Waterway restoration upstream of the confluence of the Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers, Oaks estate
The upper Molonglo catchment (which includes the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers) represents 37% of the lake Burley griffin catchment.
Reaches of both rivers have been rehabilitated to help improve the quality of water in the catchment, in surrounding areas and in Lake Burley Griffin.
The infrastructure work included rock chutes, stock exclusion fencing, weed removal, pest control and revegetation downstream of the Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve to Oaks End Road, and in the Queanbeyan River from the ACT border to the confluence with the Molonglo River.
The works will reduce the amount of erosion on the banks while also improving the site’s aesthetics. An increase in biodiversity and a reduction in weeds should encourage native plants, birds, aquatic species and other animals.
The creation of a riparian buffer (a vegetated area which helps shade and partially protect the stream from the impact of adjacent land uses) of approximately 10 metres will have a major stabilising influence on stream systems, reducing the rates of channel change and helping to maintain the natural ecological balance.
The works will prevent over 46,000 kilograms each year of suspended sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous entering the water.
More information
Find out what you can do on your own block to improve water quality in our lakes and waterways.
