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Community and school planting days to be hosted

1200 native trees and shrubs to be planted

Invasive weeds to be removed along 800m of riparian zone

The OzFish River Repair Bus and community members are working to reduce erosion, improve water quality and support native fish, including Murray cod, in the Coolaburragundy River.

The impact of droughts and floods

The Coolaburragundy River is a key location for a range of recreational activities for local people in Coolah. Unfortunately, the river and its surrounding areas have been badly affected by drought and, more recently, floods. 

The impact of both these severe events has been increased erosion along the riverbanks and a corresponding drop in water quality. This has caused a reduction in being able to use the river for fishing and other activities. 

The droughts and floods have left the river’s riparian zone largely devoid of native vegetation, with only grass remaining and sections of large woody invasive weeds in other areas. This leads to instability in riverbanks and increased amounts of soil entering the waterway. 

Working together to put things right

OzFish volunteers and members of Dunedoo-Coolah Landcare are undertaking weed control on the privet and poplars along 800m of the river and planting 700 native trees and plants. 

The presence of native trees overhanging the river will provide native fish with an important source of shade, shelter, and food. 

The project activity will complement what the local community has already achieved with the creation of a riverside trail walk. Sponsored and delivered by locals, this features picnic tables, art sculptures, memorial trees, and is regularly maintained by volunteers.

In addition to the community planting day, the project delivered a carp muster fishing competition and will see engagement events with the local community and schools. The local Men’s Shed and Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre will also be involved. 

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LATEST NEWS

29 March 2023 | Catching carp for river health in Coolah

29 March 2023 | Catching carp for river health in Coolah

It’s been a busy few weeks of community engagement and habitat revitalisation in Dunedoo and Coolah, with two carp musters and a tree planting in the remote NSW communities. Saturday 11th March, OzFish supported Dunedoo-Coolah Landcare with the Dunedoo Carp Muster, which saw 144 participants catch over 400 carp from the surrounding rivers. The locals competed for prizes in a number of categories, including longest carp, most caught and best dressed, all in an effort to have fun while improving river health.

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This project is in partnership with Dunedoo-Coolah Landcare and is funded by NSW Recreational Fishing Trust’s Habitat Action Grants, National Australia Bank Foundation and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.