Floodplain earthworks at Carwoola are now complete as part of the Molonglo Catchment Rehydration Initiative. Seven floodplain earthworks sites were completed that involve cut outs on historical levee banks on the floodplain. These cut outs in the levees enable flood runners to activate and fill up the wetlands on the floodplain. This aims to restore the natural hydrological regime and floodplain function to enhance breeding habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.
Two wetlands have also been constructed that will provide further breeding habitat for the frog and enable manual water level control in one of the wetlands in an effort to mitigate the impact of the introduced mosquito fish – Gambusia holbrooki, on the breeding success of the frogs.
Senior Landscape Planner Jack Smart supervised the construction of these floodplain earthworks and was supported by herpetologist and Green and Golden Bell Frog expert Sam Patmore during the construction of the wetlands.
Stage two of the Carwoola earthworks including seven levee cut outs, two constructed wetlands and extensive revegetation. These interventions build on the success in February this year with the construction of eight instream structures to raise the water level of the Molonglo River and reconnect it with the floodplain. You can read more about Stage 1 of the project here.
Pictured right: progress underway to restore the valuable wetlands at Carwoola to enhance the breeding habitat for the Green and Golden Bell Frog.
