Science update

Drill rig in operation at Duralla using sonic (vibration) method to extract soil cores, with Tony Bernardi and drill operators Kris and Stefan.

Research Coordinator Luke Peel has been busy during November, organising to get a drilling unit on the ground to establish additional piezometers needed for monitoring ground water throughout the MCLRP. The Federal Government’s grant has allowed our Science Advisory Council to carefully consider what will be needed to ensure strong scientific credentials for monitoring and analysis of data over the whole catchment. With the plan in place drilling was underway in the last week of November and was completed early in December.

Luke has also been busy with Rapid Assessment Riparian Condition (RARC) transects as part of the baseline work needed for the MCLRP. This is very valuable work in the overall picture of better understanding change that takes place in the landscape as a result of our repair and rehydration work.

Luke represented TMI at the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance Government Policy Group round table at Southern Cross University during late November in Lismore. The Alliance comprises highly regarded, leading practitioners in regenerative agriculture in Australia and aims to tackle issues related to climate change adaption and drought resilience through regenerative agricultural research, education and practice.

Lastly, a big welcome to Tony Bernardi who joins TMI as a Hydrologist on the MCLRP. Tony has a long and distinguished connection with the project through his previous role with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and is also a PhD candidate with the University of Canberra. We look forward to Tony’s involvement in capturing hydrological data associated with the project and his analysis and communication of that data across academia. We have also enjoyed having James Hunt from Sydney University join us for various on-ground activities as part of his industry placement.