Lower Cotter Catchment

Introduction

The largest land rehabilitation project of its type in Australia is now underway in Canberra’s backyard. The lower part of the catchment of the Cotter Reservoir comprises around 10,000 hectares of land, a mix of native vegetation, cleared former pine plantation and recently planted pine plantation. The pine areas comprise around 5000 hectares and represent the focus for rehabilitation. Put simply, the aim of the project, as outlined in the Lower Cotter Catchment Draft Strategic Management Plan, is to achieve clean water and healthy landscapes. This goal is even more paramount with the recent announcement  by the Chief Minister that the Cotter Reservoir will be greatly enlarged to provide water security for the ACT region.

Over 3500 hectares of pine plantation that was destroyed in the January 2003 bushfires is being converted back to native vegetation. This involves controlling weeds such as pine wildlings and blackberry, replanting native vegetation, managing fire and monitoring and promoting natural regeneration. Native vegetation is the most desirable in the water catchment because of its ability to tolerate fire. Pine plantations are less desirable because of the disturbance needed to either harvest and replant the mature trees, or clear and replant tress killed by bushfires.

Another major component of the restoration is the management of roads and trails. These are identified as major sources of sediment to watercourses and eventually to the Cotter Reservoir. Many roads and trails needed for management of the former plantation forest are no longer required and have been closed and rehabilitated. Remaining roads that are needed for land and fire management have been upgraded to a high standard to minimise sediment movement.

To find out more about the rationale for the approach being taken read the Review of the scientific literature relevant to the Lower Cotter Catchment which was used as the basis for the draft Strategic Management Plan.

Latest news

Do your bit for our future water supply - Greening Australia events coming up

Greening Australia is the ACT Government's major partner in restoring the Lower Cotter Catchment. Greening Australia has an ambitious goal to engage thousands of community volunteers in planting and maintaining over a hundred thousand trees, shrubs and grasses in the LCC. Community events are well organised, satisfying and enjoyable and nearly always include food! To find out how you can be involved contact Greening Australia or email hburgess@act.greeningaustralia.org.au or phone 6253 3035.

Blackberry Spraying

Note that this advice relates ONLY to areas within the Lower Cotter Catchment outside Namadgi National Park (refer to map).

Blackberry control has been completed on Mt McDonald, Priors and Crusher Roads. As of February 2007, spraying is taking place on Bullock Paddock Road, at Blundells Flat off Curries Road and also along Upper Cotter Road. Sprayed bushes will appear "sick", wilted and leaves will curl up, however be aware that the chemicals used can take some time to work and produce a visible reaction on the plant. The chemical used is metsulfuron (Brushoff) and/or glyphosate (Roundup).

Blackberry is fruiting prolifically now and the picking season will be over by the end of February at the latest. Good picking sites include the Blue Range area to the west of Brindabella Road and the entire Pierces Creek area (east of the Cotter River). In other areas, as a general rule, sites away from roadsides (for example along creeklines) are generally safe for blackberry collecting unless signposted. Check local warning signage for blackberry spraying activity.

Pine wildling control continues

Pine wildling control commenced in late 2006 and has continued since then. To date around 2000 hectares of the LCC have been cleared of feral pine trees - an enourmous achievement. This has been achieved by physical removal (lopping or chainsawing) by a range of contractor staff and community volunteers. You can make a contribution to this strangely satisfying task by joining a volunteer crew with Conservation Volunteers Australia.

National Action Plan Project

The LCC is the focus of a National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and National Heritage Trust project called 'Improved Soil and Vegetation Management in the Lower Cotter Catchment'. Funding of almost $1 million will be directed to erosion control, weed control and revegetation trials and actions. A dedicated Parks Conservation and Lands Project Officer is implementing this project. 

Road Closures

Many roads and tracks that are no longer required and are progressively being closed to all vehicles. This program is being implemented through funding by ACTEW Corporation as a means of reducing the impact of sediment movement from roads. Refer to map for an indication of roads that are to be or are already closed (note map is subject to change without notice).

Uriarra Village

Uriarra Village is now under construction. Associated earthworks are occurring to the south of the Village to protect the quality of water reaching the Cotter Reservoir. The entire village and surrounding paddocks will be outside the LCC.

Get Involved

There are a number of volunteer groups operating in the LCC. To find out more information contact Greening Australia (or email hburgess@act.greeningaustralia.org.au or phone 6253 3035) or Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Recreation

As outlined in the Lower Cotter Catchment Draft Strategic Management Plan only those recreational activities that are compatible with the protection of water quality are permitted in the LCC. A detailed recreational policy is being developed, but in the meantime organised events will be considered on a case by case basis.

Your views on recreation in the LCC are welcome.

Car rallies, off road driving, off road motorcycling, horse riding and overnight camping are currently NOT permitted. Overnight camping facilities are located outside the Catchment at Blue Range Hut and the Cotter Campground. Fishing is permitted in the Cotter River above the junction with Pierces Creek, subject to seasonal restrictions and bag limits. Swimming, boating and fishing in the Cotter Dam are prohibited. Horse riding is permitted in serveral surrounding forestry plantation areas including Sherwood, Hyles Block and parts of Mt McDonald.

Examples of low impact activities that are permitted include driving and cycling on open public roads, sightseeing, picnicking, birdwatching, walking and cycling. Access behind locked gates is permitted for pedestrians and cyclists only. Fires are permitted only in designated fireplaces outside the official fire danger season. Dogs are permitted, under control. Please ensure that all human and dog waste is removed and not left to contaminate our water supply.

Most major roads in the catchment are suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. These roads include Warks Road, Yellow Rabbit Road, Sinclair Circuit, Blue Range Road, East West Road and Bullock Paddock Road. Vanities Crossing at the Cotter River is not suitable for low clearance vehicles due to likely water depth. Roads suitable for 4WD include Curries Road, Pabral Road and Old Mine Road.

Please avoid driving on unsealed roads in wet conditions to minimise damage to the road surface and sediment movement into watercourses.