The Narrap Rangers from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation recently re-wetted the ephemeral wetland at Nangak Tamboree, using pumping equipment on loan from Parks Victoria, after discovering that changes in the drainage system meant this valuable wetland was no longer receiving the water it needed.
Working together, the Narrap Unit, DCMC, La Trobe University and Melbourne Water developed a plan: take advantage of the dry conditions to run an Autumn Narrap burn, clearing excess biomass and allowing indigenous plants to regenerate while opening it up for targeted weed control in the months that followed.
Manager of Catchment and Engagement from Darebin Creek Management Committee, Danny Reddan said ‘Restoration of urban billabongs and waterways is a key action in the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung’s recently released Country Plan and ephemeral wetlands like this are increasingly rare and critically important habitat for our wildlife.’
With help from Parks Victoria, the Narrap Unit put water back into the wetland - and watching it come alive again with frogs, insects and birds has been deeply rewarding. The Nangak Tamboree partners are now working on a long-term solution to return the site to more natural wetting and drying cycles.
‘The Narrap Unit’s lead in identifying the altered hydrological issues impacting the wetland and developing a solution in collaboration with partners, demonstrates the benefits of First Peoples self -determination in healing Country’ Danny said.
‘Almost immediately after the Narrap Rangers redirected water into the wetland, it was again thriving with insects, birds, and frogs and at least two tiger snakes’
This is part of the greater Nangak Tamboree restoration plan across the Bundoora campus and Darebin Creek, to learn more visit Nangak Tamboree, University City of the Future, About La Trobe University City, La Trobe University.
