Community Catchment Crawl
The Wyong River Catchment Crawl brought together community members, catchment managers and environmental experts for a hands-on exploration of the Wyong River. Through field activities and shared learning, participants gained a deeper understanding of catchment health, local waterway management and the important role communities play in protecting these valuable natural assets.
Capacity building - LEP23 – 015_LLC
The issue
Healthy waterways rely on informed communities working alongside land managers to address growing pressures such as urban development, changing land use and declining water quality. While many people live within the Wyong River catchment, few have the opportunity to explore the river as a connected system or understand how local actions influence catchment health. Building community knowledge and strengthening relationships between residents, experts and government agencies is essential for supporting long-term stewardship and evidence-based management.
The solution
As part of the Lakes Festival, the Wyong River Catchment Crawl brought together 33 participants from across the Central Coast for a guided tour of the catchment. Participants visited a range of freshwater and estuary sites where they undertook water quality testing, macroinvertebrate (waterbug) surveys and site assessments, while hearing from guest speakers involved in catchment management. The event encouraged discussion about current challenges, future pressures and practical management solutions, while providing participants with a snapshot of catchment health that can be compared with future monitoring results.
The impact
The Catchment Crawl strengthened community understanding of the Wyong River and the factors influencing its health. Many participants visited key natural areas for the first time, gaining a greater appreciation of the catchment's environmental values and the connections between land use, water quality and ecosystem health. The event also fostered valuable relationships between community members, environmental organisations and government agencies, creating opportunities for ongoing collaboration. Monitoring data collected during the day contributes to a growing understanding of catchment condition and helps inform future management and restoration priorities.
Key facts
- Bringing together community members, scientists and land managers encourages knowledge sharing and stronger partnerships.
- Collecting monitoring data during community events creates both educational and environmental value.