ROAR (Rolling out all Resources) 2023 - 2024
Rolling out all resources (ROAR) is the second project launched through Refreshing Central Billabong. The aim of ROAR is to restore one publicly visible Refreshing Rivers case study site, encourage community participation in waterway restoration and promote the 10-year Refreshing Central Billabong project.
Through community consultation the waterway species in focus is the eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus). ROAR is a pilot project which aims to increase the local catfish population through a variety of measures:
1. Monitoring and baseline survey of fish in the Billabong Creek at Conargo, September 2023
2. Controlling the carp population through electrofishing of a 5-10km stretch, September 2023.
3. Revegetating through riparian and instream planting, September 2023 - February 2024.
4. Release of Golden perch, currently catfish cannot be released into waterways, February 2024.
5. Instream and riparian weed control, 2023-2024.
6. Release Eel-tailed catfish 2024
ROAR on grounds works project and case study site revitalised a prominent waterway site, fostering community involvement in restoration and supporting the 10-year Refreshing Rivers Program. Through riparian and instream revegetation, targeted carp control and native fish reintroduction, ROAR captured community, stakeholder and media attention. Key actions included removing 737kg of carp from Billabong Creek, two planting days with local schools, and releasing over 27,000 golden perch and 240 endangered eel-tailed catfish fingerlings. Educational activities and site signage with QR codes provided further engagement, emphasising waterway friendly management practices and highlighting the importance of local stewardship in environmental conservation.
Refreshing Central Billabong is part of the Refreshing Rivers Program, a collaboration between the government, industry, research, and community organisations, led by Local Land Services. The program has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.