Mulloon Consulting recently completed construction of in-stream works at ‘Carwoola’ which comprises Stage 1 of the Molonglo Catchment Rehydration Initiative (MCRI). The aim of the MCRI is to restore the hydrological function of the significant Carwoola floodplain system located along the Upper Molonglo River, downstream of Captains Flat on the NSW Southern Tablelands. The MCRI also aims to restore habitat for the last known Green and Golden Bell Frog population on the Southern Tablelands, located on the Carwoola Floodplain.
This first phase of works involved the construction of eight in-stream structures, which have lifted the degraded and incised bed level of the river through the 3km of treated reach by around 0.5m-1m. construction was successfully completed in early March 2025. The works were overseen and implemented by Senior Landscape Planner Jack Smart, Field Officer Max Brunswick and Landscape Planner Mitch Lennon with support from Principal Landscape Planner Peter Hazell.
Following completion of construction, Mulloon Consulting has been busily working with assistance from volunteers to complete revegetation works around the structure sites, including transplanting of aquatic plants and planting of native tubestock. The revegetation works, overseen by Landscape Planner Penny Cooper and Max Brunswick, will assist in natural regeneration of the structure sites to ensure rapid establishment of vegetation across and around the structures. Mulloon Consulting will continue to closely monitor the site over the coming 12-24 months.
Construction of a suite of complimentary floodplain earthworks, including two constructed wetlands for the Green and Golden Bell Frog, will commence in the near future and are scheduled to be completed in August 2025.
Funding for this project has been provided by private philanthropy and the NSW Environment Trust.
Photos below:
Photo 1. Carwoola structure CM7, before construction, photo 2. Carwoola structure CM7, immediately after works completed, photo 3. Carwoola structure CM7, after completion of downstream structure revegetation works.
