Kicking off a new eco-hydrological investigation at Thunder Swamp, near Bendigo
NGT is proud to share the news that we have been engaged by DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) to undertake an independent investigation of Thunder Swamp, a wetland situated on Myers Creek approximately 40km north of Bendigo.
NGT’s independent role will allow us to bring together cultural knowledge, western science, historic information and complement these sources with the experiences of local land managers, farmers, hunters and field naturalists, to underpin our collective understanding of the wetland.
The site
As shown in the map below, approximately half of the wetland is situated within Thunder Swamp Wildlife Reserve, while the other (eastern) half is situated on private land.
The site and its catchment have been impacted by a long and complex history of change, in particular changes to where and how water moves through, or is retained in, the landscape. We are aware that some of those changes are likely impacting the cultural and environmental values of the wetland.
Kicking off the eco-hydrological investigation
Ayesha and Mark from NGT kicked off the project recently, by spending a full day with with Gatjin (Water) Project Manager, Conan Peterson and five Djaara Members (Dja Dja Wurrung people) who have formed a Wartaka (a “come together with purpose” DJAARA project advisory group, providing cultural advice) and are acting as our reference point with the wider Kapa Gatjin group.
Kapa Gatjin is a long established Dja Dja Wurrung water knowledge group, that provides cultural guidance and knowledge on water management and custodianship.
After spending the morning in Bendigo with the Wartaka and discussing a whole lot of wetland restoration background material, we spent the afternoon out on site. This allowed us to begin to review and assess the present condition of the wetland, its cultural significance and the impact of past changes to its hydrology. Despite its currently dry state, we have already learned a lot!
A huge thank you to the Wartaka for making us feel so welcome.
After a wide-ranging, insightful discussion the following day with the owner of the private portion of Thunder Swamp, the rest of the week was spent meeting with and getting to know a wide range of other people – a process that is still underway – as we seek to connect early in the project with anyone who has knowledge of Thunder Swamp.
We are doing our best to speak to everyone with an interest in the site or the project up front, before we commence the research process in detail, so that we can go on the journey of discovery together over the months ahead. This will also provide an opportunity for feedback and ongoing two-way information sharing throughout the project.
We are also keen to reiterate that – given the nature of the process we are about to embark on, and the fact that half of the wetland is situated on private land – there are no pre-determined outcomes.
Do you have any knowledge of Thunder Swamp?
With this in mind, if you – or someone you know – has any knowledge of Thunder Swamp, nearby Tang Tang Swamp, or the wider Kamarooka wetland complex half and hour north of Bendigo, then please get in touch!
If you have any interesting observations, photos, maps, records or stories from the site, including historic information, we’d appreciate you sharing this with us, so that this can also help inform the investigation as it gets underway.
As this marks the beginning of the process of gathering, assembling and reviewing information, we look forward to sharing the fascinating journey ahead with you.
Nature Glenelg Trust project contact details:
Ayesha Burdett
Senior Wetland Ecologist
Mob | 0429 021 500
Email |
Mark Bachmann
Managing Director / Founder
Mob | 0421 97 8181
Email |
This project is being delivered by NGT in partnership with DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation),
representing Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara), with funding provided by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder
