Excellent edge of the waterway provide a filtering and cooling Nitrate Excellent effect. This is shown in water quality surveys which always observe the water to be ‘crystal clear’ and Electrical Conductivity Good have better dissolved oxygen levels than other Dissolved Oxygen Fair reaches with less vegetation. This is because cooler Water bug Excellent 2 water has the potential to hold more dissolved oxygen. Riparian condition Good 2 The water bug surveys support the water quality Reach Facts findings, which found five different types of Reach network length: approx. 33km caddisflies and three types of mayflies. Such diversity Dominant land uses: Rural within these two very sensitive bug types is an indication of excellent stream health. This reach includes the Bredbo River catchment down to and including Cowra Creek. This reach Carp are recorded in the Cowra Creek catchment, but runs through a mix of unmodified vegetation not in the upper Bredbo River. Platypus have been and cleared, grazing country. Small areas of pine sighted. plantation have also been established in the catchment.

Cowra Creek (COW700) at Peakview Rd - frozen over!

12 COOMA CATCHMENT 13 Autumn (obviously!) water bug survey on the bug survey water Autumn (obviously!) J.Koehler) BRD010. (Photo: at River Bredbo lower Reach Condition Reach in this reach levels oxygen dissolved Degraded channel shading and a shallow limited reflect This the catchment. from eroding sediment from which reduce temperatures in higher water results conductivity Electrical levels. oxygen dissolved high inputs naturally the to is high, in part due as as well (390-980µS/cm) of Cappananna creek landuse in the catchment. vegetation exotic by dominated are Riparian zones and Poplars Blackberry, Lovegrass, such as African in establish to resilient more which are Willows, starting are reed beds (native) Large modified sites. the that which indicates in-stream establish to time. over is stabilising reach and Carp are gambusia Eastern Introduced target the are The latter in high numbers. reported Fishing of ‘Carp out’ the Bredbo held by events Club. at zones riparian is rehabilitating Landcare Bredbo Rivers Two reach as part of their of this the bottom project. Park Drive Wattle 3 2 20 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 25km approx. Rural including dryland Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the Bredbo River from from River Bredbo includes the This reach with the its confluence to Creek Cowra below on and includes a site River Murrumbidgee has of this reach end The lower Cappanana Creek. for dryland are used which floodplains wide flat, highly are areas These and grazing. cropping is limited. vegetation riparian modified and native with catchment is a high priority ACWA This reach reach. occuring in this sites erosion key five cropping and grazing and cropping Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Cowra Creek to Murrumbidgee River confluence confluence River Murrumbidgee to Creek Cowra Bredbo River BRD2 River Bredbo Cooma Creek COO1 Headwaters to Banksia Lane

Currently this reach is monitored at only one site 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) at the bottom of this reach. An additional site 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) upstream is desirable to increase data confidence. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Good 11 Reach Condition pH Excellent This reach has improved slightly from last year with Turbidity Excellent electrical conductivity is naturally elevated due to Phosphorus Poor the geology of the catchment. Nitrate Excellent Riparian condition throughout this reach is poor, Electrical Conductivity Degraded lacking native vegetation. Stock has access to Dissolved Oxygen Degraded the waterway, which is also reducing in-stream Water bug Good 2 vegetation. These factors are likely to have influenced water quality results. Riparian condition Fair 1 Very tolerant water bug types such as fly larvae, Reach Facts segmented worms and snails were found in high numbers which indicate a site where organic Reach network length: approx. 22km matter (possibly from Willows at the survey site) Dominant land uses: Rural and urban has accumulated. Other bug types present were The headwaters of Cooma Creek rise south of waterboatmen which are more tolerant due to Cooma and flow through open, basalt country. The the fact that they can fly away when conditions fertile floodplains in this reach are used for dryland become unsuitable. cropping and grazing agriculture. Dense and Despite the degraded habitat, no Carp have ever extensive in-stream vegetation (reeds/sedges) that been recorded in this reach. are beneficial for stability and nutrient retention, are largely absent in this reach.

Cooma Creek adjacent to the Myalla Road.

14 COOMA CATCHMENT 15 Volunteer Matthew Kent on Cooma Creek clean up on Cooma Creek Kent Matthew Volunteer 2017. - March day Reach Condition Reach scores low the and reach urbanised most the is This sources stormwater of the effects to due likely are has reach The untreated. the creek which enters scores and nitrate high phosphorous consistently observed overgrowth algal the thick which leads to Electrical hot conditions. during in this reach of effects combined to is high due conductivity as urban runoff as well (natural) geology catchment pollution). (indicating high numbers dominated were bug surveys Water and segmented snails, fly larvae of freshwater of their tolerance for known which are worms pollution. matter organic for cause a risk could which sighted is often Litter been sighted which have rats and Water Platypus in this reach. on this reach, conducted were surveys Frogwatch mowing after calling in frogs a decline which noted in the riparian zone. occurred 2 2 15 No. Survey Fair Fair Poor Good Good Good Rating Degraded Degraded Degraded approx. 3km approx. Urban

Turbidity Phosphorus pH Nitrate Oxygen Dissolved Electrical Conductivity Electrical Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes of the Cooma Creek the section This reach of Cooma. Floodtownship the through flows that protect to carried out been have works mitigation from Stormwater in times of high flows. urban assets Litter untreated. the creek into is discharged town the There problem. is an ongoing drains stormwater from of this length along the path is a popular walking reach. Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Banksia Lane to Cooma Back Creek confluence Back Creek Cooma to Lane Banksia Cooma Creek COO2 Creek Cooma Cooma Creek COO3 Cooma Back Creek to Numeralla River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition Water quality is consistently high in phosphorous, 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) nitrate and electrical conductivity, influenced by the Parameter Rating No. Survey geology of the catchment as well as urban inputs upstream. Litter washed down from Cooma is now Water quality Fair 23 reported throughout the top of this reach. pH Good Turbidity Excellent The riparian zones are highly modified due to Phosphorus Degraded historic clearing, floodplain cultivation and stock Nitrate Good access, especially at the lower end of the reach. This Electrical Conductivity Degraded reduces buffering capacity of riparian zones and Dissolved Oxygen Degraded increases erosion risk which in turn adversely affects water quality. Water bug Good 3 There is a Platypus group survey site is at the top of Riparian condition Poor 3 this reach. In surveys conducted last August as part of Platypus Month, there were confirmed sightings Reach Facts of two Platypus suspected to be a breeding pair. Reach network length: approx. 18km Riparian vegetation is being planted at the survey Dominant land uses: Conservation, rural residential site as part of the ‘Improving Cooma Creek’ project, and rural funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. Frogwatch surveys have also been conducted on this reach. This reach includes the Cooma Creek downstream of Cooma to its confluence with the Numeralla Schools of fingerling Carp have been seen midway River. The reach is flanked by the North Ridge up this reach. Nature Reserve at its upper end, then flows through more open, rural residential holdings (in the Mittagang Road area) and finally through the open rural area of Bunyan which is dominated by river flats used for irrigated cropping.

Cooma Creek at Chakola.

16 COOMA CATCHMENT 17 Improving Volunteer Alison Howell monitoring at Kiah Ave at at Kiah Ave at monitoring Alison Howell Volunteer COB200. project will improve riparian zones via riparian zones will improve project Cooma Creeks’ native replanting and trees of introduced removal the Gorge. Lambie below vegetation and Platypus in this reach being monitored are Frogs been sighted. have Reach Condition Reach as very reported is always in this reach The water elevated, be can levels but phosphorous clear, report within Cooma. Volunteers sites at especially streamers ‘long (algal) can be there times at that levels. higher phosphorous from present’ resulting reach. end of the lower at the is noted Litter pollution-sensitive that found bug surveys Water while in numbers low were types such as stoneflies inwere and flatworms worms segmented snails, on highto thrive known are latter The high numbers. from the leaf resulting likely matter of organic levels urban stormwater trees, introduced of deciduous Fall zones. of riparian buffering and reduced funded ‘ Trust Environmental The NSW 3 2 21 No. Survey Poor Poor Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded : Conservation, urban, rural urban, rural : Conservation,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Reach Facts Reach 30km length: approx. network Reach land uses Dominant and includes the Cooma Back Creek This reach and Sandy Creeks. including Jillimatong tributaries, surrounded reach are The upper sections of the landuse with open cleared rural predominantly by (lower) reach urban section of the The country. of which is a site area includes the Lambie Gorge significance. and Aboriginal cultural European residential and rural residential

Headwaters to Cooma Creek confluence Cooma Creek to Headwaters Cooma Back Creek COB1 Creek Back Cooma Gungoandra Creek GUD1 Headwaters to Murrumbidgee River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition Volunteers report that the water in this creek 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) is usually ‘crystal clear’. Phosphorous and Parameter Rating No. Survey nitrate are consistently low and electrical conductivity is consistently high, ranging between Water quality Excellent 22 480-1090µS/cm. As long standing volunteers pH Good Bob and Jenny Cooper have observed, electrical Turbidity Excellent conductivity increases after rain which is the Phosphorus Excellent reverse of what is expected usually becoming Nitrate Excellent more concentrated during low flows. This is due Electrical Conductivity Degraded to groundwater flushing carbonates out of the soil Dissolved Oxygen Excellent geology of the catchment. Water bug Excellent 2 Thick stands of reeds and rushes have been Riparian condition Poor 2 establishing along the length of the creek throughout Scottsdale Reserve and this has very positive benefits for water quality. Good water bug Reach Facts scores and low algal growth throughout the year Reach network length: approx. 9km supports this. Dominant land uses: Rural and conservation Riparian areas will be improved resulting from the This reach includes the entire Gungoandra ‘Rivers of Carbon Upper Bidgee’ project planting at Creek which flows into the Murrumbidgee River the bottom end of this reach. Platypus, Water rats, downstream of Bredbo Gorge. The upper section of Eastern long necked turtles and small native fish the creek has been cleared and is grazed, while the have been sighted as well as the introduced Carp. lower section runs through Bush Heritage Australia’s Scottsdale Reserve. Revegetation is occurring on the Reserve in the creek’s catchment area and stands of in-stream macrophytes are continuing to establish.

Volunteers Bob and Jenny Cooper at Gungoandra Creek.

18 COOMA CATCHMENT 19 The Kybeyan River just above the confluence with the the confluence above just River The Kybeyan River. Numeralla Reach Condition Reach to poor year due has declined this condition Reach recorded scores bug and riparian condition water an absence found bug surveys Water the site. for spring and in both stoneflies sensitive of the very the across other sites to in contrast which was Fall, Cooma Region. quality in the water The hot dry affected Summer conductivity electrical showed which River Kybeyan oxygen dissolved values, double their normal with low increasing and phosphorous dropping levels. water presence by the is influenced Riparian condition There Poplars. species such as canopy of exotic reeds and teatree of native is a small verge stock where this is grazed however establishing, access the stream. to allowed are Carp of juvenile high numbers very were There during the of this site upstream just caught No Club Carp Out in January. Fishing Numeralla year. for this recorded been have sightings Platypus 1 2 9 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Degraded 49km approx. Rural Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the entire Kybeyan River River Kybeyan entire includes the This reach both rural by is characterised This reach catchment. from its headwaters, towards country (grazing) country unmodified steep, through it flows where Area) Conservation State Kybeyan (including the itsat River Numeralla of the floodplains join the to are reach floodplains of the The lower confluence. purposes. and cropping for both grazing utilised Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Numeralla River confluence River Numeralla to Headwaters Kybeyan River KYB1 River Kybeyan Michelago Creek MIC1 Headwaters to Murrumbidgee River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition Water quality is influenced by high electrical 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) conductivity values, which is partly related to the Parameter Rating No. Survey geology of the catchment. High algal growth is observed in-stream, especially during Summer and Water quality Good 7 Fall. pH Excellent Turbidity Excellent Riparian zones have reduced native canopy Phosphorus Good vegetation and understorey, which is being Nitrate Excellent addressed by the Michelago Landcare group Electrical Conductivity Degraded via Willow control works, riparian plantings and Dissolved Oxygen Degraded streambank stabilisation along the Creek. Large reed beds are establishing in-stream and this is Water bug Fair 1 having stabilising and filtering effects. Where stock Riparian condition Poor 1 have uncontrolled access to the creek less in-stream vegetation is found and this will negatively influence water quality. Reach Facts Reach network length: approx. 55km Carp have not been recorded along the Creek, Dominant land uses: Rural, rural residential and however large numbers of the pest fish Eastern conservation gambusia can be seen in the shallows in Summer. Small numbers of juvenile native Mountain galaxias This reach includes the Michelago Creek catchment were observed during water bug surveys. including the Margarets and Ryries Creeks. The upper reaches of these creeks retain native, This reach currently has only one site and we are unmodified vegetation. The lower reaches looking for more volunteers to monitor upstream. flow through open, historically cleared country predominantly used for grazing and rural residential purposes (in and around the village of Michelago).

Michelago Creek - upstream of Michelago village.

20 COOMA CATCHMENT 21 Volunteer Kerryn Milligan monitoring in the snow at at in the snow monitoring Milligan Kerryn Volunteer CMM990! Reach Condition Reach in this condition rivers survey you It is only when you that Spring flushes) good (and following bug population water a healthy what appreciate bug water by (aided Spring survey The like. looks 170+ stoneflies John Gooderham) produced expert from caddisflies 220+ types and different four from and high abundance this types! While 11 different ecosystem, a high quality alpine reflects diversity the low to due down pulled was score the overall of stress signs – showing March in found diversity for the need This highlights hot Summer. a dry, after variation. to pick up seasonal year a surveys multiple occurring naturally is a healthy riparian zone The to protect which helps grassland, tussock native as as ‘fair’, this only rated However, quality. water of native presence requires the riparian assessment achieve to features and habitat understorey canopy, a high score. our fly-fishing (by sighted regular are Trout also are of wild horses numbers and large volunteer) recorded. 1 3 7 No. Survey Fair Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 53km approx. Conservation

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+(Good) CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach is the Murrumbidgee River from its from River is the Murrumbidgee This reach and is wholly Dam wall Tantangara the to headwaters reach is in thePark. The National within Kosciuszko by which is characterised bioregion Alps Australian woodlands. bogs and subalpine grasslands, heaths, and camping is used for in this area The catchment The area trails. along unsealed fire accessed touring June and October the between snow is closed due to during this time. and is not monitored long weekends Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Tantangara Dam Tantangara to Headwaters Murrumbidgee River CMM1 River Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River CMM2 Tantangara Dam to Goorudee Rivulet

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition Excellent water quality scores reflect the high quality 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) of water released from Tantangara Dam which Parameter Rating No. Survey makes up the main flow at the upstream site in this reach. Dissolved oxygen levels were poor, due to Water quality Excellent 20 hot, dry Summer conditions with low flows. pH Excellent Turbidity Excellent Water bug surveys showed lower numbers of Phosphorus Excellent pollution-sensitive bugs and an increase in very Nitrate Excellent tolerant bug types such as segmented worms and Electrical Conductivity Excellent flatworms than for the reach upstream. This reflects Dissolved Oxygen Poor the ability of the water bug surveys to pick up the effects of factors such as stream flow regulation and Water bug Good 4 surrounding landuse on the River’s health. Riparian condition Poor 2 Riparian zones in this reach were scored as poor, due to lack of native canopy and understorey, which Reach Facts is in part natural as well as influenced by riparian Reach network length: approx. 55km grazing in this reach. Dominant land uses: Rural Trout and Platypus are reported in this reach. No This reach includes the Murrumbidgee River confirmed Carp sightings have been recorded. and its tributaries in the Yaouk area from below the Tantangara Dam wall. The influence of flow regulation is most evident in this reach. The catchment comprises of open valley floors (which would historically have contained tracts of swampy meadows) with a backdrop of steep unimproved country. Valley floors are now utilised predominantly for grazing purposes.

The Murrumbidgee River looking downstream of Yaouk Bridge.

22 COOMA CATCHMENT 23 The Upper Murrumbidgee River Reserve at CMM910. at Reserve River The Upper Murrumbidgee Reach Condition Reach all for found were quality results water Excellent dissolved being low with the exception parameters in This, dry during the hot, Summer. levels oxygen the allowing shade limited to be contributed can part, as and not hold as much oxygen up warm to water in flow. as a reduction well which ‘excellent’ were results bug survey Water reach. However, for this score the final CHIP elevated species of sensitive abundance lower that it is noted but reaches, upstream than for observed were in abundance lower also were species tolerant more overall. bothreflects The ‘fair’ score riparian condition and this on the reach sites scoring ‘poor’ ‘good’ and topography with landuse and catchment correlates site. the survey at present gambusia are Eastern fish Carp and The introduced be to is thought This area in this reach. recorded Volunteer limit of Carp distribution. upstream current and seeing both Platypus has noted Milligan Kerryn doing her sampling. while rats Water . 2 2 17 No. Survey Fair Poor Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 43km approx. Rural and conservation Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result A- (Excellent) A- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the Murrumbidgee River from from River includes the Murrumbidgee This reach as ‘Dry known the area to down Goorudee Rivulet which is the major tributary Alum Creek Plains’. reach the the north. Within this in from flows open, undulating more through flows first river grazing for which is used predominantly country country gorge steeper purposes and then through which cover vegetation woodland by dominated unmodified. largely remains Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Goorudee Rivulet confluence to Bridle Creek confluence Creek to Bridle confluence Rivulet Goorudee Murrumbidgee River CMM3 River Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River CMM4 Bridle Creek to Numeralla River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition This reach includes long gorge sections, which have 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) been the study area for the endangered Macquarie Parameter Rating No. Survey perch and for Carp movements in the last few years. In the gorge areas the River has intact native Water quality Excellent 20 vegetation and deep pools which can provide refuge pH Excellent at times of low flows and warm conditions. These Turbidity Excellent factors also assist to maintain good water quality Phosphorus Excellent which can be seen in the water quality survey Nitrate Excellent results. Electrical Conductivity Excellent Dissolved Oxygen Excellent In contrast, the riparian condition scores reflect the modified state of riparian zones in the more Water bug Good 3 open floodplain areas along the Murrumbidgee Riparian condition Poor 2 River, where mature Willows remain as the only canopy and there is little understory or in-stream vegetation, especially where stock have access to Reach Facts the river. Reach network length: approx. 31km Dominant land uses: Rural and conservation There is a Platypus survey site along this reach as part of Platypus Month (August 2016) where two This reach includes the Murrumbidgee River from Platypus and a Water rat were recorded. Carp are the Bridle Creek confluence to the Numeralla River seen in large numbers in the more modified areas in confluence. The bottom section has open, cleared the lower parts of this reach. country used for predominantly grazing and cropping purposes while the upper section includes the Binjura Nature Reserve, where the ‘Cooma Gorge’ is found. Good quality riparian and aquatic habitat are found in this section.

Murrumbidgee River below weir at Cooma Pumping Station.

24 COOMA CATCHMENT 25 Murrumbidgee River at Billilingra Rd crossing. Billilingra at River Murrumbidgee Reach Condition Reach the Numeralla where is the point This reach in the major tributaries one of the two River, River the Murrumbidgee enters Cooma Region, The boosted. significantly are and hence flows which by wide alluvial floodplains is flanked reach be to and continue cleared been historically have by dominated zones are Riparian today. cultivated and in-stream dense stands which form Willows by to infilling due been simplified have habitats deposits of sediment. historic large reach quality in this water influence These factors conductivity of electrical levels including raised mobilised during which are and phosphorous Water bug surveys from run-off. and cultivation types such as fly of tolerant numbers higher found also increases Turbidity and waterboatmen. larvae to linked events, with high flow in association catchment. the Numeralla from inflows gambusia Eastern fish such as Carp and Feral also have Platypus in this reach. recorded are is being site ACWA A stabilised been observed. along this reach. monitored 2 2 14 No. Survey Go Fair Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 12km approx. Rural Rural

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Large alluvial floodplain areas are found here and found here are floodplain areas alluvial Large dryland and irrigated used for extensively are purposes. as grazing as well (Lucerne) cropping The section includes the Murrumbidgee River from from River The section includes the Murrumbidgee to the Bredbo confluence River the Numeralla riparian native Very limited confluence. River ACWA remains. This is a priority vegetation present. sites ACWA with two catchment Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Numeralla River confluence to Bredbo River confluence River to Bredbo confluence River Numeralla Murrumbidgee River CMM5 River Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River CMM6 Bredbo River confluence to Michelago Creek confluence

The middle section (Bumbalong Valley) contains 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) more open, cleared country. This reach is the 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) upper section of the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Excellent 24 pH Excellent Reach Condition Turbidity Excellent This reach receives inflows from the Bredbo and Phosphorus Excellent Numeralla Rivers increasing discharge, but also Nitrate Excellent influencing water quality. One example is a very Electrical Conductivity Poor high spike in turbidity (greater than 1,000NTU) due to a severe Summer storm in December, 2016. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent As a result, high turbidity was reported right down Water bug Excellent 4 to the ACT, with Waterwatch volunteers recording Riparian condition Poor 1 a turbidity of 200NTU at Angle Crossing days after the event. Reach Facts Reach condition is being improved as part of the Reach network length: approx. 35km UMDR Rivers of Carbon Upper Bidgee project Dominant land uses: Rural and conservation via woody weed control and riparian plantings including at Bush Heritage Australia’s Scottsdale This reach takes in the upper Murrumbidgee River Reserve. Water quality, water bugs and riparian from the Bredbo River confluence to Michelago condition are monitored at this site and should Creek. This reach flows through the Bredbo and show future improvement as the result of the Colinton Gorges which form the upper and lower works. sections of the reach, and contains good quality riparian and aquatic habitat. Platypus surveys at Scottsdale recorded five Platypus and one Water rat in August, 2016 as part of Platypus Month. Carp were recorded this year including a spawning event.

Riparian restoration plantings on the Murrumbidgee River at Scottsdale Reserve.

26 COOMA CATCHMENT 27 Numeralla River at Mt Forest Rd crossing. Mt Forest at River Numeralla Reach Condition Reach a rise in showed during Summer flows Low Summer also produced conductivity. electrical in lower resulting temperatures, water increased also turbidity Interestingly levels. oxygen dissolved have could which this time at slightly increased up the of Carp stirring high numbers been due to events can be high during run-off Turbidity bottom. or cultivated gully erosion indicating in this reach This in this catchment. present are paddocks during this Summer been the case have not would average. below being well with rainFall however, vegetated of well the importance This highlights gullies and tributary along the river riparian zones filtering to provide vegetation as in-stream as well the despite that show Riparian surveys effects. is vegetation in-stream vegetation, lack of canopy stock where River along the Numeralla establishing along the stream. access is controlled stabilising sites works ACWA two are There end of this the bottom at erosion streambank be nue to conti these sites shows Monitoring reach. is establishing. and revegetation stable in this reach. been sighted have Platypus . 2 2 15 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 38km approx. Rural and conservation Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) B CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the Numeralla River upstream upstream River Numeralla includes the This reach adjoining Land use confluence. River of the Kybeyan and dryland cropping includes use for the reach sections. lower mid to in the agriculture grazing native retain reaches upper of the Sections Reserve. Nature Dangelong including the vegetation where catchment is a high priority ACWA This reach high. as very assessed risk was erosion Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Kybeyan River confluence River Kybeyan to Headwaters Numeralla River NUM1 River Numeralla Numeralla River NUM2 Kybeyan River confluence to Badja River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition Water quality has improved overall this year in 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) this reach, although turbidity can be high at times Parameter Rating No. Survey during run-off events indicating gully erosion or run-off from cultivated paddocks. Water quality Excellent 18 pH Excellent This reach is fenced from stock which is resulting Turbidity Excellent in the establishment of reeds and Teatree in- Phosphorus Excellent stream, providing additional stabilising, shading Nitrate Excellent and filtering effects which helps to protect water Electrical Conductivity Fair quality and create habitat for aquatic fauna such Dissolved Oxygen Degraded as bugs and frogs. Riparian revegetation activities by the Numeralla Landcare group include planting Water bug Fair 3 native canopy trees which are lacking along this Riparian condition Fair 2 reach. These works are being complimented by the Numeralla Fishing Club who are restoring snags in- stream for fish habitat, revegetating banks at snag Reach Facts sites and stocking the River with native fish. Reach network length: approx. 40km Dominant land uses: Rural and conservation A Carp spawning event was recorded in October 2016, as part of the ‘Carp Love 20°C’ campaign This reach includes the Numeralla River and large numbers of Carp were caught during the downstream of the Kybeyan River confluence to Numeralla Fishing Club Carp Out in January. the Badja River confluence. The Numeralla River in this reach is flanked by wide floodplains used for Volunteer Mark Shurbert noted a juvenile Platypus agriculture, including dryland cropping and grazing. while monitoring in late January – around the time This reach is a high priority ACWA catchment Platypus are known to leave their burrow for the where erosion risk was assessed as very high. first time.

Volunteer Mark Shubert monitors the Numeralla River at ‘Deepwater’.

28 COOMA CATCHMENT 29 Numeralla River upstream of Rose Valley crossing. Valley of Rose upstream River Numeralla Reach Condition Reach in due in NUM2 than that quality is poorer Water of the surrounding practices agricultural the part to reach. end of this lower at the especially floodplains, reach than in this is lower conductivity Electrical immediate to due and this is possibly upstream excellent which has the Badja River, from inflows high during run- be can Turbidity quality. water from run-off erosion or gully indicating events, off paddocks. cultivated bug types, sensitive recorded bug surveys Water than the numbers in lesser although these were which fly larvae, true bugs such as the tolerant and (sludge) the sample. Mucilage dominated rocks covering observed be could fringes algal water affect can This vegetation. and underwater clogging gaps the example, for by, bug habitat where river of the along the bottom rocks in the overall reducing their thus bug live the sensitive numbers. every observed been have events Carp spawning gambusia and Eastern area Valley Rose in the year in Summer. numbers in large seen are 3 2 25 No. Survey Fair Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 14km approx. Rural and rural residential and rural Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Electrical Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) B CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach runs from below the Badja River below runs from This reach with Coomaconfluence to the down confluence floodplain areas by is characterised The reach Creek. and including dryland cropping agriculture used for catchment is a high priority ACWA This reach grazing. high. be very to assessed risk was erosion where have River Numeralla the into feeding Tributaries vegetation. native good retained Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Badja River confluence to Cooma Creek confluence Creek to Cooma confluence River Badja Numeralla River NUM3 River Numeralla Numeralla River NUM4 Cooma Creek confluence to Murrumbidgee River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition Water quality is lower than the upstream reaches 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) due to the cumulative influences from the Parameter Rating No. Survey catchment as well as cropping and grazing landuse along this reach. Turbidity can be high during high Water quality Good 15 run-off events indicating gully erosion present in pH Excellent catchment or from cultivated paddocks. Stream Turbidity Excellent bank erosion is also found. Phosphorus Good Nitrate Excellent Water bug surveys mirror the water quality Electrical Conductivity Poor results, with surveys dominated by the more Dissolved Oxygen Fair pollution-tolerant types such as fly larvae and lesser numbers of very sensitive types present Water bug Good 2 such as stoneflies and caddisflies. These results Riparian condition Poor 2 are influenced by riparian condition of this reach which is poor, lacking in native species, with limited canopy and understorey present. In areas were Reach Facts stock have uncontrolled access to the stream this Reach network length: approx. 17km is seen to be exacerbated. In-stream reed beds are Dominant land uses: Rural establishing which provides water bug habitat and filtering effects on the water quality. This reach includes the lower section of the Numeralla River from Cooma Creek to its confluence Large numbers of Carp are reported, including with the Murrumbidgee River. The catchment ‘spawning runs’ up the Numeralla River past includes wide floodplain areas on both sides of Chakola. the Numeralla River which are used for agriculture including grazing, dryland and irrigated cropping. Riparian zones are highly modified and sediment deposition is widespread in the river.

Numeralla River above the confluence with the Murrumbidgee River

30 COOMA CATCHMENT 31 Rock Flat Creek upstream of Cottage Hill Road. Hill of Cottage upstream Creek Flat Rock This reach is an ACWA catchment with moderate with moderate catchment is an ACWA This reach site a high priority ACWA risk and includes erosion Hill crossing. of the Cottage downstream just Reach Condition Reach however is usually clear, in this stream The water and Fall in seen often is growth algal abundant in the available are nutrients Spring indicating high due, is naturally conductivity Electrical water. While of the catchment. the geology in part, to some higher were there ‘excellent’, turbidity scored by gully caused partially These are recorded. scores on the floodplain and paddocks cultivated erosion, the Creek. access to stock the overall, excellent quality was Although water small number of sensitive found bug surveys water bug types tolerant of bug types and high numbers worms, snails and segmented such as fly larvae, consistent are These results boatmen. water which zones of riparian with the poor condition and groundcover dense vegetation, lack native is there especially where vegetation in-stream reduce access. These factors stock uncontrolled the bugs and compromises the water for habitat zones. capacity of the riparian filtering this throughout reported are High Carp numbers stream. Trout once a renowned which was reach 1 2 13 No. Survey Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Excellent approx. 42km approx. Rural

Turbidity pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the entire Rock Flat Creek Creek Rock Flat entire includes the This reach with its confluence to down headwaters the from through flows The catchment the Cooma Creek. which is basalt country, open predominantly Wide agriculture. and cropping grazing for used have reach end of the bottom at the floodplains and hence cropping for prized historically been catchment. in this highly modified are riparian zones Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Cottage Hill Road crossing Road Hill Cottage to Headwaters Rock Flat Creek ROC1 Creek Flat Rock Strike-A-Light River STR1 Headwaters to Bredbo River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition Water quality results show electrical conductivity, 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) pH and turbidity are better at upstream sites in this Parameter Rating No. Survey reach. This is consistent with landuse and vegetation of the catchment which varies from light grazing Water quality Excellent 17 and intact native vegetation upstream, whereas the pH Excellent lower areas have been historically cleared. Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent Water bug surveys at the downstream end of the Nitrate Good reach found both sensitive and tolerant types, with Electrical Conductivity Good numbers of segmented worms especially high. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent Segmented worms process high levels of organic matter, present at the site due to a dense stand of Water bug Good 4 Poplars upstream. High loads of organic matter in Riparian condition Poor 2 streams can reduce dissolved oxygen levels as it degrades and this affects ability of sensitive species to survive. Reach Facts Reach network length: approx. 38km Carp are reported only at the bottom end of the Dominant land uses: Rural reach, possibly confined by a waterFall below STR200. Water rats and the native fish - Mountain This reach includes the entire Strike-A-Light galaxias - have been reported in the upstream River catchment from its headwaters down to its sections of the Strike-A-Light River. confluence. The catchment includes cleared open country, utilised predominantly for grazing agriculture at the top and bottom ends of the reach. In these areas riparian vegetation has been modified. The middle of the reach is largely native vegetation with intact riparian areas and good in-stream habitat.

Volunteers Alan and Marj Jones monitoring at ‘Talooge’ - home to STR500

32 COOMA CATCHMENT 33 Ginninderra Catchment Facts

Over 42% of ACT residents live in Ginninderra Creek catchment making it the most urbanised in the ACT. It carries substantial urban water runoff from both established and newly developing suburbs directly into the Murrumbidgee River. Ginninderra Creek itself begins in the upper reaches of Gungahlin within the Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and enters the Murrumbidgee after passing through the catchment’s most significant and best preserved remnant ecosystem; the Ginninderra Gorge including the spectacular upper and lower falls. Gooromon Ponds Creek joins Ginninderra Creek near Dunlop and captures run off from much of the NSW land around Wallaroo and also includes Hall Creek. Steady development in Canberra’s north has impacted significantly over the past 30 years with sediment from development sites and weeds the two most significant issues. The riparian zone for most of the creek is dominated by exotic grasses with a mix of native and exotic mid-storey and canopy. Some notable exceptions are areas where Landcare groups have been working for many years such as Evatt, Umbagong District Park, Macgregor and Dunlop. Ginninderra Waterwatch Volunteers have been monitoring this catchment since 1997.

34 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 3535 It is important to point out that in most of the sites electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen scored scored oxygen and dissolved conductivity electrical of the sites in most out that point to It is important parameters. two on these influence hot and dry and the very had a great summer ‘poor’ and ‘degraded’, bank at along the river erosion such as extreme in the catchment, been observed have Some concerns Environment to the reported was in 2016, and a fish die off in GIN4, which the Spring floods GIN5 following Authority (EPA). Protection The majority of reaches scored ‘fair’ this year, with eight reaches remaining the same, one reach has one reach the same, remaining reaches with eight ‘fair’ scored this year, The majority of reaches is improvement The general improved. ‘fair’ slightly ‘poor’ declined from to scores reaches (GIN5), and four deficient was data GUN1 system. to the flush a good providing and Spring Winter a wet in part, due to likely, and riparian based only on bug survey ‘fair’ was score its overall consequently quality this year, water for declined as has probably GIN5 score was present. quality water if higher scored could have which condition, (GIN050) is River with Murrumbidgee confluence the reach above of the section intact in the most the site and but also GIN1 this year, ‘good’ Dam (MFL1) scored Flat Mulligans Not only monitored. being no longer on score overall to an improved contributed have bugs water condition and results on riparian GDC1. Better GIN1 and GDC1. This year we are reaching a landmark in Ginninderra Waterwatch, as volunteers have been monitoring their been monitoring have as volunteers Waterwatch, in Ginninderra a landmark reaching are we This year putting been have volunteers effort thank the great to like would We (1997-2017). 20 years for catchment ACT. in the projects science citizen the longest-running this is one of that and highlight the project into Ginninderra Catchment Health Summary Catchment Ginninderra Ginninderra Creek GIN1 Crace to Giralang Pond

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition As with last year, higher electrical conductivity 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) readings and low dissolved oxygen observations Parameter Rating No. Survey drove down the water quality score. The catchment has been urbanised for many decades, which results Water quality Good 20 in high runoff from the many impermeable surfaces pH Excellent which warms the water and carries lots of urban Turbidity Excellent pollutants with it. Dissolved oxygen readings varied Phosphorus Excellent (35 – 101% saturation) with a significant reduction Nitrate Good over the summer months, due to a combination of Electrical Conductivity Poor high water temperatures, poor shading and low water Dissolved Oxygen Degraded levels. Water bug Fair 2 Low canopy cover is present throughout this reach, Riparian condition Fair 3 although there are some significant patches of native grasses and groundcover, plenty of in-stream reeds and some evidence of good habitat in the Reach Facts form of fallen logs, which is unusual for such a highly Reach network length: approx. 5km populated and urbanised catchment. Dominant land uses: Urban Feral fish are frequently sighted throughout this Starting at the outflow of Gungahlin Pond this reach. When the dissolved oxygen levels got low in reach includes the stormwater inflow from Nicholls January, a local resident at Giralang Pond observed and Crace. The middle of the reach receives runoff introduced Weatherloach coming to the surface to from the CSIRO field test facility. The downstream draw oxygen from the air. section flows through the Old Palmerville township historic site 12 and Landcare Forest. The end point for this reach is Giralang Pond which is the only small stream pond present on Ginninderra Creek.

24 bags of rubbish (mostly plastic bottles) were taken out of Giralang Pond on Clean Up Australia Day in March 2016. Giralang Pond in flood - September 2016.

36 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 3737 Lake Ginninderra at GIN010. at Ginninderra Lake Reach Condition Reach of the reflective are quality observations Water in electrical with no improvements year, previous readings. oxygen and dissolved conductivity observed is often conductivity Higher electrical throughout and dissipating wetland, in the new it is functioning indicating downstream, the lake nutrients of controlling as a method appropriately and sediments. remains ‘poor’, condition The riparian vegetation recreational grassy by is characterised as the reach is little As such there parks. and cultivated areas little and very as habitat, serve debris to natural cover. and ground understorey native in the tolerant mostly fell bugs observed The water of bugs numbers although overall categories, during the Autumn increased markedly were of shrimp, high populations sampling. In particular, present. were boatmen and water backswimmers sighted frequently are and kayakers Rubbish, ducks Ginninderra. on Lake volunteers by 3 2 25 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 9km approx. Urban

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Starting below Giralang Pond and finishing at thePond and finishing Giralang below Starting the covers this reach Dam wall, Ginninderra Lake is The main inflow of Belconnen. main city centre which the north-east, from Creek Ginninderra from suburb of Lawson. development new includes the Lake southern end of the at the is inflow The other the into flows that urban stormwater and is mostly wetland. Way Valley Eastern redeveloped recently Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Lake Ginninderra Lake Ginninderra Creek GIN2 Creek Ginninderra Ginninderra Creek GIN3 Dam wall to Ginninderra Drive

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition There were 37 water samples taken in this reach 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) from three locations owing to the great effort from Parameter Rating No. Survey our volunteers. Although the overall ‘good’ water quality, dissolved oxygen saturation has shown very Water quality Good 37 low levels, especially during January (39%), February pH Excellent (12%) and March 2017 (21%). It was a hot and dry Turbidity Excellent Summer, with little to no flow in this reach with Total Phosphorus Excellent yabby holes along the bank becoming exposed. Nitrate Good Electrical Conductivity Poor Besides the great effort of Ginninderra Catchment Dissolved Oxygen Degraded Group and ACT Government tree unit to replace poplars with native species in this reach, the Water bug Fair 2 overall riparian condition was still remains ‘poor’. Riparian condition Poor 3 It should still take a few years for the benefit of this management strategy to be reflected in the riparian Reach Facts condition scores. Reach network length: approx. 4km Interestingly, volunteers have spotted a water Dominant land uses: Urban dragon, black cockatoos and ducks, and calls from Starting below the Lake Ginninderra spillway this the Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii. reach sits entirely within established suburbs with high urban stormwater inflow. This reach has good People fishing on Ginninderra Creek downstream of reed cover and wide, well grassed buffer zones in Lake Ginninderra. (Photo: Luke Wensing) most areas. During rain events the water in this section runs very clear and turbidity is only seen when overflow from Lake Ginninderra occurs. Two new wetlands are to be built in this reach through the ACT Government Healthy Waterways (Basin Project).

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Algal bloom in Ginninderra Creek (GIN009) on November 2016. (Photo: Luke Wensing)

38 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 3939 ) David Fitzsimmons David Ginninderra Creek at GIN011. (Photo: GIN011. (Photo: at Creek Ginninderra Reach Condition Reach and occasions in several noted Rubbish has been clean to helped relentlessly have our volunteers was A fish die off Creek. this section of Ginninderra Authority Protection the Environment to reported in January 2017. the volunteer by (EPA) only ‘fair’ were bugs scores Although water of suburban impacts the many reflect which can nymphs mayfly pollution-sensitive waterways, in small found, albeit were larvae and caddisfly numbers. understory native has good Park District Umbagong by Landcare work done and the restoration cover of The rest values. habitat improved have groups mainly however this reach, in the riparian zone plants. of exotic consist including of fauna, an array recorded Volunteers Buff- Warblers, Reed Kookaburras, King Parrots, Finches and Rumped Thornbills, Red-Browned tadpoles. Pobblebonk 3 2 38 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 6km approx. Urban

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Oxygen Dissolved Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+(Fair) CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach starts downstream of Ginninderra Drive Drive of Ginninderra downstream starts This reach Park, District the Umbagong through and flows Pond with Gooromon the confluence ending at good with vegetated is well This reach Creek. buffers zone and wide grassland riparian native restoration creek sections. Previous in many and Group Catchment the Ginninderra by projects have Groups Landcare and Macgregor Umbagong quality. water and riparian condition improved Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Ginninderra Creek at Umbagong District Park Park District Umbagong at Creek Ginninderra Ginninderra Creek GIN4 Creek Ginninderra Ginninderra Creek GIN5 Gooromon Ponds Creek confluence to Murrumbidgee River confluence

Greening Australia and the Riverview group 2016/17 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) have undertaken a Willow removal and native 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) regeneration project in the mid-section. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Good 18 Reach Condition pH Excellent The inflow from Gooromon Creek contributes to Turbidity Fair the elevated readings of electrical conductivity in Phosphorus Excellent this reach (270 - 600 µS/cm). Kilby Homestead, a Nitrate Good rural site on Ginninderra Creek downstream of the Electrical Conductivity Poor Belconnen suburbs, was observed to be little more than an isolated pool during the warmer months. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent Water bug Degraded 3 Extreme erosion has been recorded following the Spring floods in late 2016. Approximately 5 metres Riparian condition Degraded 3 of erosion was observed following these rains by the volunteer at the site. This reflects the unstable Reach Facts riverbanks with limited canopy and understorey Reach network length: approx. 10km present as well as the historical impacts of cattle. ACT Government is planning on addressing the Dominant land uses: Urban/Rural Fringe severe erosion through a series of restoration works. This reach runs from the confluence with Gooromon Ponds Creek to the confluence with the Murrum- The lack of in-stream vegetation and removal bidgee River. The upper section has significant bank of a site down at the Ginninderra Creek and erosion and the lower section contains the high Murrumbidgee River confluence contributed to the conservation value area of the Ginninderra Falls and ‘poor’ CHIP score. Gorge. Ginninderra Catchment Group, Many adult Carp were observed in large numbers at GIN030 during October and November.

Below confluence of Ginninderra and Gooroomon creeks . (Photo: David Fitzsimmons)

40 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 4141 Gooroomon Creek at Jaramlee Crossing (GOO009) Crossing Jaramlee at Creek Gooroomon rains heavy and after during a dry period in 2017 (top) Fitzsimmons) David in 2016 (Photos: Reach Condition Reach shown historically has conductivity Electrical likely and is most in this reach results elevated region and geology of the by the influenced with the exception record Every land use. historical (>404µS/ category degraded the into fell of one, 2017. in May as 1000µS/cm as high cm) with levels after observed has been creek Rubbish along the andgreen are drier, conditions and when floods, recorded. frequently are algae brown shrimp (that for greatest was bug abundance Water electrical with high waters well in do particularly worms, and fly larvae. segmented conductivity), found were bugs pollution-sensitive some said, That nymphs and small type in Autumn including mayfly ‘micro-caddis’. commonly as known of caddisfly farmland impacted a typically represents This reach the riparian and not surprisingly this lowered region cover canopy The lack of native scores. condition canopy and native litter no leaf and consequently causecan and stability soil reduce regeneration erosion. 2 1 14 No. Survey Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded Degraded approx. 17km approx. Rural Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Oxygen Dissolved Electrical Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) C- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Flowing through the rural land surrounding Hall land surrounding the rural through Flowing is a Creek Ponds the Gooromon and Wallaroo, pools. with intermittent creek ephemeral mostly erosion sections of moderate contains This Creek value. habitat with low areas and extensive Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach land uses: Dominant

Headwaters to confluence with Ginninderra Creek with Ginninderra confluence to Headwaters Gooromon Ponds Creek GOO1 Creek Ponds Gooromon Gungaderra Creek GDC1 Gungahlin to Giralang Pond

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition A period of high rainfall during the Spring of 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) 2016 resulted in a 200 NTU turbidity result below Parameter Rating Survey the gross pollutant trap at Giralang Pond. High turbidity was also noted during late Winter and Water quality Good 11 traced back to construction works in Franklin. pH Excellent This was reported to the EPA. This reach then Turbidity Fair endured a long, hot summer where dissolved Phosphorus Excellent oxygen levels dropped to 11% saturation in Nitrate Excellent January 2017. Finally in June electric conductivity Electrical Conductivity Poor readings reached their highest (500 µS/cm) as Dissolved Oxygen Degraded this particularly dry month resulted in a higher Water bug Fair 3 concentration of salts and minerals in the water. Riparian condition Fair 3 An improvement in the riparian vegetation assessment score can be attributed to a small increase in native understorey and groundcover Reach Facts in the upper sites – Gungaderra Creek Pond and Reach network length: approx. 10km Mother Theresa Primary School Dam. Dominant land uses: Urban A marked enhancement is evident in the water This reach starts in the southern suburbs of bug score this year, which was influenced in part Gungahlin, flows through the Gungaderra by an increase in data collection across this reach. Grassland Reserve and into Ginninderra Creek at The good flushes of rain throughout Spring and Giralang Pond just upstream of Lake Ginninderra. Autumn would also have helped. The reach also includes a stormwater channel from the University of Canberra and Canberra Stadium A water rat was sighted by the volunteer at the and has moderate urban stormwater inflow. Giralang Pond. The first time they have been noted there in many years.

Turbid water from Gungaderra Creek meets the stormwater channel from Bruce.

42 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 4343 Stormwater Drain (STW006) near Gungahlin Pond. near Gungahlin (STW006) Drain Stormwater Reach Condition Reach levels ‘degraded’ has shown conductivity Electrical during the past on six occasions (>404µS/cm) saturation oxygen January In 2017, dissolved year. be a consequence (54%), which could low was temperatures. water of a dry spell and elevated recorded been have and stoneworts fringes Algal the to note positive and it’s year, the throughout species, such as bird and several calls of frog record hens. ibis and swamp swans, ducks, reflects reach in this The riparian condition and native trees of native presence the limited are that These highly urbanised areas understory. the makes edge, the water’s to mowed regularly difficult. plants of native regeneration bugs have water a highly urbanised reach, Despite of of species, although the bulk a range shown bugs such as true pollution-tolerant samples were well in do particularly bugs and shrimp – the latter conductivity. with high electrical waters 2 3 12 No. Survey Fair Fair Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded approx. 6km approx. Urban/Rural Fringe Urban/Rural

pH Turbidity Nitrate Oxygen Dissolved Phosphorus Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The north arm of Ginninderra Creek originates in originates Creek The north arm of Ginninderra the northern suburbs lands surrounding the rural arm in Gungahlin and joins the east of Gungahlin ephemeral The upper section is mostly Pond. into dams and flowing stock by fragmented creeks The reach pond of Gungahlin. control the sediment from stormwater of urban a high inflow receives suburbs. developing and new suburbs surrounding Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters of Ginninderra Creek north arm to Gungahlin Ponds Gungahlin to north arm Creek of Ginninderra Headwaters Gungahlin Pond GUN2 Pond Gungahlin Kippax Creek KIP1 Headwaters to Ginninderra Creek confluence

The lower section sits within an important native 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) grassland at the Umbagong District Park. Significant 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) erosion is evident towards the confluence. Parameter Rating No. Survey Reach Condition Water quality Fair 12 Water quality has deteriorated in this reach. pH Excellent Phosphorus received two readings considered Turbidity Good to be very high (0.2 and 0.125 mg/L) and were Phosphorus Poor reported to the Environment Protection Authority Nitrate Degraded (EPA). In addition, nitrate scores (as high as 20mg/l Electrical Conductivity Degraded in June) are believed to have been influenced by Dissolved Oxygen Degraded runoff from a building site near Southern Cross Water bug Poor 2 Drive. Riparian condition Fair 1 Despite the decline in water quality, water bugs scores improved slightly. There was an increased sampling effort this year and the Autumn sample Reach Facts produced a much greater diversity of bugs ranging Reach network length: approx. 2km from the sensitive mayfly nymphs through to Dominant land uses: Urban tolerant bugs such as fly larva and nematodes. Tadpoles were caught during the Spring bug survey Kippax Creek is now mostly a system of stormwater and Pobblebonks were noted by the volunteer as drains and drainage lines. The remaining “natural” calling in November. creek section is only a 400m stretch from the last gross pollutant trap to the confluence Riparian condition has improved due to the with Ginninderra Creek. This reach does offer increase in regeneration of native canopy species a great opportunity to study the impacts of a and the presence of reeds along this reach. A lot of catchment that is heavily urbanised with limited rubbish was recorded in the creek. water quality improvement infrastructure.

Kippax Creek.

44 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 4545 McKellar Wetlands. McKellar Reach Condition Reach in dissolved improvement a significant was There year. this readings conductivity and electrical oxygen in Autumn and so only recruited was The volunteer season do not represent quality results water the next tell to story a different be may There variation. of data. worth with a year’s year reach show in this a wetlands the two Interestingly, indicate to seems that quality values in water range closest one for the as a filter is acting wetland top the caseThis is particularly the Creek. Ginninderra to results which produced conductivity electrical for of theeighth as little as one wetlands in the lower upstream. measurements low by the has been influenced Riparian condition although cover, and understory of canopy levels The good. considered are results cover ground areas of urbanized typical are in this reach wetlands number and low grasses with manicured in Canberra, of trees. bugs score, in water the is an improvement There though not in of bugs found diversity with a good mostly were The bugs found overall. numbers large and as fly larvae such types pollution-tolerant of the snails. a high has recorded Dudley Alex The volunteer reach. in this waterbirds number of fish and 2 2 6 No. Survey Fair Fair Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 500m approx. Urban

Turbidity Phosphorus pH Nitrate Oxygen Dissolved Electrical Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The two McKellar wetlands are designed primarily designed are wetlands McKellar two The users. with humans as secondary habitat, frog for in both growth reed significant in the This is evident linking the channel and the connecting wetlands, facilitate to vegetated which is heavily wetlands, two in an established As it is situated movement. frog human activity from inputs are nutrient suburb, deciduous trees. from and leaves such as gardening Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Designed habitat wetland system, McKellar system, wetland habitat Designed McKellar Wetlands MCW1 Wetlands McKellar Mulligan’s Flat Dam MFL1 Headwaters of Ginninderra Creek to Mulligan’s Flat Dam

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition Mulligans Flat continues to score well on CHIP 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) this year, which probably reflects the protected Parameter Rating No. Survey native habitat within the Nature Reserve and low influence of urbanisation. Interesting to note that Water quality Excellent 19 this is one of only two reaches in the Ginninderra pH Excellent catchment where electrical conductivity rated Turbidity Fair higher than ‘poor’ or ‘degraded’. Phosphorus Good Nitrate Excellent Water bugs were only surveyed in Autumn and Electrical Conductivity Good while the diversity of water bugs species was not Dissolved Oxygen Excellent high, it did contain pollution-sensitive water bugs such as mayflies, caddisflies and water mites. Water bug Fair 1 Riparian vegetation showed a reduction in scores Riparian condition Fair 1 from ‘good’ to ‘fair’, from the last survey to this year, which was influenced by lower native Reach Facts understory regeneration and native canopy cover Reach network length: approx. 2km results. Mulligans Flat’s main habitat is grasslands Dominant land uses: Conservation and there are high levels of native ground cover vegetation which promote soil stability and provide Mulligan’s Flat Dam was originally an old farm habitat for small vertebrates. It is important to dam, now repurposed as an ecological habitat for note that it takes many years to establish trends aquatic life, bird life and native fauna and flora. The and the variation in the riparian scores will even Mulligan’s Flat Nature Reserve was established in out over time. 1995 to protect the box-gum grassy woodlands and fauna situated in the Gungahlin area. The Dam is The reserve provides good habitat for aquatic normally filled with rainwater that is grass-filtered, animals, as noted by the volunteer Gregg Berry by and is a popular spot for bird watchers. The site the records of several frog species calling. play hosts to a number of conservation projects.

Large dam at Mulligan’s Flat.

46 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 4747 Murrumbidgee River (CMM11) just beyond the ACT the ACT beyond (CMM11) just River Murrumbidgee border. Reach Condition Reach during this reach for collected no data was There access issues. due to year the 2016/17 CHIP with landholders working is currently Waterwatch CHIP period. for the next sites active reinstate to 0 0 0 No. Survey Rating No Data No Data No Data approx. 7.1km approx. Conservation, rural Conservation,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result DD (Data Deficient) (Data DD CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Starting below the confluence of the Molonglo confluence the below Starting land and rural includes mostly this reach River the confluence to Reserve River Murrumbidgee also includes The reach Creek. with Ginninderra and the upper country gorge some sections of from the the outflow receives reach section of the Centre. Quality Control Molonglo Water Lower Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Molonglo River confluence to Ginninderra Creek confluence Creek to Ginninderra confluence River Molonglo Murrumbidgee River CMM11 River Murrumbidgee The Valley Ponds GUN1 Wetland to Gungahlin Town Centre

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition The data density threshold for water quality was 2015/16 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) not reached this year, consequently the CHIP Parameter Rating No. Survey result for this reach was based on water bugs and riparian condition only. However, the water Water quality Data Deficient 4 quality data that was recorded showed some pH elevated electrical conductivity readings (670 and Turbidity 560 µS/cm) and algal fringe was a common finding Phosphorus at the Valley Ponds Dam site. Nitrate Electrical Conductivity Water bugs were characteristic of suburban Dissolved Oxygen wetlands, with the majority of species being pollution-tolerant types. These included large Water bug Fair 2 numbers of beetle larvae (150+) and dragonfly Riparian condition Fair 2 nymph (100+) that live in slower flowing waters in vegetation along the edge of wetlands. Reach Facts There were low levels of native canopy cover and Reach network length: approx. 2km regeneration in this urban reach, although reeds Dominant land uses: Urban were a common feature in the ponds. Originally an old farm dam and artificial seepage Volunteers have observed Swamp Hens, black grassland, this site was a unique habitat for this swans and cygnets and a turtle carcass has been catchment. The site has since been redeveloped noted. into urban wetland for the Gungahlin town centre and parts of Palmerston. It is now a high quality education and recreation wetland.

The Valley Ponds.

48 MOLONGLOGINNINDERRA CATCHMENT CATCHMENT 4949 Yerrabi Pond at YER001. at Pond Yerrabi The reach receives a moderate inflow of urban of urban inflow a moderate receives The reach suburbs. surrounding from stormwater Reach Condition Reach for the significantly has increased The CHIP score data quality was as water report 2016 – 2017 CHIP contribute report and did not for the last deficient bugs and water assessments Riparian the score. to less are as they down scores overall drag to tend quality. than water transient Pond, along Yerrabi at observed Rubbish is often also noted have Volunteers odour. with a distinct such as weed species of aquatic the presence weed. and alligator ribbon weed was largely score overall Riparian vegetation Pond, which Yerrabi of by the outflow influenced main a to channel connected a concrete onto backs riparian did contain that The other areas road. exotic species, by mainly defined were vegetation section. cover especially in the ground last to in comparison improved bug scores Water by dominated still are although the results year, and bug types such as fly larvae tolerant pollution with so many (100+ in Autumn). Like flatworms bugs water sites, Waterwatch of the Ginninderra a by be improved would and diversity numbers zone. riparian native intact, more 2 1 8 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Poor Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent 10km approx. Urban/Rural Fringe Urban/Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Oxygen Dissolved Electrical Conductivity Electrical Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result D- (Poor) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The east arm of Ginninderra Creek originates in originates Creek arm of Ginninderra The east the northern suburbs lands surrounding the rural lands, rural It includes the former of Gungahlin. Flat of Mulligans reserve, woodland significant now ephemeral The upper section is mostly Sanctuary. into dams and flows stock by fragmented creeks pond of Yerrabi. control the sediment Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters of Ginninderra Creek to Yerrabi Dam Wall Dam Yerrabi to Creek of Ginninderra Headwaters Yerrabi Pond YER1 Pond Yerrabi Molonglo Catchment Facts

The Molonglo catchment extends from the Murrumbidgee River, just downstream of Uriarra Crossing, to the headwaters of Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers and Jerrabomberra Creek, an area of about 2,000 km2 This diverse catchment includes the urban areas of Queanbeyan and inner Canberra, villages such as Captains Flat and rural residential areas and farmland including Burra, Royalla and Carwoola. Non-residential areas include native and pine forests, wetlands, national parks and the foreshores of Googong Dam, which supplies some of Canberra’s and Queanbeyan’s water. Lake Burley Griffin is on the Molonglo River and collects stormwater and runoff from Queanbeyan, much of north Canberra and Fyshwick industrial area, as well as treated output from the Queanbeyan sewerage treatment plant. Lake Burley Griffin water quality is monitored by the National Capital Authority and can be found at http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/WaterQuality/index.php/en/. The Molonglo catchment has a large population with urban waterways flowing in concrete channels. This is a key issue in urban catchments where there is little riparian vegetation and habitat to slow down flows and capture and absorb nutrients and sediments. Of the six priority sub-catchments in the ACT Healthy Waterways (Basin Project), four are in the Molonglo catchment. These sub-catchments will be the focus of treatment works such as wetlands and water- sensitive urban design aimed at improving water quality. Though water quality across the Molonglo catchment is generally good, upper Sullivan’s Creek and Weston Creek have some of the lowest quality. When taking all our catchment health indicators into account (water quality, water bugs and riparian condition), it is the highly urban catchments and rural creeks with largely cleared vegetation that are in the poorest condition.

50 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 51 control of sediment is of sediment control possible if managed correctly. Waterwatch a play volunteers in keeping role vital on waterways an eye and reporting quality unusual water the to readings authorities. relevant our eyes are They (or on the ground in this on the water, Some unusual case). in readings nitrate and high Queanbeyan turbidity in Watson and downstream of the Googong on the development River Queanbeyan by all reported were in the our volunteers year. past thank the We and Landcare many for groups Parkcare work to continuing our improve to hard in the waterways Molonglo catchment. also anticipate We impacts the positive Healthy the ACT from projects, Waterways which will begin four in construction in this areas key in the catchment year. coming Molonglo Catchment Health Summary Health Catchment Molonglo Development sites continue to put stress on our waterways, both in the ACT and NSW, and governments governments and ACT NSW, and the both in waterways, on our stress to put continue sites Development impose fines when warnings and well as issue areas, as these high risk to monitor resources need sufficient know we when part of development, turbidity an inevitable not consider should We found. are breaches Despite increased flows for a large part of the year, dissolved oxygen rated as ‘degraded’ in more reaches in more ‘degraded’ as rated oxygen dissolved year, part of the large for a flows increased Despite hot dry Summer. extremely to the This is due in part affected. reaches with 16 this year, This improvement in water bugs resulted in more reaches having overall CHIP ratings of ‘good’, with half the with half the ‘good’, of ratings CHIP overall having reaches in more bugs resulted in water This improvement third only one to compared (13 reaches) or ‘excellent’ ‘good’ rated this year reaches Molonglo Catchment (9 reaches). year last With good flows in the catchment following record rainfall in Winter and Spring 2016, water bugs were were bugs water 2016, and Spring in Winter rainfall record following catchment in the flows With good reaches Eight in the surveys. present types dependent and flow sensitive more were and there diverse more year. last only three to compared or above, ‘good’ of ratings bug had water Banksia Street Wetland SUW2 Sullivans Creek in O’Connor

2016/17 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) Reach Condition Without a water quality score, the combined water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) bug and riparian condition scores made this the Parameter Rating No. Survey worst CHIP score in the Molonglo Catchment this year. However this does not reflect the healthy Water quality Data Deficient 2 waterplants and edge plants, the diverse habitat, pH and the surrounding native vegetation. The riparian Turbidity condition score only just missed being in the ‘good’ Phosphorus category. Nitrate Electrical Conductivity Water levels are often low in this wetland and, in Dissolved Oxygen common with SUW1 David St wetland, dense algal growth made sampling water bugs very difficult. Water bug Degraded 2 So it is likely that the water bug score is not Riparian condition Fair 1 representative of water quality or habitat health in this loved and well-visited wetland. Reach Facts The Autumn water bug survey found a Needle Bug Reach network length: approx. 0.2Ha - quite a sinister looking large water bug - and five Dominant land uses: Urban, recreation baby yabbies, amongst other types. There were also frogs calling and different types of dragonfly Banksia St is an artificial ‘off-line’ wetland constructed and damselfly adults were seen flying around in 2010 which includes an ephemeral section. Low although no larvae were found in the water bug flows are diverted from the westerly arm of Sullivans sampling. Creek concrete channel, pass through the wetland, then overflow back into the westerly channel when An Eastern long-necked turtle has also been water levels are sufficiently high. spotted in the wetland.

Volunteers Tania and son Callum at Banksia Street wetland.

52 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 53 Erosion on Burra Creek. on Burra Erosion Reach Condition Reach and flows to low subject is often Creek Burra by flow highly influenced be bugs can the water higher saw rainfall and Spring Winter conditions. good a Creek time giving the extended for an flows bugs water of sensitive range a flush and producing types of included four These bug surveys. in the as mayfly, and caddisfly both pollution-sensitive nymph! Both the Spring 45mm dragonfly a well and diversity a good produced and Autumn surveys of bugs overall. number in electrical improvement a slight was There and the ‘poor’, as rated it being despite conductivity as the flows higher to related were readings lower in the system. diluted are salts and minerals withCreek of the sections large still are There to access continue and stock problems, erosion With sodic soils (those places. in some the Creek is also potential there reach, high in sodium) in the Thus it is logging and salt outbreaks. water for and erosion projects revegetation that pleasing aim of with the continuing, are workshops control quality over and water health catchment improving time. 3 2 16 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded 30km approx. Native bush, grazing, rural bush, grazing, Native

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Burra Creek arises in the north-western edge edge in the north-western arises Creek Burra the into and flows of the Tinderry Mountains Dam. of Googong upstream just River Queanbeyan and half of the creek the top comprises This reach subdivisions and includes the rural through flows the Murrumbidgee of the pipeline from outlet scheme. Riparian transfer water Googong to by or dominated absent is largely vegetation beds. reed but has some extensive Willows, Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Burra Road Road Burra to Headwaters Burra Creek BUR1 Creek Burra David Street Wetland SUW1 Sullivans Creek catchment in O’Connor

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition This was the only inner urban wetland in the 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) Molonglo catchment to have ‘excellent’ water quality Parameter Rating No. Survey this year. The result may be influenced by the lack of dissolved oxygen data, which is likely to have reduced Water quality Excellent 20 the water quality score but it would still be the best pH Excellent result in the urban wetlands. Turbidity Good Phosphorus Good Water bugs were extremely difficult to sample with Nitrate Good the dense algal growth throughout the water and Electrical Conductivity Excellent around water plants, so the ‘degraded’ water bug Dissolved Oxygen No Data score probably doesn’t do justice to this wetland and its available habitat for water bugs. Algae are Water bug Degraded 2 an important part of a functioning ecosystem, and Riparian condition Fair 1 excessive algal growth is not always a bad thing, with different types of algae indicating different states of health. The volunteers often reported seeing a Reach Facts type of algae called “snotballs” (Nostoc is a genus of Reach network length: approx. 0.21Ha cyanobacteria) . Dominant land uses: Urban, recreation The water plants around this small wetland are David Street Wetland is the second ‘offline’ diverse, and there are big branches in the water wetland along the westerly branch of Sullivans providing more habitat for water bugs, but we were Creek which flows in a concrete stormwater not able to sample them adequately this time. channel. This wetland was constructed in 2001 and takes low flows which pass through the wetland There was one native Western carp gudgeon found then overflow back into the westerly concrete in the Autumn bug survey amongst the many feral channel just before it joins the main northern Eastern gambusia. branch.

Member of the Parks and Conservation team helping out at O’Connor Wetlands during Autumn Bug Blitz.

54 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 55

Dickson Wetland and volunteers Sharon and Ginny and Ginny Sharon and volunteers Wetland Dickson bugs (below). identifying Reach Condition Reach with Dickson wetland, is a well-loved Dickson clearing out and weeding regularly Carers Wetland dogs and walkers, with busy rubbish. It is often children. the high flows avoids wetland off-line This large near the quality scored Water rain. heavy from with nitrate category, end of the ‘good’ lower times. at concerning are that in the wetland levels is so algae low very generally are Phosphorus levels less of a problem. of habitat range has an excellent This wetland to beds, rushes and sedges, reed types from muddy logs to partly submerged with shallows to be establishing It appears bottoms. and rocky of diversity good supports a and regularly well pollution- several revealed surveys bugs. Bug water types and some unusual finds such as sensitive and small jellyfish. sponges freshwater 1 2 16 No. Survey Fair Fair Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded

Urban

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Dickson Wetland was constructed in 2011 and in constructed was Wetland Dickson slopes near Mt Majura. western is on the lower into channel is fed stormwater concrete A large but during high rainfall wetland, the constructed the from Water is bypassed. the wetland events channel and concrete the back into flows wetland of the upstream just Wetland Lyneham to through Creek. with Sullivans confluence Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach 1Ha area: approx. Reach

Sullivans Creek catchment Creek Sullivans Dickson Wetland DIC1 Wetland Dickson Googong Creek GGG1 Headwaters to Queanbeyan River confluence

This creates another dam on the creek before 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) reaching the Queanbeyan River upstream of 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) Wickerslack Lane. Googong Creek flows intermittently but now takes discharge from the Googong water Parameter Rating No. Survey recycling plant. Water quality Good 14 pH Excellent Reach Condition Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent Though too ephemeral to sample water bugs in, Nitrate Good Googong Creek has one of the best vegetation Electrical Conductivity Poor scores in the catchment. Despite serious issues with a range of weeds, it is surrounded by healthy native Dissolved Oxygen Fair bush and good in-stream habitat. Water bug No Data 0 Overall, the water quality just missed being in Riparian condition Good 2 the ‘excellent’ category. It was very similar to the previous year, with a small improvement in electrical Reach Facts conductivity, slightly worse dissolved oxygen, and Reach network length: approx. 1km nitrate showing occasional high spikes. These Dominant land uses: Native bush, grazing, urban, changes may be attributed to higher rainfall and the infrastructure, rural residential relative contribution that groundwater makes to the lower site on the reach. Googong Creek arises in the developing township of Googong, and runs into the Queanbeyan River Sue the Waterwatch volunteer saw signs of downstream from Googong Dam. It passes through disturbance from pigs around the creek, and a stormwater holding dam on the edge of Googong regularly saw Platypus feeding in the Queanbeyan township and crosses a pipeline access track. River near the confluence with Googong Creek.

Soil disturbance by pigs on Googong Creek. (Photo: Sue Gibson)

56 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 57 Jerrabomberra Creek looking downstream of JER065 looking downstream Creek Jerrabomberra - Spring 2016. Reach Condition Reach and Spring in 2016, Winter wet the Following bugs water in both the maintained were flows good and a diversity a high was There surveys. water bugs pollution-sensitive of representation caddisflies. and mayflies including stoneflies, score, bug water in the improvement an of Because CHIP score. overall had a better the reach ‘poor’remain to is likely (EC) conductivity Electrical of because in the near future in this catchment for land clearing,long term with the potential logging, sodic soils and also due to salt sites, water small With a relatively highly erodible. which are the Creek Royalla, arising around size, catchment at temperatures and high flows low is subject to oxygen. dissolved to low times, and hence , reach occurring along this are Some plantings are and Deb who Peter Waterwatchers to thanks with works improvement erosion implementing Group. the Molonglo Catchment funding through and riparian plantings cover vegetation Improved over improve levels should not only see the EC regulate shading will help resultant time, but the out the dissolved thus even temperature stream the riparian Plus - it will improve results. oxygen well! time as over scores 3 2 20 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 15km approx. Native bush, Rural residential, residential, bush, Rural Native

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Jerrabomberra Creek arises in the hills surrounding arises in the hills surrounding Creek Jerrabomberra along the Royalla of area residential the rural It has a number border. side of the ACT south-east along this section it into flowing of small creeks has some healthy channel The creek of the creek. rural into flowing before riparian vegetation vegetation. little riparian subdivisions with very Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Fernleigh Drive Fernleigh to Headwaters Jerrabomberra Creek JER1 Creek Jerrabomberra Jerrabomberra Creek JER2 Fernleigh Park to Molonglo River confluence

These largely artificial wetlands adjoining the 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) Fyshwick industrial area, capture runoff and 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) stormwater flowing into the creek. The reach also includes the ephemeral Woden Creek and Kelly’s Parameter Rating No. Survey Swamp. The water in the bottom part of this reach Water quality Fair 30 is backed up and slowed down by Scrivener Dam, pH Excellent which contains the waters of Lake Burley Griffin. Turbidity Fair Phosphorus Degraded Reach Condition Nitrate Good With the worst water quality score in the Electrical Conductivity Degraded catchment, lower Jerrabomberra Creek will have Dissolved Oxygen Degraded works done as part of the ACT Healthy Waterways Water bug Fair 2 project. There will also be work done on improving Fyshwick stormwater flows into Jerrabomberra Riparian condition Poor 3 Wetlands, and these measures together should improve water quality. Stock still have access to Reach Facts the Creek in places which may continue to have an adverse impact. Reach network length: approx. 19km Dominant land uses: Rural residential, light The worsened water quality score this year was industrial, urban, conservation, recreation largely due to the phosphorus rating. Kelly’s Swamp, however, had a disproportionate influence This reach flows from Fernleigh Park rural on this score as it gets very warm and shallow residential area and runs past the suburb of in the Summer months and is subjected to large Jerrabomberra, the Environa development and amounts of poo from water birds. Electrical the Hume industrial estate. It then flows through conductivity at Kelly’s is regularly in the four digits, Jerrabomberra Grassland Reserve, through some getting as high as 1920μS/cm in March this year rural land with little riparian vegetation, and then after a long dry spell. Most of the water quality through to Jerrabomberra Wetlands. parameters at other sites in this reach rated as ‘fair’ or worse. Overall water bug numbers were fairly low, despite some excellent in-stream and edge vegetation. Poor water quality is the most likely cause.

Jerrabomberra Creek at Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

58 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 59 Lyneham Wetland with the inlet from the Dickson the Dickson from with the inlet Wetland Lyneham channel. concrete Reach Condition Reach were plants edge many levels, water With low available the habitat line, reducing the water above diversity limited very bugs, which have water for in a resulted This in this wetland. of habitat greatly trays with sample ‘poor’ bug score, water small crustaceans tolerant pollution by dominated which live and Daphnia such as seed shrimps feed on detritus. and mainly in soft sediment Wetland Lyneham wetlands, some “off-line” Unlike area a large from all the stormwater receives and much of Ainslie, Hackett including Dickson, absorb can’t that surface hard Every and Downer. and carparks, roads, roofs, - including water gutters into flows runoff that - produces pavements bit of channels, along with every and stormwater This produces way. rubbish or pollution along the Wetland. Lyneham in for life challenge a significant this at ups major clean two least at were There rubbish of large in early 2017 filling dozens wetland to adjacent bags both times. The deciduous trees the into litter of leaf amounts put large the wetland as well. water 1 2 5 No. Survey

Fair Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Degraded Degraded Degraded

Urban

pH Turbidity Nitrate Phosphorus Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Lyneham Wetland is a large artificial wetland artificial is a large Wetland Lyneham stormwater by in 2011–12 and is fed constructed including Dickson, suburbs, surrounding from channel stormwater concrete the large and from Dickson Unlike Wetlands. Dickson from which flows which wetland this is an ‘online’ however Wetlands storms. following all runoff including high flows takes Creek Sullivans into overflows Wetland Lyneham high. sufficiently are levels when water Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach 1Ha area: approx. Reach

Sullivans Creek catchment off Wattle Street Lyneham Street Wattle off catchment Creek Sullivans Lyneham Wetland LYN1 Wetland Lyneham Molonglo River MOL1 Headwaters to Captains Flat

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition This reach had the highest water bug score in 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) the catchment this year. The river is small this far Parameter Rating No. Survey upstream but for a small site it had large numbers and diversity of pollution sensitive water bugs, Water quality No Data 0 with 3 different families of mayfly recorded and 4 pH caddisfly families. Freshwater mussel shells were Turbidity also spotted here. You will not find these filters Phosphorus feeders downstream of the Captains Flat mine as Nitrate they cannot cope with the metals in the water. Electrical Conductivity Dissolved Oxygen Despite there being very little riparian vegetation upstream, there is healthy native bush in the sub- Water bug Excellent 2 catchment surrounding the headwaters, and at the Riparian condition Poor 1 water bug sampling site there is a large remnant native tree as well as a good variety of in-stream vegetation and habitat. Reach Facts Reach network length: approx. 3.5km We do not currently collect water quality data, Dominant land uses: Conservation, grazing, rural and would still like to recruit a volunteer, to give us residential important information on water quality upstream of any impacts from Captains Flat mine. From its origins in the north western section of Tallaganda National Park in the Great Dividing Range, the Molonglo River flows north through grazing properties to Captains Flat. Apart from the uppermost section of the reach, which is wet sclerophyll forest, it is largely cleared rural land with little or no riparian vegetation.

Volunteer Jacob and Woo identifying bugs in Autumn 2017.

Molonglo coordinator Deb Kellock collecting bugs on the Upper Molonglo River - November 2015.

60 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 61 Molonglo River at Travelling Stock Reserve. Stock Travelling at Molonglo River Reach Condition Reach land, rural is modified reach While much of this in is equal highest score the riparian condition a small but It contains the Molonglo catchment. that on the Molonglo River refuge important to reserve higher altitude nature a nearby connects corridor. the river on this story an interesting tell bugs always Water in sections provided habitat with diverse reach, of in-stream variety run, and a of riffle, pool and water diverse were There vegetation. and edge than would score a lower produced bugs but they and there habitat, available the from be expected nymphs stonefly types despite sensitive fewer were the Spring and Autumn in both being found nymphs unusual types of damselfly Two surveys. in elsewhere rare are that here found regularly are the Molonglo catchment. to monitor continue and Steve Wendy Volunteers along control champion weed and to here frogs this reach. 2 1 11 No. Survey Poor Good Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 10km approx. Grazing, rural residential, residential, rural Grazing,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Oxygen Dissolved Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) B CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The upstream section of this reach of the Molonglo section of this The upstream Leachate Dam. Flat Captains the below begins River to a mine closed in the 1960s continues from and acid minewater with the river contaminate The Molonglo flows metals. with heavy potentially at land and finishes modified rural mostly through ‘Foxlow’. at (TSR) Reserve Stock the Travelling mining (historical) Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Captains Flat to Travelling Stock Reserve Reserve Stock Travelling to Flat Captains Molonglo River MOL2 River Molonglo Molonglo River MOL3 Downstream of Travelling Stock Reserve near ‘Foxlow’

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition Although similar to the reach upstream, a slightly 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) better water quality score and water bug score Parameter Rating No. Survey were pulled down by the ‘poor’ riparian condition score on this section of the Molonglo River. Despite Water quality Good 55 years of revegetation work by local groups, this pH Excellent reach has long sections cleared or dominated by Turbidity Excellent exotic vegetation and accessed by stock. Phosphorus Excellent Nitrate Good With five diverse sites on this reach, two of them Electrical Conductivity Poor creeks which often drop to low flows, water quality Dissolved Oxygen Degraded was fairly consistent with last year and with the reaches upstream and downstream. Water bug Good 2 Water bugs scores were some of the best in the Riparian condition Poor 5 Molonglo catchment. The pollution-sensitive bug types, such as stonefly, mayfly and caddisfly larvae, Reach Facts were sampled in both Spring and Autumn, but Reach network length: approx. 54km numbers overall were down in Autumn. Despite Dominant land uses: Grazing, rural residential the dominance of exotic trees amongst the riparian plants, there was reasonable diversity of bug types This reach of the Molonglo River extends from reflecting some good, if not diverse, edge and below the Travelling Stock Reserve south of in-stream habitat. Whirligig beetles are commonly ‘Foxlow’ to Burbong Bridge on the Kings Highway seen here and there are large numbers of feral and flows through modified rural land and rural Eastern gambusia fish. subdivisions. The reach includes Plains Creek, Whiskers Creek and Stony Creek, with runoff from the Hoskinstown Plain, which is largely treeless due to being a frost hollow. Whiskers Creek and Stony Creek are adjacent to small rural subdivisions.

Molonglo River below Briars Sharrow Rd crossing.

62 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 63 Volunteer John Bisset looking for water bugs (top) bugs (top) water looking for John Bisset Volunteer (bottom). bridge Road Yass above River Molonglo and Reach Condition Reach in the vegetation of edge is plenty Although there little very it has reach, on this monitored single site land upstream rural cleared The largely diversity. and vegetation exotic and has a mix of native issue. an ongoing are riparian weeds has a positive Molonglo Gorge Further upstream, vegetation riparian native its healthy impact from sections of the steep rocky, through flows and fast the water. to which adds oxygen River, find a small number of a nice surprise to It was the Spring during stonefly larvae pollution-sensitive too and species other sensitive were There survey. the unusual, extended, from resulted it probably providing the survey, preceded that weather wet at the cobbles Artificial system. to the flush a good stonefly for habitat useful provide site Waterwatch good enough. quality are water and if flow larvae Redfin fish: Carp, feral common of our most Three all been sighted have gambusia, and Eastern perch year. in the past in this reach 1 2 11 No. Survey Poor Poor Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 16km approx. Grazing, rural residential, residential, rural Grazing,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Oxygen Dissolved Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach begins downstream of the Kings Highway of the Kings Highway begins downstream This reach passes border, NSW/ACT on the Burbong Bridge at Forest Kowen section of southern the through with Molonglo Gorge and through plantation, pine the and ends above vegetation, native its intact Queanbeyan the with confluence Molonglo River’s Estate. Oaks at River forestry, conservation, urban conservation, forestry, Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Downstream of Burbong Bridge to Queanbeyan River confluence River Queanbeyan to Bridge Burbong of Downstream Molonglo River MOL4 River Molonglo Molonglo River MOL5 Upstream of Lake Burley Griffin

Much of the water in this part of the Molonglo River 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) is backed up and slowed down by the presence of 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Scrivener Dam at the bottom of Lake Burley Griffin. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Good 16 Reach Condition pH Excellent Water quality was slightly down this year Turbidity Excellent compared to last, with dissolved oxygen being Phosphorus Excellent the main difference and frequently very low this Nitrate Excellent year. Despite the ‘poor’ Electrical conductivity, it Electrical Conductivity Poor is notably lower by an average of 100-200µS/cm than the reach upstream. This is due to the much Dissolved Oxygen Degraded cleaner Queanbeyan River diluting the Molonglo Water bug Poor 2 River at Oaks Estate. Riparian condition Poor 1 Water bugs were dominated in the Spring survey by pollution-tolerant types such as 300+ ‘true bugs’ Reach Facts (Hemiptera). There was also a limited diversity Reach network length: approx. 10km of bug types which matched the limited habitat Dominant land uses: Urban, industrial, horticulture, diversity. At the ‘water ski area’, where water bugs grazing are sampled, logs and other structures in the water are actively removed, reducing potential habitat. This section of the Molonglo River begins at its confluence with the Queanbeyan River at Oaks Platypus and Water rats continue to be regularly Estate, continues on past Fyshwick industrial estate spotted in this reach, albeit in small numbers. This and Pialligo nurseries, close to Canberra airport, then area is also popular with kayakers. passes an extensive turf growing business. It forms the northern boundary of Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve before entering Lake Burley Griffin.

Exotic trees dominate the riparian zone along the Molonglo Reach.

64 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 65 Molonglo River near Deep Creek at MOL375. at Creek near Deep Molonglo River improving water quality. Waterways (BasinWaterways Project) with works aimed at This reach will be targeted by the ACT Healthy Condition Reach is water much by how determined With flows as high Dam, as well Scrivener from released events, rainfall during Valley Woden runoff from relative The of pressures. has its share this reach water to the of each sampling site contribution with only is also highly variable, quality scores the below the site from quality record one water was quality water This meant this year. LMWQCC and oxygen dissolved with year, this much better improvements. showing nitrate reach on this downstream Spring high flows difficult and Summer bugs made sampling water reasonable was There necessary. sampling was were overall bugs but numbers of water diversity low. fairly Redfin gambusia and Eastern fish Carp, The feral On the in this reach. all been sighted have perch carp Western of native a couple were there upside, in the Spring bug survey. caught gudgeon times during the seen several were Platypus in one sighted with a young in this reach year its left recently having December – probably late time. first the for burrow 5 3 27 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

approx. 26km approx. Urban, grazing, conservation Urban, grazing,

pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Phosphorus Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach on the Molonglo River extends from from extends on the Molonglo River This reach to Griffin Burley of Lake downstream directly It includes confluence. River the Murrumbidgee urban Valley Molonglo and future the new Reserve, Molonglo River the new developments, Lower and the area picnic Coppins Crossing (LMWQCC) Centre Quality Control Molonglo Water the confluence. above just Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Lake Burley Griffin to Murrumbidgee River confluence River to Murrumbidgee Griffin Burley Lake Molonglo River MOL6 River Molonglo Primrose Creek PRI1 Headwaters to Molonglo River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition This small creek system often has low flows but 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) is important in the area and supports a surprising Parameter Rating No. Survey amount of life in its pools. Water quality is slightly better than last year, with only electrical Water quality Excellent 10 conductivity pulling it down from ‘excellent’ pH Excellent across all the water quality parameters measured. Turbidity Excellent The high electrical conductivity (210-920µS/cm) Phosphorus Excellent likely results from both underlying geology and Nitrate Excellent widespread historic land clearing. Electrical Conductivity Degraded Dissolved Oxygen Excellent This cleared land has resulted in the riparian condition score in this reach being amongst the Water bug Fair 1 worst in the Molonglo catchment, with only a few Riparian condition Poor 2 water plants and very scattered areas of exotic vegetation present. Reach Facts Given the little edge and in-stream vegetation Reach network length: approx. 34km providing habitat, the water bugs were surprisingly Dominant land uses: Conservation, grazing, rural diverse and there were large numbers of some sensitive types including 500+ mayfly nymphs! Primrose Creek is a chain of ponds with headwaters in Yanununbeyan State Conservation Area and Mount Foxlow. It includes Chimney Creek and Antills Creek, and flows into the Molonglo River near Carwoola. The lower section of Primrose Creek is actively eroding. There is little or no riparian vegetation except at the headwaters of Primrose Creek and Antills Creek. The reach flows mostly through rural land.

Primrose Creek looking downstream of PRI060. Rural cleared land along Primrose Creek

66 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 67 “River still very high “River still Roberts Creek ROB180 in the upper Queanbeyan in the upper Queanbeyan ROB180 Creek Roberts catchment. Reach Condition Reach in the score CHIP overall had the best This reach it is the only and once again Molonglo catchment, score. an ‘excellent’ gain to reach both intrinsically bugs are water quality and Water and quality of condition vegetation to linked all the shows and this upper catchment habitat, in the is also evident health. This signs of good after for longer continuing reach this in flows when and not rising as suddenly rain decent is This happens when water rain. is heavier there slowly. and released the landscape into absorbed with this year, lower slightly quality was Water slightly oxygen and dissolved conductivity electrical QUE300 was at Sandy Volunteer year. on last down on the river, foam with unusual white concerned it had natural that confirm to able were but we washing old high flows from resulting causes, bark and twigs) out of (leaves, material organic deep pools. 2016: Sandy said in September it all - large and sand tell in wet Tracks and strong. birds in deer and water small wombat, kangaroos, abundance.” 2 5 44 No. Survey

Good Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 143km approx. Conservation, grazing, rural rural grazing, Conservation,

Turbidity pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result A- (Excellent) A- 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result A- (Excellent) A- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The upper section of the Queanbeyan River is a River The upper section of the Queanbeyan its origins runs from that of river stretch extensive Tinderry on the southern slopes of the western includes reach Dam. The Googong to Ranges Tinderry Creek, Urialla Creek, Sherlock Creek, Creek. and Bradleys Creek Roberts residential Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Upstream of Googong Dam of Googong Upstream Queanbeyan River QUE1 River Queanbeyan Queanbeyan River QUE2 Downstream of Googong Dam to city of Queanbeyan

2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) Reach Condition Although this reach has the best water quality 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) in the Molonglo catchment this year, there Parameter Rating No. Survey have been some serious sediment events in the Queanbeyan River downstream of the developing Water quality Excellent 38 Googong township. These events have often pH Excellent occurred between monthly sampling times but Turbidity Excellent have been witnessed by one of the volunteers, Phosphorus Excellent Sue, who lives on the River. Sue is continuing Nitrate Good to request better sediment control during Electrical Conductivity Good development and building at Googong. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent High turbidity events have been recorded in Water bug Good 2 this reach over the past four years and have the Riparian condition Fair 5 detrimental effect of clogging up the gaps in and around submerged plants and rocks where water bugs live. Given that Platypus eat up to a third of Reach Facts their body weight every day in water bugs, one Reach network length: approx. 6.7km must assume this places an added pressure on Dominant land uses: Urban, rural residential them as well. This section of the Queanbeyan River extends There was an interesting period of unexpected downstream from Googong Dam to the edge of high flows in Gorge Creek when flows in most of Queanbeyan city. Googong, Montgomery and the catchment had dropped considerably in late Gorge Creeks near the Googong township, feed Summer. It coincided with high flows in another into this reach as well as Valley Creek flowing out small subcatchment nearby and was probably of Cuumbuen Nature Reserve. Googong Creek caused by groundwater flows joining up following (GGG1) is treated as a separate reach in this report. an unusually wet Winter and Spring.

Sue testing Gorge Creek at GOR090.

68 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 69 Queanbeyan River (QUE495) under railway bridge. (QUE495) under railway River Queanbeyan Reach Condition Reach in March event a unusual sediment Apart from in this reach. ‘excellent’ was (37NTU), turbidity in readings high nitrate persistently were There The is unknown. source but the Creek, Barracks good a this River gave and Spring rains Winter good reach as did the in this improved flush and nitrate overall. quality score water and high flows experienced Creek Montgomery summer in late conductivity electrical lower slightly very generally were catchment in the when flows This was increasing. conductivity and electrical low on the other sub-catchment in a nearby occurred suggested and investigation too, side of the ridge water the likely was groundwater moving slow that source. with some sensitive diverse, bugs were Water low. were overall but numbers types present, in good present are rats and Water Platypus a host and Waterwatch in this reach numbers during Platypus year every here Walk Platypus (August). Month 3 2 28 No. Survey Fair Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 9.4km approx. Urban

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Electrical Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This section of the Queanbeyan River extends extends River This section of the Queanbeyan its confluence to the city of Queanbeyan through in runoff from It takes with the Molonglo River. (including a golf and its suburbs Queanbeyan and the Reserve the Cuumbuen Nature course), The reach Jerrabomberra. slopes of Mt eastern Weir. and the Queanbeyan Creek includes Barracks Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Queanbeyan city to Molonglo River confluence River Molonglo to city Queanbeyan Queanbeyan River QUE3 River Queanbeyan Scabbing Flat Creek SCA1 Headwaters to Kings Highway

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition This creek is often dry, and is too small for sampling 2015/16 CHIP Result DD (Data Deficient) water bugs, but this year it flowed often enough to Parameter Rating No. Survey gain a water quality score. A suspect nitrate test kit meant three months nitrate data was discarded, so Water quality Good 5 that parameter did not meet the data threshold. pH Fair Turbidity Excellent Although water quality was ‘good’ overall, flows Phosphorus Excellent have a strong impact on water quality in such a Nitrate No Data small creek. Low flows and warmer water were Electrical Conductivity Fair closely related to higher electrical conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen Degraded lower dissolved oxygen and lower pH. Water bug No Data 0 Even when decent rainfall events were recorded, this creek ran crystal clear, reflecting a healthy and Riparian condition Fair 1 intact catchment upstream. Riparian condition improves upstream, further into Cuumbeun Nature Reach Facts Reserve. Reach network length: approx. 5.1km Dominant land uses: Conservation The volunteer here, John, has recorded yabbies, leeches and tadpoles in the creek during water Scabbing Flat Creek is an ephemeral creek which quality sampling. arises in Cuumbeun Nature Reserve. Most of the creek catchment is in the Nature Reserve, which is high value Grassy Box Woodland, bisected by Captains Flat . Road. The Kings Highway marks the northern edge of the reserve and the creek flows in a concrete culvert under the Kings Highway, where it eventually flows into the Molonglo River beyond this reach.

Scabbing Flat Creek near the Kings Highway.

70 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 71 View across Flemington Pond towards SUL018. towards Pond Flemington across View Michael Burton) (Photo: Reach Condition Reach year. results this bug water interesting were There microcaddis Autumn surveys, In both Spring and - cases purse-like small silken their - in larvae as known of bivalve as a type well as found, were of water diversity a good was There pea shells. as some sensitive well as bug types overall, bugs water less sensitive although the types, water and larvae fly as snails, such predominated beetles. the to bugs is testament of water This diversity in this pond/ available habitat diverse fairly branches) or (old trees “snags” including wetland, and a diversity depths, different water, lying in the this, surrounding Despite vegetation. of edge is on site upstream the and is patchy, vegetation ‘poor’ in a resulting channel, overall a concrete score. riparian condition provide to year this data insufficient was There are but phosphorus levels quality score, a water on floating and a lot of algae time, over increasing made vegetation the edge and around surface the bug sampling difficult. water in seen turtle was long necked An Eastern birds. of water a variety as were Pond, Flemington 2 2 4 No. Survey Fair Poor Rating Data Deficient Data approx. 6km approx. Conservation, grazing grazing Conservation,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Riparian condition Water quality Water Sullivans Creek originates in Goorooyarroo Nature Nature in Goorooyarroo originates Creek Sullivans land then grazing historical through flows Reserve, the through channel. It then flows a concrete into and adjoins of Watson, west suburb of Kenny, new it includes the where of Mitchell area the industrial Park (EPIC) Exhibition channel from stormwater wetlands. constructed two through and flows (historical), industrial (historical), Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Randwick and Flemington Road Pond, Mitchell Pond, Road and Flemington Randwick to Headwaters Sullivans Creek SUL1 Creek Sullivans Sullivans Creek ANU SUL3 Lyneham Wetland to Lake Burley Griffin confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition Water quality remained just within the ‘good’ 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) category this year, but very high phosphorus (as Parameter Rating No. Survey high as 0.4mg/L) remains a concern. It can only be assumed that the high volume of deciduous Water quality Good 33 leaves that are washed down from the established pH Excellent suburbs upstream are contributing to this but levels Turbidity Excellent fall into the ‘degraded’ category all year round. Not Phosphorus Degraded surprisingly, there were frequent reports of algae Nitrate Excellent from volunteer, Tim. While the turbidity results were Electrical Conductivity Poor ‘excellent’ overall, there were a number of results Dissolved Oxygen Degraded >16 NTU. Water bug Fair 2 The downstream site where water bugs are sampled Riparian condition Poor 3 has water quality strongly influenced by Lake Burley Griffin, which backs up water into the Creek. No pollution-sensitive water bugs types were found, Reach Facts however, despite good diversity overall and patches Reach network length: approx. 3.7km of edge vegetation. Dominant land uses: Urban, recreation We saw Carp spawning during the Spring bug survey, This section of Sullivans Creek flows into a concrete with much splashing! There were also many Eastern channel through playing fields and parklands in gambusia seen - another significant pest fish species. O’Connor and Turner. It crosses under a number On the upside, a small Eastern long necked turtle and of minor roads and through the Barry Drive gross a native Western carp gudgeon were caught during pollution trap before entering ANU campus. It the Autumn survey. passes Toad Hall pond, before continuing through the campus and flowing into Lake Burley Griffin. The riparian condition score has dropped now that all three sites have received a riparian score. A development site next to the creek has the potential to impact water quality and habitat health.

The ever-reliable Tim Yiu of ANUgreen Sustainability who monitors all 3 sites on SUL3.

72 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 73 Volunteer Richard Larson at WAT040 near Aspinall WAT040 at Larson Richard Volunteer Street. Reach Condition Reach sites on this the different affecting The factors with only the prevailing different, quite are reach is North Watson factor. being a common weather sediment-laden and seeing further development, and drains stormwater in many evident was runoff of the the bottom at and “soak” in the wetland turbidity readings with onwards March from reach at in a row months three 200NTU exceeding WAT030. largely this year, slightly quality has dropped Water water With turbidity. the above-mentioned due to year, the same as last bugs and riparian condition CHIP quality pushed the overall water the poorer slightly. down score were and most diverse not very bugs were Water not surprising types, perhaps tolerant pollution in the pond available habitat the limited given for present algae dense was being sampled. There during evident both samples, and high sediment the Autumn sample. 4 2 25 No. Survey Fair Fair Poor Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 1.4km approx. Conservation, urban Conservation,

Phosphorus pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Watson Wetlands and ponds on the lower western western on the lower and ponds Wetlands Watson with line, a drainage comprise of Mt Majura slopes gum grassy box/red yellow dams in remnant two Further rainfall. during high which overflow woodland runoff receives wetland a small constructed down, “soak” suburb, and a small wetland the adjacent from with reach, of the bottom at the overflows takes Creek. Sullivans into via pipes then flowing water Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Justice Robert Hope Park to Aspinall Street to Aspinall Park Hope Robert Justice Watson Wetlands and Ponds WAT1 and Ponds Wetlands Watson Weston Creek WES1 Headwaters to Molonglo River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) Reach Condition Weston Creek had identical scores to last year. It 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) had one of the worst riparian condition and worst Parameter Rating No. Survey water quality scores in the Molonglo catchment. With most water flowing through concrete Water quality Fair 14 channels, and two large sediment ponds with pH Excellent accumulated nutrients, only the final section of Turbidity Excellent the Creek, which has reeds and some natural Phosphorus Degraded streambank, provides any good habitat or any Nitrate Good function to filter out pollutants. Electrical Conductivity Poor Dissolved Oxygen Degraded Phosphorus continues to be a concern in this reach, with variable but often very high readings (up to Water bug Fair 2 0.18mg/L in December/January). This phosphorus Riparian condition Poor 2 contributes to the eutrophic conditions that make algal “blooms” and smelly or even toxic water much more likely. Despite the ‘excellent’ turbidity Reach Facts rating, there were mixed results with a 150NTU Reach network length: approx. 6.7km spike in February. Dominant land uses: Urban Water bugs reflect the water quality and limited Weston Creek reach includes drainage from the habitat, being reasonably diverse overall, but in western side of Mt Taylor, and Stirling Ridge. It low numbers, with a dominance of pollution- flows in a concrete stormwater channel through tolerant types such as black-fly larvae. the Canberra suburban area of Weston Creek before entering ponds south-east of the new Molonglo development. It then passes close to the new Molonglo development’s eastern side and on to the confluence with the Molonglo River.

North Weston Pond in the new Molonglo development.

74 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 75 Woolshed Creek at WOO090 near Fairbarn Avenue. near Fairbarn WOO090 at Creek Woolshed The creek joins the Molonglo River near Fairbairn near Fairbairn the Molonglo River joins The creek Lower Griffin. Burley of Lake upstream just Avenue, site. fossil has an important Creek Woolshed Reach Condition Reach year with both to last identical quality was Water oxygen and dissolved (EC) conductivity electrical middle section The to be a problem. continuing which isEC, particularly high has of this creek land clearing, and such salt with historic associated hydrogeology by the exacerbated are accumulations in rare is high, which are flows When of the valley. as it becomes lower is much EC this small creek, diluted. where reach (WOO090), on this site bottom The challenges faced has sampled, bugs were water and works road Parkway Majura the from often rubbish There is flows. high traffic continuing are and fumes and dust downstream, accumulated and in-stream is some good There evident. very supporting varied habitat and some vegetation edge bug but pollution-tolerant bugs, of water a diversity and fly larvae. such as snails dominate types rating, this riparian condition With a ‘degraded’ to do with some riparian plantings could reach is Australia Greening sorry state. its current improve in this catchment landholders with various working along the creek plantings some conducted and have corridor. 2 3 18 No. Survey Fair Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded Degraded approx. 19km approx. Rural, urban, site of Majura of Majura urban, site Rural,

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Woolshed Creek originates at a farm dam situated dam situated a farm at originates Creek Woolshed It flows of the catchment. the top a spring at over land with some native rural highly modified through and some in the higher section riparian vegetation of the short sections Two waterholes. significant Parkway. Majura for way make to moved were creek Parkway Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Molonglo River confluence River Molonglo to Headwaters Woolshed Creek WOO1 Creek Woolshed Yandyguinula Creek YAN1 Headwaters to Molonglo River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition The Yandyguinula Creek catchment is still largely 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) intact, with only the lower portion of the reach Parameter Rating No. Survey being cleared rural lands with exotic vegetation. The riparian condition score reflects this, being one Water quality Excellent 22 of the best in the catchment. pH Excellent Turbidity Excellent Water quality this year was slightly better than last, Phosphorus Excellent with the electrical conductivity rating improved to Nitrate Excellent ‘excellent’. There is, however, a marked contrast in Electrical Conductivity Excellent electrical conductivity between the upstream site Dissolved Oxygen Degraded (≤60µS/cm) and downstream site (≤470µS/cm), highlighting the effects of modified rural land on Water bug Fair 2 our waterways. Riparian condition Good 2 With dense in-stream and edge vegetation at the downstream water bug site, there were large Reach Facts numbers of water bugs and good diversity, but Reach network length: approx. 18km not all sensitive types were found. Scuds or side- Dominant land uses: Conservation, grazing, wetlands swimmers (Amphipoda) are commonly found here in large numbers, but rare across the Molonglo Yandyguinula Creek is an ephemeral tributary of the catchment. Molonglo River, with the confluence on ‘Foxlow’ near Hoskinstown. It arises in Tallaganda National Juvenile Brown trout and large numbers of Park on the western side of the Great Dividing yabbies have been seen in the very clear water by Range, and flows into modified rural land with little volunteer John. or no riparian vegetation other than Willows. Near its confluence with the Molonglo River, it passes through an extensive wetland area which supports a significant bird population.

Yandyguinula Creek near the Tallanganda National Park.

76 MOLONGLO CATCHMENT 77 Yarralumla Creek looking upstream of YAR400. looking upstream Creek Yarralumla Yarralumla Creek then runs parallel with Curtin in a with Curtin in then runs parallel Creek Yarralumla through channel then down stormwater concrete the Molonglo River to a deeply incised channel Dam. The reach Scrivener below immediately is a Creek Yarralumla Pond. O’Malley includes East Waterways Healthy the ACT for priority catchment improving aimed at with works (Basin Project) quality. water Reach Condition Reach take family volunteer a new have to great It’s and reach, on this important site the bottom over our dedicated support from continued have to pond. O’Malley East at Mike volunteer reach urbanised a highly quality reflects Water with filtering for natural opportunity with little carry that channel of concrete all the kilometres levels conductivity Electrical in this reach. water at February in flows low high during the were at YAR400 as at as well (850µS/cm) Pond O’Malley (600µS/cm). catchment of the bottom the immediately plants water diverse some are There Rd, near Cotter site bottom of the upstream and the volunteers bugs, which support water are conditions However there. rat a Water saw can levels water times because at challenging the due to or more one metre rise by rapidly in the catchment. of imperviousamount surfaces 3 2 26 No. Survey Fair Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 9km approx. Conservation, urban Conservation,

Total Phosphorus Phosphorus Total pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This is one of two main creek systems draining into into draining systems main creek This is one of two Yarralumla Dam. Scrivener below River Molonglo the west the one along lines, drain three includes Creek Phillip, to Farrer one from Mugga, of Mt Mugga side lines drain These Garran. Long Gully to from and one channels. in concrete run largely Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Molonglo River confluence River Molonglo to Headwaters Yarralumla Creek YAR1 Creek Yarralumla Southern ACT Catchment Facts

For this CHIP report, the Southern ACT area is divided into subcatchments based around 7 main rivers/lake systems in the region which are Murrumbidgee River, Naas River, Gudgenby River, Cotter River, Paddy’s River, Lake Tuggeranong and Point Hut Ponds. The Naas and the Gudgenby River systems are the highest in the ACT and originate in the mountains of the Namadji National Park. The Cotter River provides our main drinking supply and flows north adjacent to the Brindabella Ranges. Paddy’s River is a smaller rural water way flowing to the west of the Bullen Range past forestry land and grazing properties to the immediate west of Canberra. The Lake Tuggeranong and Point Hut Ponds systems comprise predominately urban waterways flowing from the east of the ACT into the two lakes at their western ends. The Lake Tuggeranong inflows are extensively engineered with pipes and concrete channels. The Point Hut Ponds inflows are younger and feature upstream wetlands and terraced, vegetated stormwater channels. All of these waterways join the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT, which flows north from Angle Crossing near Tharwa to Uriarra Crossing just before the Molonglo River confluence in the north west corner of the ACT. The Murrumbidgee River from Angle Crossing to Casuarina Sands is part of the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach (UMDR).

78 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 79 . This April saw the beginning of major works in the Lake Tuggeranong catchment with the draining of with the draining catchment Tuggeranong in the Lake the beginning of major works This April saw government and ACT Australian under the joint improvement as part of a major wetland Isabella Pond catchment Tuggernong the across implemeted be will projects More initiative. Waterways’ ‘Healthy funded of two Carp removal a comprehensive conduct also used to was draining The pond ACT. year the next over this from collected team. Samples Research Conservation Government’s ACT by urban lakes connected for will be essential which urban Carp populations of on the nature information valuable providing are released. eventually of the Carp herpes virus if it is the implementation planning around The good falls were in sharp contrast to the extremely hot and dry months we endured at the start of the the start at endured we hot and dry months the extremely to in sharp contrast were falls The good The water deprived. being nearly dry or oxygen through stressed quite became waterways Many year. March. January to from their weirs below were in our urban lakes levels The Spring rains prior had a positive effect on bug surveys as many sensitive aquatic invertebrates respond invertebrates aquatic sensitive as many on bug surveys effect a positive prior had The Spring rains reasonable support to enough not quite were however falls in March good The flows. improved to well years. previous larvae, as has happened in stonefly bugs, in particular of highly sensitive populations Very wet months over Winter and Spring 2016 as well as in late Autumn 2017 no doubt had a part to play play had a part to doubt Autumn 2017 no in late as and Spring 2016 as well Winter over months wet Very even in seen being flows and continuous being replenished tables with groundwater in this improvement drains. our concrete A quick look at the CHIP scores across the Southern ACT catchments gives the reasonable impression of impression the reasonable gives catchments Southern ACT the across CHIP scores the at A quick look in Namadji Creek Hospital were up a grade Jumping months. twelve in the last health waterway improved and River of the Murrumbidgee stretches well and the lower as Gully in Gordon Park and Barney’s National Creek. parts of Tuggeranong Southern ACT Catchment Health Summary Health Catchment ACT Southern Barney’s Gully MMB1 Woodcock Drive, Gordon to confluence with Murrumbidgee River

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition With a healthier CHIP score this year, Barneys Gully 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) continues to show improvements as the work Parameter Rating No. Survey from the ‘POSM’ Parkcare group makes a positive impact. Water quality Good 11 pH Excellent Warm water temperatures kept oxygen levels Turbidity Excellent low over summer but the leaky weirs and erosion Phosphorus Excellent control works along the creek have meant a major Nitrate Excellent increase in water retention since Southern ACT Electrical Conductivity Fair Waterwatch Coordinator, Martin Lind, first worked Dissolved Oxygen Degraded there with Calwell High School students back the late 90’s. Back then, the gully used to be mostly dry Water bug Fair 2 all year apart from after significant rain. There are Riparian condition Fair 1 now numerous permanent pools of water. As the vegetation grows around the Gully and Reach Facts planted trees begin to provide more shade, the Reach network length: approx. 1km water temperature fluctuations will decrease Dominant land uses: Peri urban, conservation and and the microclimate of the gully will provide a recreation valuable haven for aquatic life. The Gully continues to record elevated electrical conductivity readings Barney’s Gully is an ephemeral creek off Woodcock through dissolved minerals leaching from the soil, Drive, Gordon. This natural creek is connected to as was the case 20 years ago. At the time, Martin the suburban stormwater system of the suburb of recorded finding large crystal of salt deposited Gordon and flows into the Murrumbidgee just over along the water’s edge which, thankfully, is no a kilometre downstream of Point Hut Crossing. longer the case.

Barney’s Gully - October 2015. (Photo: D. Kellock)

80 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 81 The Gudgenby Bush Regenerators conducting the conducting Bush Regenerators The Gudgenby (CBG100). Creek Bogong at Spring bug survey Reach Condition Reach bimonthly began The Brindabella Venturers that complement to December, last monitoring Parkcare Bush Regenerators Gudgenby of the this period. data 50% more received so we group, some to may, health score improved The slightly scrutiny. to this greater be attributed extent, out locked volunteers the season kept wet A very for much of spring last Park National of Namadji of highly plenty that however, This ensured, year. November found in were bugs water sensitive recorded. and 100+ mayflies with 60 stoneflies suffered many, like this reach, summer Over Much dry conditions. extremely the badly from pools isolated to reduced was Creek of Bogong levels. oxygen the dissolved which down pulled as increase oxygen dissolved saw rain March Good returned. flows and the down cooled water the 3 2 24 No. Survey

Fair Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Excellent Excellent

Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved pH Riparian condition Water bug Water Parameter 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) B 2015/16 CHIP Result 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) B+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Part of the Gudgenby River catchment. At its At catchment. River of the Gudgenby Part is a wide and Creek Bogong end downstream north- flowing upland creek/bog treeless mostly Park. National middle of Namadji in the east Reach Facts Reach 13km approx : length network Reach land uses: Conservation Dominant

Headwaters to Yankee Hat trail bridge trail Hat Yankee to Headwaters Bogong Creek Catchment CGB1 Catchment Creek Bogong Cooleman Ridge Dams RAN1 Two dams on Cooleman Ridge

2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) Reach Condition The ever present high turbidity and moderately high 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) nutrients fed a very green blue/green algal bloom in Parameter Rating No. Survey both monitored dams in November. The pH of the dams dropped below the critical level of 6 for most Water quality Good 24 of the summer. Turbidity at both dams continues to pH Fair be a problem – particularly at Kathner Street dam Turbidity Fair where the turbidity results were at degraded levels Phosphorus Good all year, ranging between 30-70NTU. Nitrate Excellent Electrical Conductivity Good Kathner Street dam excited a large combined group Dissolved Oxygen Good of Mt Taylor and Stromlo Forest Scouts last Spring as they searched for water bugs. The order Hemiptera Water bug Poor 2 (true bugs) provided the greatest number (280+) Riparian condition Poor 2 and diversity with two species of backswimmers, water boatmen and an impressively large water scorpion. A couple of yabbies and leeches added to Reach Facts the total of eight bug types. While the survey was Reach network area: approx. Kathner Street Dam entertaining for the Scouts, the overall score did not 0.05Ha, Old Dam 0.15Ha reflect a healthy water body. Dominant land uses: Suburban reserve Kathner Street Dam is a small dam in Cooleman Ridge Nature Park. It was built to provide water for horses as part of the bicentennial horse trail. The ‘Old Dam’ is on the eastern slopes of Cooleman Ridge.

CoolemanVolunteer Ridge Pat Ryan ‘Old Dam’sampling (CMC100) at Cooleman Ridge.

82 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 83 Paddy’s River group help out on the Cotter River bug River help out on the Cotter group River Paddy’s survey. Reach Condition Reach fairly had a River Cotter of the stretch The lower away which cleared year, in July last event big flood notes the volunteer’s to lots of debris, according for (45NTU) turbidity spike a rare and produced this reach. in bridge under the Cotter bug survey The water constant by these affected likely most Spring was caddisfly mayfly and stonefly, while and high flows in small only there were they found, were larvae at all, suggests there were stonefly That numbers. and Spring benefited in Winter events the flushing here as regularly not found are as they the reach health. with similar catchment as in other streams with nine better was bug survey The Autumn water and high abundance all round. bug types found team the Namadji School Waterwatch In May a mildly acidic pH of 5.5 under the Cotter recorded pH by a matching confirmed This was bridge. Dam in the the Cotter below Water Icon by reading same period. 2 3 18 No. Survey Fair Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 2.5km approx. Recreation

Turbidity pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) B+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach covers the relatively short stretch of stretch short the relatively covers This reach Dam. It Cotter Enlarged the below River the Cotter at River Paddy’s with the confluence the includes with the confluence at and terminates Flat Blundell’s through flowing Water River. the Murrumbidgee the from water by influenced is heavily this reach pumped from is regularly that River Murrumbidgee wall. dam of the to the base Pumphouse the Cotter Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Cotter Dam to Murrumbidgee River confluence River to Murrumbidgee Dam Cotter Cotter River MCC1 River Cotter Cotter River MCC2 Pipeline Road Crossing to Vanity’s Crossing

This is due to this area being a significant part of 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) the ACT’s water utility as well as having a remnant 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) population of the endangered Macquarie perch. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Excellent 12 Reach Condition pH Good The water level at Vanity’s Crossing peaked at 1.5 Turbidity Excellent m at the start of October after the very wet Winter Phosphorus Excellent and Spring. After Summer, regular releases from Nitrate Excellent Bendora Dam produced monthly increases of 0.7 Electrical Conductivity Excellent to 0.9 metres in the river level. This may have helped abate some of the health issues arising Dissolved Oxygen Excellent through increased water temperature and lack of Water bug Good 2 flow seen in other rivers in the southern ACT. Riparian condition Fair 1 In May, however, there was a drop in water pH to mildly acidic levels (pH 5) in this stretch of the Reach Facts Cotter, matching closely values found below the Reach network length: approx. 11km Cotter Dam. Low pH can at times be an issue below Dominant land uses: Drinking water catchment, dams when water is released from low in the Conservation water column. Bacteria in the deep water layers of a dam are known to use up oxygen and in turn This reach runs along the stretch of the Cotter produce acidic by-products. This can have adverse River between the Cotter and Bendora Dams. impacts on aquatic arthropods by weakening their Vanity’s Crossing is the only current Waterwatch exoskeletons. site and sits just upstream of the tail of the Enlarged Cotter Dam. This section of the Cotter has restricted access for vehicles and is heavily monitored and managed by Icon Water and the ACT Government.

Fishway on the Cotter River at Vanity’s Crossing - December 2016.

84 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 85 Spring bug survey at Woods Reserve. Woods at Spring bug survey Reach Condition Reach the hot summer well weathered Creek Gibraltar essential providing riparian canopy with good water of flow had a consistent shade. The Creek of levels and good temperatures with stable also of this Creek The majority oxygen. dissolved and snags providing bed of rocks has a healthy so the complexity, habitat of aquatic plenty not surprising. were scores bug water ‘excellent’ bugs in the water of Spring,Last all the orders found in the were category ‘highly sensitive’ larvae fly the only scorpion including survey, found. ever Martin Lind, has Southern coordinator, Gibraltar At in total. found bug types were Eleven bug types, also eleven were Autumn there in Falls and alderfly caddisfly mayfly, including stonefly, were Fly larvae biters!). as toe (known larvae blackfly mostly were These as well. abundant waters. in fast-flowing found which are larvae 2 3 24 No. Survey Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 8.5km approx. Recreation and forestry. and Recreation

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result A+ (Excellent) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result A (Excellent) A CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Gibraltar Creek is a small stream running from running from stream is a small Creek Gibraltar River. Paddy’s to east near Corin Dam and flowing of upland bog stretches The upper sections have for used land was of the surrounding Most habitat. the 2003 bushfires. until up plantations softwood Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Woods Reserve Woods to Headwaters Gibraltar Creek GIB1 Creek Gibraltar Goodwin Village Pond RAN2 Small Pond at Goodwin Village Monash

2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) Reach Condition Oxygen levels in Goodwin Village Pond suffered 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) as a result of hot, dry conditions in Summer, but Parameter Rating No. Survey all other measures were ‘excellent’. Its overall catchment health score is affected by the fact that Water quality Excellent 12 it is a small body of still water with small quantities pH Excellent of edge vegetation and almost no trees. Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent Last Spring only three water bug types were Nitrate Excellent found. Interestingly this is one of two sites that Electrical Conductivity Excellent recorded Isopods (fresh water slaters). In Autumn, Dissolved Oxygen Degraded the survey had better results but still only 6 types with water boatmen (Hemiptera) making up the Water bug Degraded 2 majority of the haul with 185+ bugs. Riparian condition Degraded 1 The site is home to a small floating ‘wetland’. The plants growing on this have done well and the Reach Facts resident exotic duck population enjoy using it as Reach network area: approx. 0.4Ha a personal pontoon. The manicured nature of the Dominant land uses: Recreation Pond’s surrounds, however, guarantees that health score of this ‘reach’ is unlikely to improve in the Goodwin Village Pond is a small pond built into near future, even with this unique feature. a natural drainage line at the southern end of the suburb of Monash. Its primary purpose is to provide recreational space and visual amenity for the residents of Goodwin Village retirement home.

Max, Riley & Paige from Caroline Chisholm School at Goodwin Village Pond. (Photo:K.Medveczky)

86 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 87 The Indigenous Green Army team conducting riparian conducting team Army Green The Indigenous River. on Gudgenby with Waterwatch assessments ‘Gudgenby Canyon’ at Smith’s Rd Bridge near Tharwa near Tharwa Rd Bridge Smith’s at Canyon’ ‘Gudgenby D.Kellock) (Photo: Honeysuckle Creek is mostly surrounded by healthy healthy by surrounded is mostly Creek Honeysuckle section River The Orroral vegetation. wooded upland bogs. comprises largely Reach Condition Reach impacts in The hot, dry Summer had negative reach much of this Park, where Namadji National in the network with some small creeks is situated, high in nutrients. and/or stagnant quite becoming to began creeks the end of summer many Towards over rain flushes of dry up. The good completely water kept this year early Spring and in March out of the bad books. quality readings have will events In addition, the timing of these to the success difference made a significant bugs such as the numerous water of sensitive found in nymphs mayfly and caddisfly stonefly, both the Spring and Autumn surveys. in this creeks of the along many The vegetation cover tree native of significant is bereft network clearing, possibly due to hence the and understory, ‘poor’ assessment. riparian condition found during the was galaxias Mountain A native only found now These are bug survey. Spring water of both species free are that in upland waterways trout. of introduced 5 2 40 No. Survey

Poor Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Conservation and rural grazing and rural Conservation

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) 2016/17 CHIP Result Water quality Water This reach includes three branches. The main arm The branches. includes three This reach running River, of Gudgenby stretch is the lower The properties. grazing cattle rural through mostly Apollo to arm runs adjacent Creek Honeysuckle Creek the old Honeysuckle which heads up to Road Park. National Namadji to next site Station Tracking Reach network length: 22.7km network Reach land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach Murrumbidgee River confluence River Murrumbidgee Headwaters of small creeks and Orroral River to the to River and Orroral creeks of small Headwaters Gudgenby River Catchment CGG1 CGG1 Catchment River Gudgenby Hospital Creek Catchment CGH1 Headwaters of Hospital, Breakfast and Little Dry Creeks to the confluence with the Gudgenby River

2016/17 CHIP Result A- (Excellent) Reach Condition This year saw an improvement in pH and nitrate 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) readings and the Hospital Creek catchment return Parameter Rating No. Survey to the ‘excellent’ health it had in 2014-2015. It is also enjoying the increased monitoring by the Water quality Excellent 30 Brindabella Venturers, who are also monitoring pH Excellent three sites on Hospital Creek and the site on Little Turbidity Excellent Dry creek. Phosphorus Excellent Nitrate Good The small native fish Mountain galaxias, were Electrical Conductivity Excellent found in the Spring water bug surveys. It is always Dissolved Oxygen Degraded nice to find these as they are rarely found in the same waterway as the introduced trout species. Water bug Good 2 Spotted grass frogs Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Riparian condition Good 4 and Common Eastern froglets Crinia signifera frogs were heard calling well into late spring with Reach Facts C.signifera continuing to call in January from the Reach network length: Hospital Creek arm (on the pools in the lower site. The hot drying summer left) 12km, Little Dry Creek arm (on right) 7km had the same effect as it had on the other upland Dominant land uses: Conservation reaches with many creeks ceasing to flow, and then drying up. Spotted grass frogs were heard Hospital Creek is mostly a forested gully situated again in May after the solid rainfalls in Autumn. south south east of Bogong Creek. It runs north forming an upland bog before joining the Good rainfall in Spring and early Autumn saw a Gudgenby River near its headwaters. good diversity of sensitive water bugs such as 200+ caddisflies in the Autumn survey Little Dry Creek is an ephemeral arm to the east of Hospital Creek.

The upland bogs of Hospital Creek. (Photo: M.Chalk)

88 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 89 Isabella Pond before being drained for wetland wetland for being drained before Isabella Pond improvements. Reach Condition Reach months twelve dramatic most had the has This reach in our region. of any and the dropped levels water the Summer Over ‘clogged with rubbish’ became pollution traps gross Waterwatch the from the notes to according was wall dam the at water the March By volunteer. (0.15mg/L)high in phosphorus green. and lake the before just smell’ a ‘foul was April there Last on the zig zag work extension for in May drained was removed Carp were of mostly tons Several dam wall. Pond, this and neighbouring Upper Stranger from the done by This was Pond. Isabella to which links team Research and Conservation Government’s ACT and team Army with the help of the Aboriginal Green breaking record An unofficial volunteers. SACTCG 16kg! pond at the pulled from Carp was Isabella dam works, of the advantage Taking wetland major of the first the is also getting Pond ACT and Australian under the refits infrastructure program Waterways Healthy government’s 2 2 27 No. Survey

Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 5.8Ha approx. Suburban

Phosphorus pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Dominant land uses: Dominant This reach is the main settlement pond for pond is the main settlement This reach from Tuggeranong Lake entering stormwater Water suburbs. Tuggeranong the south western Lake end into western at its weir a high over flows (TLT1). Tuggeranong Reach Facts Reach area: network Reach

Large pond south of Monash pond south Large Isabella Pond TIP1 Pond Isabella Lake Tuggeranong Wetlands TLT1 Drakeford Drive weir to South Quay foot-bridge weir

2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) Reach Condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) The ‘wetland’ end of Lake Tuggeranong was partially drained again this year for works along Parameter Rating No. Survey the South Quay foreshore. Additional flows were Water quality Good 24 also delivered from upstream to the wetlands from pH Good Isabella and Upper Stranger Ponds when they were completely drained for remedial works. Turbidity Fair Phosphorus Excellent In Spring lots of tiny mayfly nymphs were found Nitrate Good from the family Caenidae, which are the hardiest of Electrical Conductivity Fair mayflies and can survive in these slow moving silty Dissolved Oxygen Degraded waters. Fly larvae and water boatman made up the Water bug Poor 2 bulk of other bugs leading to a poor overall score despite eight different types being caught overall. Riparian condition Poor 2 In Autumn in the low water levels remaining, only pollution-tolerant bugs such as water boatmen and Reach Facts fly larvae were found in greater than single figures. Reach network length: approx. 4.3Ha Dominant land uses: Urban This is the southern section of Lake Tuggeranong upstream of the weir that runs under a pedestrian walkway near the new South Quay Development. It forms a narrow neck at the southern end which is fed by a large zigzag dam wall which overflows from Isabella Ponds.

The Green Army conducting the Autumn bug survey at Lake Tuggeranong.

90 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 91 TTLT2 Wanniassa Creek Spring 2016. (Photo: Ben Spring 2016. (Photo: Creek Wanniassa TTLT2 Bryant) Reach Condition Reach readings nitrate up extreme picked Ben Volunteer in Lake of the the northern end at his sites at nitrate high In January he had extremely November. levels. oxygen low very with combined again experts Government ACT from A prognosis above (GPTs) traps pollution gross that suggested runoff hydrocarbon capture sites the monitored storage and shopping centers service stations, from to this end water storm which all deliver facilities the added effects have This would of the Lake. and altering conductivity electrical of increasing the as producing as well levels, oxygen dissolved all too surface on the water’s is seen that sheen rainfall after also noted were effects These often. events. supersaturation oxygen two were In June there and north end in the independently recorded events A Arts Centre. near the of the Lake middle the at coming was also observed flocculent orange strange MTV100 out of at the pipes to next GPT out of the Kambah.. 5 2 38 No. Survey Poor Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded approx. 56Ha approx. Urban and recreation

pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Phosphorus Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) C- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This is the main body of Lake Tuggeranong, which Tuggeranong, This is the main body of Lake of 13 southern systems the stormwater by is fed at are traps pollutant major gross Two suburbs. Tuggeranong Lake the northern end of this reach. of this upstream immediately are (TLT1) wetlands reach. Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach area: network Reach

Main lake body lake Main Lake Tuggeranong TLT2 Tuggeranong Lake Murrumbidgee River CMM7 Michelago Creek confluence to Tharwa Sandwash

2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) Reach Condition The Murrumbidgee River as it enters the ACT 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) at Angle Crossing brings the legacy of events Parameter Rating No. Survey upstream. An aggressive storm cell passed over the Bredbo area on the 23 December. The storm Water quality Excellent 24 delivered up to 100mm in less than an hour in pH Excellent some parts. The farming and ploughing activities Turbidity Excellent observed over the border combined with the Phosphorus Excellent weather delivering large amounts of muddy water Nitrate Excellent to this reach with turbidity recorded at 200NTU Electrical Conductivity Good on 30 December. Waterwatcher Bernie also noted Dissolved Oxygen Excellent a rise in water level overnight as she regularly Water bug Good 2 patrols this part of the river as an ACT Ranger. Riparian condition Fair 2 At Angle Crossing water quality was good enough to support a health diversity of aquatic Reach Facts invertebrates after a wet Spring. Large numbers of pollution-sensitive stoneflies, as well as four Reach network length: approx. 24km different families of mayflies and six different types Dominant land uses: Rural grazing and of caddiesflies were recorded. This is despite the conservation limited amounts of emergent and edge vegetation This stretch of the Murrumbidgee River begins present that would have increased the bug at Willows Road in NSW, includes Angle Crossing diversity even more. on the ACT/NSW border and runs through the Gigerline Gorge Reserve in the ACT. It ends at Tharwa ‘Sandwash’. Recreational fishing is banned in the ACT section and the riparian vegetation is significantly healthier than downstream around the Tharwa township.

Volunteer Jan Koehler cleans the water bug tray at Angle Crossing during the Autumn surveys.

92 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 93 Murrumbidgee River above Point Hut Crossing. Point above River Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River near Gudgenby River confluence. River near Gudgenby River Murrumbidgee Reach Condition Reach testament is Murrumbidgee, of the This section high it becomes when a river happens to what to here The water of trees. in turbidity and devoid of the year. most for moving and slow shallow was of plant lack the hot Summer, During the extremely heat to the water allowed depth shallow and cover a build-up Along with oxygen. precious up and loose animalsof aquatic survival this made the of minerals a struggle. up and River along the conducted surveys Platypus Log Jam’ ‘Engineered Tharwa of the downstream two last for the sightings any record to (ELJ) failed of water range a diverse need As Platypus years. a lack of food that expect to it reasonable bugs, ‘poor’ the by bug score, as supported here, water be a major contributor. would the ELJ said, That of channel the has deepened and 2 metres 40cm to it from to adjacent the River Murray juvenile to detect continue there surveys further planned being ELJCod. Another currently is on this reach. downstream 3 2 22 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded approx. 10km approx. Rural grazing Rural

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) C CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach covers the stretch of Murrumbidgee River River of Murrumbidgee the stretch covers This reach Most Hut Crossing. Point to Sandwash Tharwa from Lanyon borders bank of this reach of the eastern a number past bank flows western The Homestead. Lambrigg Hill and including Castle of properties district. Tharwa in the among others Homesteads Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Tharwa sandwash to Point Hut Crossing Point to sandwash Tharwa Murrumbidgee River CMM8 River Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee River CMM9 Point Hut Crossing to Kambah Pool

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition While the turbidity score for this reach is 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) ‘excellent’, the data tells a different story on the Parameter Rating No. Survey occasions that the volunteers do their sampling post a significant rainfall event. Pine Island saw Water quality Good 28 four month where turbidity was over 20NTU pH Excellent and it reached 95NTU post a flood event in early Turbidity Excellent September. Phosphorus Excellent Nitrate Good The faster flows, deeper water and slightly more Electrical Conductivity Fair abundant bank vegetation through this part of the Dissolved Oxygen Degraded river, give refuge to aquatic creatures and sees the health of the Murrumbidgee River improve Water bug Good 2 as it flows down from the sandy, shallow sections Riparian condition Poor 1 at Tharwa. A few stonefly nymphs were caught at Kambah Pool last Spring in the water bug survey. This is significant as stoneflies have only been Reach Facts found in a couple of surveys of this reach before Reach network length: approx. 6.7km now and only after good flows. Dominant land uses: Urban, conservation and recreation The feral fish Carp and Eastern gambusia are regularly sighted in this reach. This reach covers the section of Murrumbidgee River from Point Hut Crossing to Kambah Pool. Both spots are popular recreational sites. Red Rock Gorge and the confluence with Tuggeranong Creek are also within this reach.

Murrumbidgee River above Kambah Pools.

94 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 95 Murrumbidgee River at Casuarina Sands. at River Murrumbidgee Reach Condition Reach and the Cotter by is joined The Murrumbidgee increasing significantly in this reach, Rivers Paddy’s Barbara September, last Interestingly, the flows. of 80NTUs and the turbidity reading a recorded of 60NTUs had a score team ‘Sands’ Waterwatch Looking early spring rain. the heavy by brought at the same time, their Paddy’s and the Cotter at So sediment stable. remained turbidity levels somewhere from coming likely most inputs are on the Murrumbidgee. upstream is the these high flows aspect of The positive of the river’s and cooling of oxygen replenishing at Uriarra nymphs of stonefly The presence water. larvae caddisfly and Spring and mayfly last Crossing this affect. to testament Casuarina Sands are at at the volunteers by sighted was A Platypus is a great Winter Late July. Casuarina Sands in late food source, as their main to see Platypus time Platypus so numbers low in present are bugs, water for forage periods while they for longer active are food. 2 2 20 No. Survey Fair Fair Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 11km approx. Rural grazing, forestry, forestry, grazing, Rural

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Electrical Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) B+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach covers the section of Murrumbidgee covers This reach Much Crossing. Uriarra to Pool Kambah from River plantations forest old pine past flows of this reach farming. and for grazing used still and areas recreation and conservation and recreation Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Kambah Pool to Uriarra Crossing Uriarra to Pool Kambah Murrumbidgee River CMM10 River Murrumbidgee Naas River NNN1 Headwaters to Gudgenby River confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach Condition Last Spring a Green Army team conducted 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) monitoring at the lower sites including a water bug Parameter Rating No. Survey survey at Caloola Farm that found high diversity including high numbers of stonefly nymphs and Water quality Good 21 200+ of both mayfly and caddisfly larvae. Richard, pH Excellent who had lead that Green Army team, adopted the Turbidity Excellent sites in the new year. Phosphorus Excellent Nitrate Excellent In November the Marsham family found very Electrical Conductivity Fair high phosphorous levels (0.15mg/L) up at the Dissolved Oxygen Degraded National Park gate and the sheep fence washed away. Summer’s hot weather increased water Water bug Fair 3 temperatures and lowered oxygen levels as it did Riparian condition Fair 3 elsewhere. On the Easter weekend this year, Caloola Farm Reach Facts ‘hosted’ an unauthorised ‘rave’ party of around Reach network length: approx. 40km 4000 revellers. The land owners in the valley were Dominant land uses: Rural residential, grazing, not impressed and Waterwatchers were asked by conservation the head Namadji ranger to keep an eye out for unusual water pollution levels. Fortunately Richard The Naas River runs south then hooks east then found nothing untoward in the Naas River when he flows north running through the southern tip of went out in early May. the ACT in Namadji National Park. The lower part of the river runs past grazing properties before joining the Gudgenby River 10 km south of Tharwa. This reach also includes a site on the bottom of the Gudgenby Creek.

Naas River at Caloola Farm during Spring 2015.

96 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 97 Water bug training at Murray’s Corner with John Murray’s at bug training Water River). Paddy’s sitting in Gooderham (pictured Reach Condition Reach during mid-winter flowing fast was River Paddy’s by August.conditions flood to 2016 and increased recording were sites all Waterwatch September By noted and Maree Fleur levels. water ‘flood’ to ‘high’ up the now 10 metres least at has been ‘water that By causeway’. to the access gravel and rutted gouged deposits sand heavy more left all this flow November along the river. water for not great were While the sandy deposits day as a training conducted Spring survey, the bugs, found 100s of sensitive staff, the Waterwatch for were nymphs. These caddisfly and mayfly stonefly, nearby areas riffle sampling the cleaner as by located edges. as some vegetated well In dropped. level water the progressed As Summer Corner Murray’s at erected January 2017 a sign was of blue-green the public of the presence warning sign another by replaced this was In February algae. and dogs’. ‘humans for unsafe was water the saying warning has safety water a that time first the This was Corner. Murray’s at seen been 3 2 36 No. Survey Fair Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 24km approx. Rural grazing Rural

Turbidity pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B+ (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B+ (Good) B+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Paddy’s River runs mostly through active grazing grazing active through runs mostly River Paddy’s reach This plantations. and softwood properties high up on the headwaters section below the covers The river Park. National Namadji in the Mt Tennant large through erosion massive has been subject to consequences The years. recent in events flooding significant. is still of this soil disturbance Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Tidbinbilla Road bridge to Murray’s Corner Murray’s to bridge Road Tidbinbilla Paddy’s River Catchment CTP1 Catchment River Paddy’s Point Hut Ponds MPG1 Headwaters of Conder Creek to Murrumbidgee River confluence

The water from this system then flows into the 2016/17 CHIP Result C (Fair) Murrumbidgee River just downstream of Point 2015/16 CHIP Result C- (Fair) Hut Crossing. Parameter Rating No. Survey Water quality Excellent 46 Reach Condition pH Excellent The ‘Carers of Point Hut Pond’ Landcare group Turbidity Good lamented the departure of much of their water bird Phosphorus Excellent population from Point Hut Ponds over the past 12 Nitrate Excellent months. It was suspected that many birds have taken Electrical Conductivity Poor advantage of wetter conditions in other, possibly more natural, wetlands in NSW. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent Water bug Degraded 2 The water level in the Pond went from overflowing in September to well below the dam wall from January Riparian condition Poor 4 through to March. This began to expose mud around the northern bank by the end of February. A buildup Reach Facts of rubbish in the ponds inlets was a major concern Reach network length: approx. 2.5km in February and March after heavy rain, but no other Dominant land uses: Urban water quality issues were reported. This is quite unusual for this reach. Conder Creek arises in the Rob Roy Nature Reserve and flows into Point Hut Pond. Point Hut Pond is The water bug surveys show very little diversity and a sediment control pond in the suburb of Gordon. a dominance of tolerant bugs such as 200+ ‘true Together they make up a stormwater system that bugs’ (Hemiptera) in the Autumn survey. These has been engineered with flow reduction and have the distinct advantage of being able to fly away verge vegetation to reduce negative impacts from when conditions get rough. The shallowness and suburban runoff. the substrate of the bottom of the pond offer poor habitat for species and may be a contributing factor. A large population of Carp were spotted by Vera up in the top wetlands in Conder. Plus the “biggest turtle ever” was seen by volunteer Stephen at Point Hut Pond south (MPG200) in March this year.

Point Hut Ponds - March 2017.

98 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 99 Spring Station Creek - taken from DeSalis Cemetary. from taken - Creek Spring Station Reach Condition Reach creek a reflects score poor riparian vegetation The sun along its the to exposed completely almost is its mouth at site monitoring and the length to rise This gives and sandy. shallow extremely (5-26°C) that fluctuations temperature extreme animals. Whileto aquatic stress significant cause an issue not phosphorus) were and (nitrate nutrients causing lack flows and low water warmer this year, conductivity electrical heightened and of oxygen, of concern. areas were levels were the results bugs, water for When surveyed ACT southern of the As with many positiive. more just Spring and again early in rains good waterways, a good produced Autumn bug surveys, the before bugs with some pollution-sensitive of water diversity It larvae. stonefly including a few bug types found bugs such as fly tolerant more the however, was in the biggest found were that larvae and beetle numbers. 2 1 7 No. Survey Fair Good Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded approx. 4km approx. Rural grazing Rural

Turbidity Oxygen Dissolved pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Spring Station Creek - September 2015. - September Creek Spring Station Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) C+ CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach covers most of this small rural creek creek of this small rural most covers This reach to its south and a property a grazing separating to woodland value with high conservation property the to adjacent immediately is its north. This creek events fall rain During high of Tharwa. township end at its lowest flooding severe it is subject to the Naas Road. it crosses where Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters to Murrumbidgee River confluence River Murrumbidgee to Headwaters Spring Station Creek CMS1 Creek Station Spring Stranger Pond MSP1 Stranger Pond in North Bonython

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition The Green Army noted a lot of rubbish and ‘strange 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) smells’ coming from Stranger Pond in November, Parameter Rating No. Survey but overall the Pond had no readings of concern over the last twelve months. Water quality was Water quality Excellent 20 mildly affected by high mineral levels coming from pH Excellent the suburban catchment, as shown by the ‘poor’ Turbidity Excellent electrical conductivity score. Phosphorus Excellent Nitrate Good Water bug surveys conducted at the dam wall Electrical Conductivity Poor noted the prevalence of pest fish in the pond. Dissolved Oxygen Excellent Eastern gambusia, leaping Carp and Redfin perch were all seen. Water bug Poor 2 While mayfly and caddisfly larvae were present, Riparian condition Poor 2 they were smaller compared to those of other surveys. Spring saw large numbers of glass shrimp, Reach Facts which are common in our ponds, lake and dams. Reach network area: approx. 4Ha Fly larvae do particularly well in both seasons with Dominant land uses: Urban. at least three types of maggots seen. Students from Erindale College again helped with the Stranger Pond is the small lake to the south of Lake Autumn bug survey and the Green Army gave a Tuggeranong providing similar stormwater treatment hand last Spring. for the suburb of Bonython. Overflow enters the Murrumbidgee River at Pine Island Reserve.

Stranger Pond.

100 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 101 Swamp Creek looking upstream from LMS100. from looking upstream Creek Swamp Reach Condition Reach quality as the same water scored Creek Swamp southern ACT. in the and rivers upland streams is in site at the monitoring Riparian vegetation edge and ‘fair’ the in-stream but lacks condition bugs. water of variety a to host required vegetation survey in the Spring bug apparent This became of the pollution high numbers were there where caddisfly 100+ stoneflies, bugs including sensitive found in the clean riffle – all bugs and 100+ mayfly only six types of bugs however, Overall, zone. of variety for a the need highlighting found, were diversity. maintain to habitats were fish species of introduced In addition, two in the sandy the same survey during found with the the confluence above just substrate Carp juvenile were These River. Murrumbidgee are The latter weatherloach. Oriental and two tolerant to their ability given resilient particularly the air from oxygen and draw water warm very low. are levels oxygen when dissolved 1 2 12 No. Survey Fair Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent approx. 1.5km approx. Rural grazing. Rural

Turbidity pH Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Swamp Creek is an ephemeral creek running creek is an ephemeral Creek Swamp with It intersects Homestead. Uriarra through and flows the west to 1km upstream Creek Uriarra the Murrumbidgee into Road under the Fairlight name the Old maps Crossing. Uriarra to next River Creek’. ‘Uriarra Murrumbidgee to of creek stretch Creek. it as Swamp to refer the reserve at Signage the latter. for opted have We Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Uriarra Creek confluence to Murrumbidgee River Confluence River to Murrumbidgee confluence Creek Uriarra Swamp Creek LMS1 Creek Swamp Tidbinbilla River CTT1 Headwaters of Tidbinbilla River and Ashbrook Creek to Gilmores Road crossing

2016/17 CHIP Result B (Good) Reach Condition The wetlands in Tidbinbilla Sanctuary were high in 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) turbidity and levels were low in March but a storm on Parameter Rating No. Survey the 20th dumped 135mm in three hours giving them a much needed clean out. Water quality Excellent 56 pH Good When the water bug survey was conducted in Turbidity Excellent April the majority of the river bed was covered in Phosphorus Excellent gelatinous tubes of diatoms ‘filaments’. The most Nitrate Excellent common species found were fly larvae. There were Electrical Conductivity Excellent some mayfly and caddisfly larvae but in much fewer Dissolved Oxygen Excellent numbers and only a single specimen of four other bug types. The hot dry Summer affected the top of Water bug Fair 2 the River as well, with only six water bug types being Riparian condition Fair 1 found in the Autumn survey. This is also a legacy of how the river substrate was dramatically and Reach Facts permanently changed after the 2003 fires. A once complex and rocky river bed became full of sandy Reach network length: approx. 8.5km sediment and the fire still appears to be having an Dominant land uses: Conservation, tourism and adverse impact on this River. rural grazing This reach covers most of the Tidbinbilla River and the adjacent artificial wetlands (the Sanctuary). Most of the river is in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and has significantly recovered from a catastrophic bush fire in 2003. Ashbrook Creek is a small upland creek running from the top of the reserve past the Hanging Rock Aboriginal shelter site.

Tidbinbilla River. P(hoto: Fiona Spier)

102 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 103 Tuggeranong Creek directly upstream of Monaro Hwy. of Monaro upstream directly Creek Tuggeranong Reach Condition Reach usual the reported Eileen volunteer Waterwatch the Monaro under this creek happens to that abuse suburb Tuggeranong the to and adjacent Highway for dumping ground It is a regular of Theodore. and graffitists from cans parts, spray car rubbish, time for the first ceased flow The detritus. other a had creek and teh February last in 20 months four site, headwater The summer. over smell foul April. January to dry from was upstream kilometres has this little creek of these hardships In spite surprises. When the pleasant produced always end of the at conducted was bug survey water remove carefully to was task first the Spring 2016, trays. the from tadpoles Pobblebonk massive all the found in were nymphs mayfly Pollution-sensitive the Spring and Autumn (75+) in both number good were yabbies sized of good and a couple surveys the lack of however, It was, in Autumn too. caught the scores kept ultimately that overall bug diversity down.

2 1 20 No. Survey Fair Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded Monks Creek (upper arm Creek Monks Rural grazing Rural

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) C- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water The monitoring site is near the Monaro Highway Highway is near the Monaro site The monitoring from and is fed with NSW border the eastern at Creek and Tuggeranong the east to Creek Monks arm runs Creek the south. The Tuggeranong to in NSW. Highway the Monaro to adjacent 3.2km), Tuggeranong Creek (lower arm) 4km (lower Creek 3.2km), Tuggeranong land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Headwaters of Tuggeranong Creek catchment to Theodore to catchment Creek of Tuggeranong Headwaters Tuggeranong Creek, Upper TUG1 Upper Creek, Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Creek, Middle TUG2 Concrete drain system upstream of Isabella Pond

2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) Reach Condition Middle Tuggeranong Creek is a concrete drain 2015/16 CHIP Result D+ (Poor) fed by suburbia and yet received a perfect score Parameter Rating No. Survey for water quality this year. This improvement can most likely be attributed to the wet Winter and Water quality Excellent 48 Spring that produced continuous flow throughout pH Excellent Summer and beyond. Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent Over the hottest months when many Waterwatch Nitrate Excellent sites across the catchment are experiencing Electrical Conductivity Excellent low dissolved oxygen, all four sites in this reach Dissolved Oxygen Excellent experienced ‘super-saturation’ of around 120%. Why? The continuous flows maintained an array Water bug Degraded 4 of algae in the channel over the Summer months Riparian condition Degraded 4 which go crazy photo-synthesising when the water is clear and warm. A by-product of this process is oxygen which can be detrimental when it occurs at Reach Facts such extreme levels as this. Interestingly, another Reach network length: approx. 8km effect of photo-synthesis is that it can drive up Dominant land uses: Urban. pH levels and, again, all four sites experienced pH readings of 8 or higher during those hot months. This reach consists of a Y shaped network of two concrete stormwater channels. The main arm runs Of course, no matter how interesting the water north west from under Leinhop Street in Theodore. quality result, it doesn’t change that this is a This joins another channel following south west concrete channel and does not measure up as from Fadden near Isabella Drive where the channel habitat. No riparian vegetation and almost no then flows into Isabella Pond. aquatic organisms were found in this reach.

Fadden stormwater channel.

104 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 105 Lower Tuggeranong Creek - July 2017. Creek Tuggeranong Lower Reach Condition Reach is not this reach for score in health increase The bug in water Improvements explained. easily greater given definitely have sampling methodology with eightseasons, survey two the over consistency and and mayfly on both occasions bug types found (albeit both times in being noted larvae caddisfly the report, CHIP last In the small numbers). very bug types. only four recorded Spring survey seasonalby the same affected quality was Water In small creeks. in our other occurred that issues than optimal and higher oxygen particular; low February an In conductivity. electrical and nutrients The captured. was event super saturation oxygen that: was prognosis expert “This right with the waters in flowing occurs byand is driven light temperature, of combination flow the lower Creek In Tuggeranong algae. benthic attached biomass of in-stream and (probably higher high.” quite get peak to the oxygen enables algae) 1 2 10 No. Survey Fair Fair Fair Good Good Good Good Rating Excellent Degraded approx. 1.8km approx. Suburban reserve

pH Turbidity Phosphorus Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Riparian condition Water bug Water 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach includes the natural stretch of stretch includes the natural This reach Lake from the overflow by fed Creek Tuggeranong the Murrumbidgee enters This creek Tuggeranong. Reserve. of Pine Island 2kms downstream River Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Tuggeranong Creek to Murrumbidgee River confluence River Murrumbidgee to Creek Tuggeranong Tuggeranong Creek, Lower TUG3 Lower Creek, Tuggeranong Westwood Farm TMM1 McQuoid’s Hill to Murrumbidgee River

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach Condition The sites monitored for this reach reveal similar 2015/16 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) stressors effecting water quality as seen in Parameter Rating No. Survey our other small rural water ways. Dissolved oxygen levels were lowered by elevated water Water quality Good 22 temperatures and electrical conductivity got higher pH Excellent as the water got lower and the salts and minerals Turbidity Excellent became more concentrated. The rain around New Total Phosphorus Good Year saw the farm dam become very muddy with Nitrate Excellent a reading of 60NTU. Phosphate levels in the water Electrical Conductivity Fair were also slightly elevated for a range of reasons Dissolved Oxygen Degraded common on working farms. In the dam this rose to Water bug Fair 2 0.2mg/L. Riparian condition Fair 2 In spite of this, the students at Lions Youth Haven found 13 bug types living in McQuoid’s Creek last Spring. This included a stonefly as well as a good Reach Facts spread of damselfly larvae, water beetles, maggots, Reach network length: approx. 2.5km water boatmen and snails. Three types of worms Dominant land uses: Rural grazing and recreation were also found. This reach covers McQuoid’s Creek and the associated dam on Westwood Farm, Kambah. A tributary of the creek runs past the Murrumbidgee Golf Club. McQuoid’s Creek flows into the Murrumbidgee River near Kambah Pool. The upstream sections are predominantly cleared land, while the downstream section is still well vegetated.

Cow posing at McQuoid’s Creek Dam.

106 SOUTHERN ACT CATCHMENT 107 Yass Catchment Facts

Yass catchment is approximately 2,800km2, and is situated to the north of the ACT. The Yass catchment is made up of two major rivers. The first is the Yass River that has its headwaters approximately 100kms to the south east around Wamboin. The River flows north west past Sutton and downstream to the township of Yass and then through steep gorge country until it flows into Burrinjuck Dam from the east. The major tributaries of the Yass River include Brooks Creek, Gundaroo Creek, Murrumbateman Creek, Dicks Creek and Manton Creek. The second major river is the Murrumbidgee River that becomes part of the Yass catchment (in terms of the CHIP report) at the confluence with Ginninderra Creek just after both waterways exit the ACT. The Murrumbidgee runs north through Wallaroo and Cavan, to the west of Murrumbateman, before entering Burrinjuck Dam from the south. This lower section of the Murrumbidgee has large sand slugs resulting from reduced flows, and the impounded waters of Lake Burrinjuck. The natural river bed is swamped by the sand deposits creating wide shallow sections with little or no in-stream structure. A large proportion of this catchment is cleared grazing land and as a result, major issues in this catchment include dryland salinity and erosion. Many of these issues could be ameliorated through stock exclusion and the regeneration of the riparian zone. This is occurring on a number of fronts throughout the catchment with the Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) playing a major part.

108 YASS CATCHMENT 109 A good diversity of fauna have been spotted by the volunteers during their monitoring, including turtles, volunteers by the been spotted have of fauna diversity A good eagles. and a pair of Wedge-tailed grebes, skimmers, frogs, Elevated nitrate readings have been observed on CMM12 and CMM13 along the Murrumbidgee River. River. and CMM13 along the Murrumbidgee on CMM12 been observed have readings nitrate Elevated Quality Control Water Molonglo the Lower possible that and it’s flows during low recorded These were did the LMWQCC below directly the site said, results. That these be influencing could (LMWQCC) Centre is and so further monitoring this CHIP (this has now been rectified) for collected data quality water not have warranted. This year, two reaches scored ‘good’ and three scored ‘fair’ in the Yass Catchment. Of those, three reaches reaches Of those, three Catchment. ‘fair’ scored Yass in the and three ‘good’ scored reaches two This year, ‘fair’ to from and one has increased (CMM12), ‘good’ from the same, one has decreased remained scores been have bugs and riparian condition) water quality, ‘poor’ (water ‘fair’ to parameters (CMM13). All it was year as last score, improved an overall to contributed which have this year, reach CMM13 at collected have may which year, condition this for riparian deficient was data CMM12 quality. water for deficient data drag to bugs tend water and assessments Riparian if it had been undertaken. score lower a slightly lead to quality. than water less transient are as they down scores overall This is the third year that data have been collected for the CHIP on Yass Region and it is great to see the see to it is great and Region on Yass the CHIP for collected been have data that year third This is the reaches five currently are There Waterwatch. in involvement community the and volunteers of the effort within Yass River for the created reach has been A new sites. of nine active total with a being monitored, 20 monitored to increase Our aim is to CHIP report. year’s in next and will be featured of Yass the township and Council, landholders Valley Yass the with collaborate to and continue CHIP, the next for overall sites of their waterways. and awareness knowledge in improving who interested of the community members Yass Catchment Health Summary Health Catchment Yass Murrumbidgee River CMM12 Ginninderra Creek confluence to above Mullion Creek confluence

2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) Reach Condition This year the CHIP result used the riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B (Good) value from 2015 as a new assessment has not been Parameter Rating No. Survey done in the past two years. Water quality Good 6 Electrical conductivity showed some high readings pH Good during low flows (350 and 420 µS/cm). Nitrate had Turbidity Good consistently high readings with the highest being Total Phosphorus Excellent in late February of 25 mg/L, the highest reading Nitrate Degraded recorded in the Yass and Ginninderra region. This Electrical Conductivity Poor February reading coincided with some particularly Dissolved Oxygen Excellent low flows and while CMM100 is 18 km downstream of the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Water bug Degraded 2 (LMWQCC), it would appear that the effects are Riparian condition Fair 1 felt a substantial way downstream when conditions dictate. The high nitrate continued to be felt all the way downstream to our lowest Murrumbidgee site at Reach Facts Taemas Bridge (CMM010 – see report card CMM13) Reach network length: approx. 18Km just above Burrinjuck Dam. The volunteer contacted Dominant land uses: Grazing, conservation the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This Murrumbidgee River reach starts at the confluence with Ginninderra Creek, and ends above confluence with Mullion Creek in Wallaroo. Much of this reach is surrounded by cleared grazing lands, and a very narrow riparian zone. In a few notable places, private landowners are undertaking riparian vegetation replantings to improve river condition.

Murrumbidgee River near the Ginninderra Creek confluence.

110 YASS CATCHMENT 111 Murrumbidgee River at Taemas Bridge - Spring 2016. Bridge Taemas at River Murrumbidgee Reach condition: Reach of turbidity readings moderate showed This reach the that has noted volunteer (10-22 NTU) and the occasions. in several yellowish was colour water on four of nitrate readings elevated were There 2017 in early March with the highest occasions Molonglo (10 mg/L). the Lower be from This may as was (LMWQCC) Centre Quality Control Water in CMM12 . suspected after transformed was Bridge Taemas at The site Usually lacking in and Spring rains. Winter good from the back fill vegetation, and in-stream edge young adjacent Burrunjuck Dam flooded the water for habitat some provided and eucalypts bugs. While the majority of bugs recorded of species, with high numbers tolerant were boatmen, and water striders water backswimmers, caught and mayflies caddisflies some were there depauperate this rather for which is a nice change site. for the well faired also Alas, the addition habitat in the caught juveniles Carp with seven introduced jumping recorded others and many Spring survey the site. at 2 1 5 No. Survey Fair Poor Poor Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded 20Km approx. Rural

Total Phosphorus Phosphorus Total pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result D (Poor) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result C- (Fair) C- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water This reach of the Murrumbidgee River is the most is the most River Murrumbidgee of the This reach Murrumbidgee on the of 13 reaches downstream is bridge Taemas at end The downstream River. of water impounded of the upstream immediately is cleared Burrinjuck. Much of this catchment Lake and a habitat with poor in-stream land, grazing zone. riparian degraded heavily times, and at narrow Dominant land uses: Dominant Reach Facts Reach length: network Reach

Mullion Creek confluence to Taemas Bridge above Burrinjuck Dam Burrinjuck above Bridge Taemas to confluence Creek Mullion Murrumbidgee River CMM13 River Murrumbidgee Yass River YAS1 Headwaters to Brooks Creek confluence, including Brooks Creek

2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) Reach condition. Water level regularly fluctuates on this section 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) of Yass River. In some occasions, there was no Parameter Rating No. Survey visible flow and the River formed isolated pools. Electrical conductivity continues to be a problem Water quality Good 13 in this reach and understandably, is worse when pH Excellent those pools have formed and the salts and Turbidity Excellent minerals are more concentrated. The electrical Total Phosphorus Excellent conductivity has deteriorated compared to last Nitrate Excellent year and got as high as 1110µS/cm in March after Electrical Conductivity Degraded a dry, hot Summer. Dissolved Oxygen Degraded Volunteers have commented on the “very lush Water bug Fair 3 surroundings” at YAS010, and it has been noted Riparian condition Fair 2 the presence of bulrushes, reeds, and water milfoil. Although a good ground cover is present throughout this reach, the amount that is native is Reach Facts still limited. Reach length: approx. 60km Dominant land uses: Rural, rural residential Spring and Autumn water bug surveys showed similar variety of species, and water striders were The upper Yass River and Brooks Creek represent a common finding at both YAS005 and YAS010. the top of the Yass River catchment. This reach is likely to represent the reference condition for this Tadpoles, frogs and fairy wrens were commonly catchment. Improving condition in this reach will spotted or heard by the volunteers, in addition to have benefits for the Yass River downstream. the sighting of a pair of wedge-tailed eagles on March 2017 at YAS010. .

Yass River looking upstream from YAS010.

112 YASS CATCHMENT 113 Kate Wilson sampling at ‘Goldenholm’. Wilson sampling at Kate Reach condition: Reach some has showed saturation oxygen Dissolved but lower reach (19-127%), on this variation Summer when the during late evident were values reduced. were flows up and the warmed water recorded was reading the lowest Surprisingly, 2017. Electrical on May Crossing Booth’s at reach, the throughout elevated was conductivity 1190µS/cm. 930 and reaching readings with two oxygen dissolved these assumed that only be It can affecting still results are conductivity and electrical and excellent of some in spite bug scores the water was While the bug score present. habitat diverse to continue bug types year, on last an improvement stonefly said, That numbers. in limited present be in Spring time here the first for caught were nymphs looking up. so things are the two variable between was Riparian condition of native regeneration The in this reach. sites Goldenholm at species and canopy understory hard the to thanks see, to is also great (YAS200) Wilson. and Jeremy Kate of volunteers work grebes baby wallabies, Swamp rats, Water Tadpoles, in this volunteers the by seen been and Carp have caught was smelt, an Australian fish, A native reach. survey. Spring bug in the 4 2 19 No. Survey Fair Fair Good Good Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Degraded Degraded rural

Total Phosphorus Phosphorus Total pH Turbidity Nitrate Conductivity Electrical Oxygen Dissolved Water bug Water Riparian condition 2015/16 CHIP Result B- (Good) 2015/16 CHIP Result Parameter 2016/17 CHIP Result B- (Good) B- CHIP Result 2016/17 Water quality Water Reach Facts Reach 30km length: approx. Reach land uses: Dominant This mid-section of the Yass River contains the major the contains Yass River This mid-section of the Creek. and Manton of Murrumbateman tributaries grazing. and used for cleared is largely The catchment with pasture poor, generally is Riparian condition bank and stock river the up to right improvement in this reach issues Likely evident. the river, access to reduced in- to leading include high sedimentation to due conductivity electrical and high habitat stream land use. historical

Dicks Creek confluence to Manton Creek confluence Creek to Manton confluence Creek Dicks Yass River YAS2 River Yass Yass River YAS3 Yass township to Lake Burrinjuck

2016/17 CHIP Result C+ (Fair) Reach condition: Elevated electrical conductivity readings, ranging 2015/16 CHIP Result C (Fair) from 420-950µS/cm, were recorded during Parameter Rating No. Survey medium to low flow. Values fell to 90-210 µS/cm after floods which diluted the River. Nitrate were Water quality Good 21 also considered high, especially in Hattons Corner pH Excellent and Chinaman’s Creek (5 mg/L). Turbidity Excellent Phosphorus Excellent It was positive to see abundant native understory Nitrate Degraded regeneration and total ground cover in this Electrical Conductivity Degraded reach, but native ground cover is still considered Dissolved Oxygen Excellent moderate. Habitat restoration projects are underway, led by landowners below the Water bug Poor 2 township, which should have a positive impact on Riparian condition Fair 2 catchment’s health over the long-term. Water bugs were represented mainly by tolerant Reach Facts species including 100+ shrimp in both Spring and Reach length: approx. 33km Autumn surveys, which tend to do well in waters Dominant land uses: urban, rural with high electrical conductivity. The township proximity is potentially affecting the water quality This downstream section of the Yass River includes and consequently the diversity of water bugs. the township of Yass and runs through extensive gorge country before running into Lake Burrinjuck. Volunteers have spotted Swamp wallabies, Flow is heavily influenced by Yass Dam and urban wallaroos, turtles, frogs and skimmers. Carp have inputs from the town are also likely to influence also been sighted in this reach. water quality in this reach. There is ongoing habitat rehabilitation occurring both in the Yass Gorge at the top of the reach and in downstream rural properties.

Yass River near ‘Hatton’s Corner’ downstream of Yass. (Photo: Rebecca Widows)

114 Additional Waterwatch Data While the CHIP exclusively uses data on water quality, water bug surveys and riparian condition, a range of other data sources collected by Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch provide additional information and important context to the CHIP. Platypus Month Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch runs surveys for Platypus and Water rats (Rakali) during Platypus Month (August) throughout the catchment. Surveys are conducted by enthusiastic volunteers early in the cold Winter mornings stationed along a predefined reach of river, at seven survey sites across our catchment. Surveys run for one hour and are conducted at least twice at each site. Surveys are conducted on the Molonglo River upstream of Lake Burley Griffin (MOL5), Jerrabomberra Wetlands (JER2), Murrumbidgee River at Tharwa (CMM8), Murrumbidgee River at Bush Heritage Australia’s Scottsdale Reserve (CMM6), Murrumbidgee River near Cooma (CMM4), Cooma Creek (COO2) and Numeralla River (NUM3). In August 2016 a total of 18 surveys were conducted across the survey sites thanks to 80 hardy volunteers. In total 16 individual Platypus and five Water rats were confirmed to be present, with Platypus present at every site with the exception of the Murrumbidgee at Tharwa. The most Platypus were recorded at CMM6, where five individuals were recorded during one survey. Three Platypus were recorded at MOL5, two each at CMM4, COO2 and NUM3, and one individual at CMM8 and JER2. One Water rat was recorded at MOL5, CMM4, CMM6, CMM8 and JER2. Waterwatch’s Platypus survey program is now in its fourth year and is the longest standing formal survey program tracking Platypus and Water rat numbers in the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment. The data is important because just the presence of Platypus in a waterway does not necessarily indicate good waterway health, rather it is the number of Platypus found along a given stretch of waterway which is more indicative. Monitoring long-term trends will also provide much needed information on the status of Platypus and Water rats in our waterways, which is currently lacking for our catchment. The need for this data is highlighted by the IUCN listing of the Platypus as ‘near threatened’, predicting that Platypus are in decline, with local extinctions possible in the future. Unfortunately, our friend the Water rat is also thought to be in decline. We are pleased to report that our data is also supporting action by the community to protect these charismatic and loved inhabitants in our local waterways. For example, the Cooma Creek surveys confirmed presence of Platypus in the Cooma Creek and the habitat is now being enhanced and protected as part of the NSW Environmental Trust funded ‘Improving the Cooma Creeks project’. Further information regarding Platypus Month can be found at: www.act.waterwatch.org.au/Platypus.html

115 Carp Love 20˚C European carp (Carp) were introduced into Australia (Victoria) almost 100 years ago. After a slow start, it wasn’t until the 1970s when their numbers grew rapidly and they spread throughout the Murray-Darling basin. In the mid-1970s, Carp were introduced into Lake Burley Griffin (accidently) and now make up ~75% of the fish biomass in the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment. They have many detrimental impacts on water quality and in-stream native flora and fauna. Efforts to control Carp will include targeted removal, improving natural ecosystem resilience, and potential releases of control agents such as a genetic modification termed ‘daughterless Carp technology’ and the Koi Herpes Virus. However, any intervention requires information on the biology and ecology of the species in order to be effective. At the present time, we know very little about the breeding biology and movement patterns of Carp in the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment. Carp Love 20˚C is a citizen science campaign initiated by Waterwatch in Spring 2015. With the assistance of the Invasive Animals CRC FeralScan portal (www.feralscan.org.au), the public can report sightings of Carp in the local waterways. In Spring when water temperatures reach around 20˚C, Carp start to spawn, often in a spectacular fashion, with large numbers of individuals aggregating in shallow water where vigorous chasing and splashing takes place. Over Spring and the first two weeks of summer of 2016, 65 records or Carp were made to the FeralScan portal, while 21 were specifically of Carp spawning behaviour. Sightings were made in and around Lake Burley Griffin, Sullivans Creek and Jerrabomberra Wetlands, along with riverine spawning events in the Yass River upstream of Yass township, Numeralla River and Cooma Creek. A comparison of spawning dates between 2015 and 2016 revealed that Carp tended to spawn a couple of weeks earlier in 2015 than in 2016. This highlights the importance of tracking the environmental conditions that occur when Carp are breeding to further our understanding of breeding and recruitment in this species in our region. This information will assist in managing future interventions to control Carp, as well as in building a model of Carp breeding, recruitment and movement within our catchment. More information can be found at: http://www.act.waterwatch.org.au/Feral%20Fish.html.

116 Volunteer list

Cooma Jim Wharton Chris Taylor Rita Brademann Stephanie Martin Ann Henkel Casey Gough Mark Shubert Annie Didcott Edel & Erich Stephans Dean Sugden Tim Scrace Frank Ingwersen Pam Vipond Alistair Bestow Alison Howell Gordon Roberts Gill & Tony Robinson Alex Thompson John Chapman Peter Strang Matthew Kent Corin Pennock Melinda Kent Rebeca Duarte Laurene Lewis Thalez Brito Bob & Jenny Cooper Emily Jones Alan & Marj Jones Ruth Kerryn Milligan & Phil Irons Claire Fitzgerald Ed & Sue Dawson Mia Jessurun Jackson Volker Isabella Somerville Morgan Blaschke Broad Alex Tomlinson Alexander Freeman Rebekah Vettasseri Remi Brademanne Abbie Wane Raen Brademanne Shelley Zhao Belinda Wilson Kai Johnson Gwenda Stockton Angus Funnall Sandra Henderson Alexandra Nichols Samantha Donohoe Joe Salmona Phil Palmer John Cannon

117 Ginninderra Valentina Columbo Sari Ruuska Alex Dudley Samantha Donohoe Portia Condell Woo O’Reilly Lesley Harland Luke Hulbert Gregg Berry Lyndsay Britt Johanna Wallner David Fitzsimmons Luke Wensing Ash Morris Kate Rhook Lisa Jobling Joe Zhou CIT students

Molonglo Peter Abbott & Fraser Argue Bernard Kertesz ANUgreen Sustainability Office Sylvia Larsson Kate Badek Sandy Lloyd John Bissett John Moore Tanya Boston Gail Neumann & Darryl Beaumont Michael Burton Tony Patis Ange Calliess Stuart Pearson Des & Jenan Cannon Peter Robertson & Deb Shaw Captains Flat Landcare Group Tanya Rough & Callum Bodenschatz Tim Carroll Royalla Landcare Group Eva Culek Phil Sahlqvist Bruce Davies Mike Sim Anna van Dugteren Amar & Vidya Singh Ema Falez & Chris Tracy Watson Woodlands Working Group Chloe & Stewart Foster Terry Williams Miranda Gardner Melissa Witham Sue Gibson Water buggers: Liz’s Green Army team, John, Colin, Hilary Gunn & Christine Bond Sharon, Ginny, Friends of Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Tim, Mel, Sonia, Jacob and Richard. Yan Jiang & Troy Delbridge Andrew Kaye

118 Southern ‘Aboriginal Green Army CVA Tidbinbilla Sanctuary Volunteer Interpreter ACT Parks and Conservation Service Program ‘Bidgee Blue’ Waterwatch group (Anne & Bill ‘Friends of Tidbinbilla’ Parkcare group Kerrigan) Green Army ‘Carers of Point Hut Pond’ Landcare ‘Gudgenby Bush Regenerators’ Parkcare Group Caroline Chisholm School (Martin Chalk, Michaela Popham, Samantha Donohoe) Owen Maycock Lake Tuggeranong College: Sustainability Unit Eli Charnock Lions Youth Haven Schools Program Bill Heng Namadji School Jaykeb Brooks-Johnson Outward Bound Australia Jack Toal ‘Paddy’s River’ Waterwatch Group Corey Foley ‘Park Carers of Southern Murrumbidgee’ Parkcare Vincent Narayan group(P.O.S.M) Connor McNaught ‘Sands’ Waterwatch Group Bill Meade Southwell Scout Group Venturers Deelai Chounlamountry Kim Uriarra Parkcare Group Ben Hur Bustillo Eileen Becker & Stuart Young Brooke Harder Richard Bland Riley Roberts Ben Bryant Connor Mann John Corcoran and Jan Koehler Rose Monkivitch Anthony Cory and Sue Bond Ashlee Kirkland Walt Daly Alex Spoor Nic & Kerry Marsham Zander Blount Alan Parker Eve Gaunt Ella Shaw Ashley Cooper Erindale College Conder Wetlands Waterwatch group Melrose High School ACE Science. Cooleman Ridge Parkcare group Weston Joey Scouts & Arrawang Girl Guides ‘Cuppacumbalong’ Waterwatch Group

Yass Richard Bland Rebecca Widdows Ginny Edwards Carol Boughton Kate Wilson Paul Churcher Jane Major Janette Ryan Fiona Hamer Krish Sanghvi

119 Glossary

Baseline monitoring: Galaxias: The collection of data prior to a planned A small species of native freshwater fish intervention/project Gorge: A narrow, steep-sided, often rocky area Biennial: immediately adjacent to a waterway Occurring once every 2 years Groundwater: Water that is sourced from deep within the soil Confluence: The intersection of two waterways Hydrograph: The relationship between river discharge and time Cyanobacteria: Photosynthesizing bacteria often responsible for Leachate: Liquid effluent containing harmful blue-green algae blooms substances Data deficient: Metamorphic: A type of rock, related to its process Being either unsampled or having insufficient of formation information to provide a confident assessment Macrophytes: Aquatic plants Dissolved oxygen: The amount of oxygen present within water, Nitrate: A naturally occurring form of Nitrogen. High either presented as an absolute amount (mg/L) or levels can indicate excessive nutrient inputs into as a percentage of the total oxygen saturation at a waterways given temperature pH: A measure of the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) Eastern gambusia: A small invasive pest fish of a solution introduced from central America Phosphorus: A naturally occurring element Electrical conductivity: essential to life. High levels are often implicated A measurement of the total combined salts/minerals in algal blooms in waterways. Measured as within water and used as a proxy for salinity Orthophosphate on CHIP Ephemeral: Reach: A length of waterway defined by Contains water intermittently, as opposed to hydrological, environmental, landuse and social permanent attributes for the purpose of reporting on ecosystem health Erosion: The loss of soil from the land into waterways Riparian: The zone immediately adjacent to a waterway, which both directly receives and Eutrophication: contributes to the aquatic ecosystem The rapid blooming of algae and cyanobacteria in nutrient-rich water, which can lead to depletion of Runoff:Water that flows into a waterway after rain dissolved oxygen Sand slug: A large intrusion of sand within a river Fish kill: channel A natural or artificially induced mass die-off of fish Sediment: Soil that has become washed into a occurring in a small space of time, often related to waterway rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen Stormwater: Same as runoff Flashy: A term used to describe the temporal response of Stressors: river discharge following rain Natural and man-made processes that can negatively affect natural ecosystem function Fragmented: Areas of habitat that have become disconnected Turbidity: due to habitat change The degree of suspended solids in water that gives it a muddy colour Frost hollow: An area of land that is subject to severe frosts. Willows: an introduced riparian tree species Often occurs near waterways

120 Abbreviations

ACWA: Actions for Clean Water Plan (an initiative N: Nitrogen to reduce turbidity in the upper Murrumbidgee) QAQC: Quality Assurance, Quality Control DO: Dissolved Oxygen P: Phosphorus EC: Electrical Conductivity RARC: Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition mg/L: Milligrams per Litre TSR: Travelling Stock Reserve μS: MicroSiemens UMDR: Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Units

121 Appendix I Cooma region CHIP scores by parameter

Molonglo region CHIP scores by parameter

122 Ginninderra region CHIP scores by parameter

Southern region CHIP scores by parameter

Yass region CHIP scores by parameter

123 Appendix II

CHIP Methodology Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch (Waterwatch) produces an annual catchment health report called the Catchment Health Indicator Program (CHIP), based upon the data collected by volunteers throughout the preceding year. This report is a key output of this program, and is used as both a communication tool and to inform management and policy regarding water resource use and protection. However, multiple complex calculations are involved in producing the CHIP, and numerous catchment groups around Australia produce similar (albeit slightly different) CHIPs. Conversely, specific details regarding these CHIPs are not generally forthcoming. This document aims to clearly outline the underlying philosophy and methodology regarding the Waterwatch 2015–2016 CHIP.

Multiple Types of Data Waterwatch volunteers and co-ordinators collect data relating to water quality, macro-invertebrate abundance and diversity, and riparian condition. Each of these data sources are ‘indices’ or ‘parameters’, which, when combined, form an ‘indicator’. Currently, the goal for volunteers is to collect water quality data every month, at every site. Volunteers and co-ordinators also collect aquatic macro-invertebrate data twice a year, in Spring and Autumn at key sites within each reach, generally near the bottom of each reach (to provide an indication of the entire reach). Finally, Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (RARC; Jansen et al. 2005) assessments are conducted by volunteers and co-ordinators at each site once every 2 years (biennially). RARCs are conducted at lower frequency, as riparian condition changes at a slower rate than macro-invertebrate assemblages, and water quality. All these data are combined into the CHIP. Finally, additional data regarding algae abundance and diversity, frog abundance and diversity, and Platypus abundance are used to provide context regarding catchment health, but are not formally included in the CHIP calculations (Table 1). More details regarding these additional data sources can be found in the section “Additional Data”

Water Quality Parameters Currently, volunteers strive to collect water quality data for multiple parameters every month (Table 1). These parameters have been widely established as the best indicators of water quality while being relatively easy to measure and have been discussed in detail previously (eg. Waterwatch Victoria 1999). While there are known (and unknown) site-specific variations in these parameters, it is generally accepted for a majority of these that a specific range of values indicate good catchment health (eg. ANZECC 2000). Deviations away from these ideal values indicate declining health of the waterway. It is this philosophy that underpins the computations of the CHIP, and the grading of catchment health (see Appendix III). Table 1. Summary of waterway health parameters collected by volunteers and co-ordinators, that are included in the CHIP. The values here reflect current goals, but are not always achieved in all instances. Parameter Frequency Number of sites Water Quality pH Monthly All sites Electrical Conductivity Monthly All sites Turbidity Monthly All sites Phosphorus Monthly All sites Nitrate Monthly All sites Dissolved oxygen Monthly All sites Temperature Monthly All sites Macro-invertebrates SIGNAL 2.0 Biannual (Spring & Autumn) Key sites (min 1/reach) Riparian Condition RARC Biennial All sites

124 Macro-invertebrates Aquatic fauna (and flora) are ideal indicators of catchment health, as they are entirely dependent on the waterway for their existence. Aquatic macro-invertebrates differ greatly in their requirements, and their tolerances to changes in their aquatic environment. Numerous programs exist to assess waterway health based upon abundance and diversity of macro-invertebrate assemblages (eg. AUSRIVAS, SIGNAL, ALT) and are similar in many respects. Waterwatch use SIGNAL 2.0, with macro-invertebrate identification to the order level (not family as with AUSRIVAS). Specific details of the sampling methodology are outlined in the SIGNAL 2.0 user manual (Chessman 2001; Chessman 2003). The SIGNAL 2.0 score obtained at each site receives an additional calculation to produce a modified stream pollution index. This helps to control for the diversity of macro-invertebrates found at a site. We have included an additional criteria this year, that examines whether the three key sensitive orders of Ephemeroptera (Mayflies), Plecoptera (Stoneflies) and Trichoptera (Caddisflies) are present, to aid with standardising scoring across the three data sources (WQ, Water bugs and RARC). This number is transformed (similar to the water quality parameters, above), and the median value of all the sampling periods within the reach (including Spring and Autumn surveys), before being included in the CHIP (Table 2). Further details are present in Appendix III.

Table 2. Summary of SIGNAL 2.0 scores, and thresholds between the CHIP score categories. Number of Taxa SIGNAL Score EPT Present EPT Absent >7 >5.5 Excellent Good >7 >5.5 Good Fair ≤ 7 ≤ 5.5 Fair Poor ≤ 7 ≤ 5.5 Poor Degraded

Riparian Condition The riparian zone along a waterway is integral to waterway health. The riparian zone performs several important functions, including acting as a buffer and filter to incoming runoff, and extracting nutrients from the waterway itself. Currently, RARC assessments are conducted biennially at all sites. A substantial number of surveys were conducted in Summer and Autumn 2015. This data has been incorporated for the first time into the CHIP in 2014–2015. RARC was developed for use along the Murrumbidgee River in open floodplains dominated by a River Red Gum overstorey. As such, its applicability to the upper Murrumbidgee River catchment, urban environments and non-riverine habitats is questionable. However, it is still likely to be an effective tool for recording changes in riparian composition over time, irrespective of the score. The thresholds applied in the 2015- 2016 CHIP are as follows (Table 3). These thresholds may be revised in the future, to better reflect the actual distribution of RARC scores present in the Upper Murrumbidgee River catchment. Table 3. Summary of RARC scores, and thresholds between CHIP score categories. RARC Score CHIP Parameter 41–50 Excellent = 1 31–40 Good = 2 21–30 Fair = 3 11–20 Poor = 4 0–10 Degraded = 5

125 Combining Water Quality, Macro-invertebrate and RARC Data Using the scores calculated for water quality, macro-invertebrates and RARC assessments, these values are averaged for each site. Currently, water quality, macro-invertebrates and RARCs are equally weighted in the CHIP. However, in the event that one of these is missing, a CHIP score is still produced. If two of the three assessments are missing for a reach, no CHIP score is produced. Data Density A potential source of bias can arise from insufficient data collection at sites within reaches. In order to overcome some of these issues, a rule has been applied to the water quality data to ensure a minimum amount of data is present, before a CHIP score is produced. Currently, a minimum of 25% of total potential water quality data must be present for a CHIP score to be produced. This is calculated by dividing the total number of sampling events available for analysis in the preceding year, by the number of sites within a reach, multiplied the number of total sampling events that should have occurred (12). This provides a proportional measure of the amount of sampling that has taken place within a reach in the preceding 12 months. In the event that <25% of data was collected, the water quality data is not included in the computation of a CHIP score.

The CHIP Score The resulting CHIP score for each reach provides an indication of the overall health of that particular reach. While specific site-level variations (eg. some sites have naturally high electrical conductivity, low pH etc) may receive lower scores, it therefore requires that careful interpretation of these CHIP values be undertaken prior to making inferences of catchment health. In addition, the application of SIGNAL 2.0 in non-flowing aquatic habitats and RARC assessments in heavily urbanised environments may produce unusually low scores. In these instances, comparing within reaches, between years will be more appropriate than comparing between reaches, within years. These considerations must be taken into account when using and interpreting the CHIP. Finally, vitally important context is provided by the Waterwatch coordinators, who know the underlying geology, hydrology, landuse and history of the catchments. Their expert knowledge is critical to valid interpretations of the CHIP scores.

References ACT Government (2005) Environment Protection Regulation (2005) ANZECC (2000) Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality Volume 1. October 2000 Chessman, B (2003) New sensitivity grades for Australian river macroinvertebrates. Marine and Freshwater Research 54: 95-103 Chessman, B. (2001) SIGNAL 2. A scoring system for macro-invertebrates (‘water bugs’) in Australian rivers. Version 2. November 2001. Jansen, Robertson, Thompson and Wilson (2005). Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition. Version 2. Land and Water Australia Walker, J. and D.J. Reuter (1996) Indicators of catchment health. A technical perspective. CSIRO Publishing Waterwatch Victoria (1999) Specific Indicators [Online] Available at: http://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/ file/file/Data%20Interpretation%20Manual/Pages%20from%20WW_DI_MANUAL_PART%20B%20%28p_19- 35%29.pdf accessed 10/09/2014

126 Appendix III

Refining macroinvertebrate scores for the 2015–2016 CHIP

Background: As part of the continual process of improving the rigour and transparency behind the calculation of CHIP scores, this year we have re-evaluated the process regarding how macro-invertebrate survey data contributes to producing final reach scores. Throughout the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 CHIP reports, macro-invertebrate scores have been based upon the divisions defined in the SIGNAL 2.0 manual (Chessman 2003; Table 1). Table 1. Previous approach to computing CHIP scores based on macro-invertebrate sensitivities and and abundance, as defined by SIGNAL 2.0 (Chessman 2003). Number of macroinvertebrate orders SIGNAL SCORE 0 - 7 >7 >5.5 Fair Excellent ≤ 5.5 Poor Good

Macro-invertebrate surveys are categorised into 1 of 4 categories based on the number of taxonomic groups (Orders) and the weighted sensitivity of those orders collected (Chessman 2003). For example, where the weighted sensitivity is >5.5 and the number of taxa >7, will result in a CHIP score of “Excellent”. Conversely, a weighted sensitivity of ≤ 5.5 and ≤ 7 taxa would result in a CHIP score of “Poor”. Unfortunately, this does not fit well with our 5 category ranking of catchment health. Indeed, under the previous scheme, it would be impossible to score a reach as “Degraded”, as there is no “Degraded” category for macro-invertebrates.

Adjusting the score to 5 levels TTo make the adjustment to a 5-level scoring system for macro-invertebrates, we have incorporated an additional criteria to the computation of the CHIP score for each macro-invertebrate survey (Table 2). This additional criteria examines whether all three EPTs (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) are present. If 2 or less are present (eg. any one or more of these taxonomic groups are missing), then scores are penalised (Table 2). Table 2. New macroinvertebrate scoring system for the 2015-16 CHIP. Number of Taxa SIGNAL Score EPT Present EPT Absent >7 >5.5 Excellent Good >7 >5.5 Good Fair ≤ 7 ≤ 5.5 Fair Poor ≤ 7 ≤ 5.5 Poor Degraded

Why EPTs? The “EPTs” (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) are the three orders of highly sensitive water bugs – The Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies. These three orders are generally present where both water quality and aquatic habitat are in excellent condition. Indeed, in all surveys undertaken in the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment by waterwatch in the last two years, all surveys listed as “Excellent” contained these three orders. Both nationally and internationally, there is a strong focus on the EPTs as they are universally considered to be good indicators of good catchment health (eg. Marchant et al. 1995).

127 What do these changes mean for the CHIP?’ The main effect this change will have on the CHIP report is providing greater differentiation between Good, Fair and Poor reaches. Furthermore, it will now be mathematically plausible to score a reach as “Degraded”. All previous sites scored as Excellent are unlikely to change, however reaches scored as Good, Fair and Poor have greater scope to shift downwards, if these three important taxa are missing from their macro- invertebrate surveys.

How does this change the previous CHIP? By way of examination of these changes on the CHIP result, here we present a comparison of CHIP scores from the 2014–2015 CHIP report, with the old CHIP scores, and the new (Table 3). Table 3. Summary of changes to the reach scores from the 2014-15 CHIP with the update in macroinvertebrate scoring. SCORE OLD NEW Excellent 4 4 Good 45 34 Fair 36 42 Poor 5 10 Degraded 0 0

In the 2015-2016 CHIP, we present the 2014-2015 CHIP results with the updated macro-invertebrate scoring system, to facilitate direct comparison between the two reports. Chessman, B (2003) New sensitivity grades for Australian river macroinvertebrates. Marine and Freshwater Research 54: 95-103 Marchant, R., Barmuta, LA., and BC Chessman (1995) Influence of sample quantification and taxonomic resolution on the ordination of macroinvertebrate communities from running waters in Victoria, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 46: 501-506

128 Appendix IV

Refining water quality thresholds for the CHIP

Background: In developing the 2013–2014 CHIP, a set of thresholds had to be applied to the water quality parameters in order to produce water quality scores. These are summarised in Table A2 of Appendix III of the 2013–2014 CHIP report (Table 1). Table 1. Summary of 2013–2014 water quality thresholds for the CHIP report. Indicator Rating Excellent - 1 Good - 2 Fair - 3 Poor - 4 Degraded - 5 5.5 – 5.9 or 5 – 5.5 or pH 6.0 – 6.9 8.0 – 8.5 <5 or >9 7.0 – 7.9 8.5 – 8.9 EC (mS) <= 65 <= 200 <= 350 <= 400 > 400 Turbidity (NTU) <= 10 <= 12.5 <= 15 <= 20 > 20 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) (Not included in CHIP) 85 – 95 or 65 – 75 or Dissolved oxygen saturation(%) 95 – 105 75 – 85 < 65 or > 120 105 – 110 115 – 120 Phosphorus < 0.01 0.01 – 0.02 0.02 – 0.05 0.05 – 0.09 > 0.09 Nitrate (mg/L) < 1.0 1 – 4.9 5 – 9.9 10 – 15 > 15

These thresholds are based largely on those developed by the Molonglo CHIP report (M-CHIP). The M-CHIP values were developed in 2 parts – an urban and rural scale. The rural-scale values were used for the 2013–2014 CHIP report, with a few minor tweaks (mostly to dissolved oxygen) before being implemented. Unfortunately, there is no clear evidence trail of how these thresholds were developed, and so we treated them as based upon expert knowledge. For the 2014–2015 CHIP report, we aimed to develop a new set of thresholds based upon water quality data collected in the ACT region. The key issues in developing these new thresholds will be outlined here.

Identifying a data set: independence, data quality and reference sites Numerous sources (ANZECC, ACT Water Regulations, other catchment report cards) promote the development of meaningful thresholds based upon a ‘training dataset’. A training dataset is a relevant water quality dataset used to determine thresholds which can be applied to data collected throughout the catchment for the purposes of reporting. The strengths of this approach are that thresholds are locally relevant, are developed in a transparent manner and are updateable and repeatable. Ideally, an independent dataset would be used to redefine thresholds. This has two major benefits. Firstly, an independent dataset would not be burdened with any real or perceived data quality issues that volunteer collected data may have. Key issues regarding sampling bias, accuracy and precision of equipment and reporting of data can be eliminated. Secondly, thresholds developed from an independent dataset may be retrospectively applied to all Waterwatch data. The use of Waterwatch data would prevent the application of thresholds to data used to define the thresholds (a problem of circularity). There are limited sources of data available in the ACT region which may be used to develop thresholds. The most obvious data sources are those collected and maintained by the ACT Government, Icon Water and University of Canberra.

129 In examining the external water quality to develop thresholds, a key consideration is the choice of sites with which to use to create new thresholds. Obviously, the choice of sites will have a major impact on the threshold values produced. Sites that are considered to represent ‘reference condition’ are preferred over all others. Reference condition is defined, for the purposes of the CHIP, as sites that represent minimally impacted areas in the ACT region. Ideally, these sites will exist in minimally impacted agricultural or conservation managed lands, without significant impacts from urban centres or major developments. A second key issue is the amount of data available. This is further complicated by the impact that the millennium drought had on reference site condition. For example, data from reference sites of the AUSRIVAS macro-invertebrate monitoring program showed major declines in the relative health of some reference sites during the millennium drought. This is not surprising, but including data that shows negative impacts of drought would influence the discriminatory power that the reference condition approach could provide. These impacts are likely to be present in water quality data that exists from the same time period.

Defining the thresholds There are numerous ways water quality data could be categorised to produce a score, but we have chosen to use percentiles derived from a frequency histogram of water quality data taken from reference sites to define the thresholds for the CHIP. Our approach is outlined in figure 2. After creating a frequency histogram from reference condition data, the threshold values for each parameter are defined using the 80th (Excellent), 90th (Good), 95th (Fair), 99th (Poor) and >99th (Degraded) percentiles. The implicit assumption is that parameter values that occur in excess of 80% of the time in the reference sites reflect excellent quality, with rarer occurring events being of lower quality. Finally, it is assumed that ‘degraded’ water quality would only be observed <1% of the time in a reference condition site. Figure 2. Depiction of defining thresholds based upon a frequency distribution of data.

Identification of ‘reference sites’ The selection of sites from which to produce thresholds will have a major impact on final scores produced in the CHIP report. Site selection is critical to how scores are interpreted. While arguably the score is irrelevant, and rather the change in any site/reach through time is more important, the reality is that scores will be interpreted directly without appropriate thought to how they were derived. Preference will be to select sites that exhibit minimal levels of agricultural and urban impacts. Avoiding urban influences should be relatively straightforward, however agriculture is widespread throughout the upper Murrumbidgee catchment, hence obtaining sites without agricultural impacts will be difficult. Furthermore, historical impacts from agriculture, mining and land clearing may still be having pervasive impacts on water quality, which may be hard to identify in the first instance, and may not be readily avoidable, in any case. As such, ‘reference condition’ must not be interpreted as ‘pristine’. Rather, it reflects the condition of minimally impacts sites within the catchment. As such, long-term goals aspiring towards water quality in sites equivalent to that of reference condition is a worthy goal, yet by no means suggests a return to pristine or non-impacted conditions.

130 There are limited sites in the Upper Murrumbidgee River catchment that have long-term data records from which to derive frequency distributions. Data available from Icon water for the Upper Cotter River catchment (above, and including Corin reservoir) and water quality collected from the Goodradigbee River catchment represent the most practical ‘reference condition’ datasets for the CHIP. The catchments to the east of the Murrumbidgee River have a different underlying geology compared to the catchments west of the Murrumbidgee River (eg. The Cotter River, and Goodradigbee River.) Likewise, the Ginninderra and Yass catchments may tend to exhibit high electrical conductivity compared to other catchments. With additional data, electrical conductivity thresholds would be developed for the Molonglo, Ginninderra and Yass catchments, provided suitable data from ‘reference condition’ sites could be found. This is highly unlikely to occur.

Data availability Icon Water generously provided water quality data for 2 riverine sites upstream of Corin reservoir, three sites within the upstream-most section of Corin reservoir, and data from 3 sites on the Goodradigbee River, and 3 sites on tributaries of the Goodradigbee River, collected by University of Canberra (Table 1). Table 1. Summary of sites used to define reference condition for CHIP thresholds Site Name Years of data Parameters

Cotter Hut 2007-2014 pH, turbidity, EC, DO

Gingera 2003-2015 pH, turbidity, EC, DO

Corin Reservior site 7 1994-2015 TN, TP

Corin Reservior site 8 1993-2015 TN, TP

Kangaroo Ck 2003-2015 TN, TP

Goodradigbee River site 1 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Goodradigbee River site 2 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Goodradigbee River site 3 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Goodradigbee Tributary 1 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Goodradigbee Tributary 2 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Goodradigbee Tributary 3 2006-2015 pH, Turbidity, EC, TN, TP

Data analysis Data analysis involved producing frequency histograms of each of the water quality parameters at each site. Firstly, the impact of the millennium drought was explored by comparing histograms for data collected 2010-current, against pre-2010 data. If no observable difference in distributions was present, data was combined. If significant differences were present, only data post-2010 was considered for threshold production. After identifying non-drought impacted data, sites were combined and examined. If substantial differences in distributions were evident across sites, they were not combined. Conversely, if no major discrepancies were present, data across sites was combined. The exception to this rule was made for electrical conductivity –the upper Cotter River is very low in electrical conductivity, compared to the Goodradigbee catchment. We chose to combine data from the Cotter River and Goodradigbee River to produce EC thresholds for the CHIP as this will better reflect the apparent naturally higher EC readings from other areas in the catchment such as the Molonglo and Ginninderra.

131 Current thresholds Table 2 presents the threshold values applied in the current CHIP. Thresholds were developed based upon the 80th (excellent), 90th (Good), 95th (Fair), 99th (Poor) and > 99th (Degraded) percentiles, for each parameter. For pH and dissolved oxygen, the 10th and 90th (Excellent), 5th and 95th (Good), 2.5th and 97.5th (Fair), 0.5th and 99.5th (Poor) and <0.5th and >99.5th (Degraded) percentiles were used to define thresholds. These thresholds were redefined for the 2014-15 CHIP report onwards. Table 2: Water quality CHIP thresholds. Parameter Excellent Good Fair Poor Degraded

6.1 – 6.5, 5.7 – 6.0, 5.4 – 5.6, pH 6.6 – 7.8 < 5.4, > 8.6 7.9 – 8.0 8.1 – 8.2 8.3 – 8.6

EC (uS) ≤ 98 99 – 156 157 – 212 213 – 404 > 404

Turbidity (NTU) ≤ 10 11 – 16 17 – 36 37 – 90 > 90

DO (mg/L) (Not included in CHiP)

81 – 83, 78 – 80, DO Sat. (%) 88 – 99 84 – 87, 100 < 78, > 115 101 – 106 107 – 115

Phosphorus (mg/L) < 0.02 0.02 – 0.03 0.04 – 0.05 0.06 – 0.08 > 0.08

Nitrate (mg/L) < 1.0 1.0 – 1.3 1.4 – 1.7 1.8 – 2.6 > 2.6

Going forward: interpreting the CHIP Interpreting CHIP scores must explicitly consider how the scores were derived. The data used to derive the water quality thresholds come from water quality monitoring sites in the upper Cotter River catchment and the Goodradigbee River catchment. As such, all WQ CHIP scores are to be considered in relation to the ‘reference condition’.

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