Rehydration in the Avon River catchment, WA

Coopers Creek on Tirrana, WA.

Koobeja in The Lakes, WA, and Tirrana in the Avon River catchment form two exciting projects being undertaken by Mulloon Institute’s Lance Mudgway in WA this year.

Koobeja is a 2,000 ha livestock and horticulture operation, in the process of transitioning to regenerative agricultural practices. The Mulloon Institute’s work at Koobeja involves designing restoration works that will be constructed in conjunction with water storage dams and a natural swimming pool!

Tirrana, located approximately 300km north-west of Perth, was subject to a severe storm event in March 2020, which caused significant damage. Tens of kilometres of fencing was destroyed or damaged and much of the main waterways were eroded, with deposition of sediment at various locations, including into dams. Many of the smaller areas of remnant vegetation were significantly damaged, with almost all foliage removed and many trees felled or split and broken. At the time of Mulloon Institute’s first visit, most of the fencing had been replaced, but the vegetation was only just beginning to recover, with many trees now dead. Mulloon Institute is now working with landholders on Tirrana to re-establish the natural landscape function across the property after the severe storm damage. Landscape Rehydration works are focused on the 7,581.5 ha Coopers Creek catchment on the property and include in-stream works, hillslope contours and extensive revegetation.  All works are aimed towards improving landscape productivity and prevent further degradation of eroded and waterlogged soils.

Coopers Creek flowing through Cherokee Paddock on Tirrana, WA.

Koobeja, Western Australia.

The Mulloon Institute’s project at Tirrana is supported by funding from the Western Australian State NRM Program through AvonGro, a WA volunteer-run not-for-profit incorporation.