Robin Aitken, Jonathan Sanders, Peta McKenzie, Samuel Austin, Ryan Ellis, Rory Boland, Asher Macela, Jordan Lorford-Reid, Kody James, Teiya Thornberry, Taylah Boatwood, Thackery Grimshaw, Iris Cuddy, Matilda Cramp, Kendra Campbell and Janeen Coutanche.
Students from Canowindra High School have been involved in fishy business along the Belubula River as part of a collaborative fish monitoring program with Newcrest’s Cadia Valley Operation’s (Cadia) and the Belubula Landholders Association.
The program, developed by Cadia with Dr Fish Contracting, is a three-year project to sample, record and improve the ecological health in one of the region’s most important water ways.
Cadia general manager, Aaron Brannigan said the partnership with local students, community representatives and industry leaders combined is an example of how everyone has a role to play in maintaining and improving the health of the catchment.
“We appreciate that water is a precious resource for all to share and this project provides the perfect background to better understand our waterways and share this knowledge for the benefit of future generations,” Aaron said.
Dr Fish Consulting’s Adam Kerezsy, a freshwater ecologist who has studied the rivers and springs of inland Australia for over 20 years, said the project is important to the region as the Belubula, like many small catchments in the Murray-Darling Basin, is not well known.
“Thanks to Newcrest, this is the first dedicated survey of the Belubula. The initial results include the first records of a small native fish (Australian smelt) as well as juvenile Murray cod,” Adam said.
“Without accurate biological information it is difficult to manage catchments and the best people to conduct this work are those who live in the area.”
“This program will provide the background data needed to support the potential biologists and river managers of the future, possibly from the Canowindra High School students who supported the program,” Adam said.
Canowindra High School science teacher, Peta McKenzie said the students thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the project as it provided hands-on learning that cannot be replicated in the classroom environment.
“Building their understanding of the complex connections between mining, the environment and conservation was rewarding and seeing them return to the classroom inspired by their participation and conversations was fabulous,” Peta said.
The students were equally excited for the opportunity to be part of the program, citing that hands-on learning provided them a better understanding of fish ecosystems in the region.
“Working in the field instead of the classroom was a new and educational experience and it took our understanding of biology and environmental management in our local area to another level. Adam took the time to share his knowledge of the Belubula River and the local catchment. Our experience working in the field highlighted the many and varied occupational health and safety checks and obligations that are required when working in different outdoor environments,” student Ryan Ellis said.
“The staff from Cadia taught us about being safe on the job, particularly when working around the river and it was inspiring to see two young women working successfully in their chosen fields. They highlighted the many different work opportunities that are available in the mining and environmental science industries,” student Rory Boland said.
The partnership with Canowindra High School and the Belubula Landholders Association will continue throughout the three-year program, with students under the guidance of Dr Fish Contracting, assessing the Belubula River and creeks twice a year.