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Landcare in the Lachlan Catchment
154 Landcare groups with a total of about 2,700 member
The Lachlan catchment covers an area of 84,700km2 extending from the western perimeter of the Great Dividein the east to the vast Riverina Plains in the west. The Lachlan catchment has an estimated population greater than 100,000, producing 14% of NSW agricultural production from a land area of approximately 10% of NSW. The catchment also encompasses the areas of 23 local govern ment organisations.
The Lachlan catchment is unique in the Murray Darling Basin as the Lachlan River terminates in wetlands and effluent creeks in the lower part of the catchment. Occasionally the Lachlan flows into the Murrumbidgee River during significant flood events. Lake Cowal, the Booligal wetlands and the Great Cumbang Swamp are just some of the natural features that have been identified as being part of national importance. There are a number of other reserves and high quality crown land that also contribute significantly to the resources of the catchment. The unique features and the terminal nature of the Lachlan system increases the importance of natural resource management, with any activities carried out in the catchment having the potential to impact on valuable assets within the catchment.
The Lachlan catchment falls predominantly within the Wiradjuri Aboriginal tribal area. The rivers were important routes for Aboriginal people, providing food, water and shelter.
The geological formations throughout the catchment are quite complex and have a significant impact on salinity and the management options available to natural resource managers. The soil types throughout the catchment vary considerably ranging from very robust, durable soils to very fragile soils, naturally acidic and sodic soils. This variability in soils types creates significant management issues for erosion control, nutrient management and salinity management. Climatic zones also vary significantly; creating ecosystems classified as sub-alpine in the east to semi-arid rangeland ecosystems in the west of the catchment.
The major environmental threats to the health of natural resources in the Lachlan catchment are dryland salinity, declining surface water quality, declining health and abundance of native vegetation, gradual loss of native biodiversity from the ecosystems within the catchment, degradation of riparian and wetland ecosystems and the deterioration of the soil resources. Thepast Murray-Darling Basin salinity audit identified the Lachlan catchment as amonst the most "at risk" for serious salinity problems in the basin.
Through Landcare, people in the Lachlan catchment are working together to tackle a wide range of problems affecting soil, water and vegetation. Their efforts have resulted in greater community awareness and ability to Work together to better manage natural resources.
There are 154 Landcare groups in the Lachlan catchment with a total of about 2,700 members (as of January 2004).
Issues facing Landcare groups in the Lachlan include:
(Some information in this section is from the Lachlan Catchment Blueprint)
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