Carp cleanup on the Lachlan River, Forbes

The Lachlan River, flowing through Forbes, NSW, has faced the pressures of invasive species, pollution, and environmental decline. In response, a passionate group of locals came together in spring 2024 for a carp muster, river cleanup, and tree-planting initiative designed to revive the waterway and inspire community-led conservation.

A collaborative effort to protect local waterways

The project united a diverse network of local groups, including OzFish Forbes Chapter volunteers, Landcare members, the Wiradjuri Cultural and Environmental Ranger Group, Dubbo Golf Club, and First Nations youth from Boys to the Bush. This collective effort emphasised collaboration between community members, conservation organisations, and Traditional Custodians to drive real, positive change for the Lachlan River.

Tackling invasive species and pollution

The heart of the project was a community carp muster, where volunteers worked to catch and remove over 200 kilograms of invasive European carp. These pest fish are known for damaging native habitats and degrading water quality, but thanks to the event, each carp caught was humanely processed and repurposed as fertiliser by local farmers. Alongside the muster, the community also removed at least 200 kilograms of rubbish from the riverbanks, ensuring cleaner, healthier waters for local wildlife.

Growing a healthier habitat

Beyond pest removal and rubbish collection, the project planted over 500 native trees and shrubs along the Lachlan River’s banks. These plants will help stabilise the soil, reduce erosion, filter runoff, and offer shelter and food for native fish, birds, and other wildlife — providing lasting benefits for the river ecosystem and the local community.

Building stewardship for future generations

At its core, this project wasn’t just about cleaning up, it was about connecting people to the river and fostering long-term environmental stewardship. By combining hands-on conservation with community engagement, the events inspired locals to care for the Lachlan River beyond the day’s work, helping to ensure a healthier, more resilient waterway for generations to come.

This project is in collaboration with the NSW Landcare volunteers, NSW DPIRD Fisheries, Boys to the Bush, Wiradjuri Cultural and Environmental Ranger Group, Dubbo Golf Club and Narromine Shire Council with funding from the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership, Australian Government through the CRC Program and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.