The next big project planned for Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc (YACTAC) is the Colombo Creek Baseline Assessment. Dr John Conallin and Dan Hutton are helping to put together a plan to complement existing ecosystem health programs being undertaken by the Flow-MER Program (CEWH-funded) and Refreshing Rivers Program. This program will focus on carp removal, and the distribution and health of trout cod and eel-tailed catfish populations in Colombo Creek.

It is proposed that electrofishing will be conducted 4 times/year for carp removal, thus reducing biomass in the hopes of yielding ecological benefits like those seen in the ROAR Project at the Billabong in Conargo. Species-specific electrofishing and netting will also occur, around March when breeding has already occurred and populations are likely at their strongest. This will give an accurate overview of native fish populations, particularly trout cod and eel-tailed catfish. This will occur each year for three years.

Further to this, a recent discovery of an olive perchlet in Colombo Creek has attracted CEWH funding. Thought to have been locally extinct, this discovery has excited researchers. Brolgas are also known to breed in this area.

We are grateful for funding from Local Land Services, the Refreshing Rivers Program, and Murrumbidgee Council for Central Billabong engagement, weed and carp control, as well as small grants that support community and school activities. These projects continually highlight the health and diversity of the Yanco Creek System, which is a direct result of member support via the Yanco Creek System Levy and YACTAC membership over many years.

YACTAC are on the lookout for landholders along Colombo Creek who think they have suitable areas and are willing to be a part of this project.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Karen (YACTAC Project Officer).

Email: env@yactac.org.au  or Phone: 0437 192 444.

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