River Health Linking Woolgrowers on Upper Macquarie

Helping Tasmanian woolgrowers better manage their rivers and farm waterways to meet both production and environmental goals is the objective of the unique Rivers and Water Quality research project taking place in the Tasmanian midlands. If you would like to read more about farm water ways in Tasmania click on this link [Managing Rivers & Streams in Tasmania: A Woolgrowers Guide](http://products.lwa.gov.au/products_details.asp?pc=PX071295)

The Tasmanian Midlands was one of the earliest settled areas in Australia and is renowned internationally for its fine wool production.

The Midlands project will examine the impact of different grazing systems on the upper Macquarie River and then develop strategies for improving its health by trialing a range of management techniques.

Project Manager Michael Askey-Doran of the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment said this approach will help to preserve the river and its tributaries and subsequently ensure Tasmanian woolgrowers continue to produce some of the finest and cleanest wool in the world.

“In particular, the results should enable graziers to make more informed decisions when it comes to managing their native vegetation along watercourses,” he said.

The project is monitoring the upper Macquarie River to identify the impacts of stock and how woolgrowers can improve management of their riverbanks.

Michael Askey-Doran said that weeds represent a significant problem along rivers in wool growing areas. “In the Tasmanian midlands woody weeds such as willow, gorse and hawthorn may form dense patches, whilst a range of introduced herbaceous and grass species can dominate the ground layer,” he said.

“Woolgrowers also express concern that the willows have adversely affected flooding patterns in the river and consequently impacted upon the surrounding floodplain. The Rivers project is looking at various aspects of weed control and documenting the outcomes of that work.”

Michael said the removal of weeds and fencing out of stock does not necessarily mean that you will get a better river. “You could in fact end up with other problems, which can degrade any of the existing natural values," he said. "The trick is to find the right management solution for a particular problem, and this may vary across different properties.”

One of the property owners closely watching the results occurring on his property is Lindsay Young of ‘Lewisham’ at Ross. A couple of years ago Lindsay decided to fence off his section of the river to protect the health of his sheep and to improve the river.

“We have been really impressed with the results so far,” Lindsay said. “The riverbank where the sheep used to tramp has repaired itself really quickly and I am noticing more and more native shrubs.

“This winter, where we have removed the willow trees, we will plant long stemmed tubestock and poa tussocks which will further enhance the river and hopefully attract platypus and fish to the area.”

According to Project Communications Officer Biz Nicolson the Rivers project is unique compared to similar projects in that it is carefully balancing scientific expertise with the intuition and practical experience of woolgrowers.

“While science is obviously hugely important in research projects of this kind, it often leaves out the human element,” she said.

“Woolgrowers have a connection to and history with the land that cannot be ignored and which is often just as valuable as the scientific evidence.”

One of the most rewarding elements of the project has been the optimistic response Lindsay has received from other farmers.

“Having witnessed the positive changes, particularly from a sheep management point of view, three of my four neighbours have since decided to fence off their sections of the river,” he said.

Michael Askey-Doran said woolgrowers do not necessarily make changes to riverbank management because they are going to profit from it financially.

“They change because there will be broad range of benefits - in some cases, it is profit-related, but in other cases it’s because they feel they have a responsibility to look after the river or because they want future generations to benefit from better environmental management,” he said.

First published May 2004. For more information go to the Rivers and Water Quality Sub-program.