Three Living Murray icon sites, countless lessons
From kayaking through wetlands and surveying native fish to spotting vulnerable bird species and hiking amongst ancient river red gums, members of the River Murray Youth Council (RMYC) are gaining firsthand experience in what it takes to care for the River Murray.
Following an earlier visit to the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth, members travelled across South Australia and Victoria on a six-day camp to explore 3 more of The Living Murray icon sites: Chowilla Floodplain, Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands, and Hattah Lakes.
Through these camps, these young leaders are gaining a deeper understanding of interstate River Murray management, environmental watering and biodiversity conservation, while seeing firsthand why these landscapes are so important and how they are being protected for future generations.
Learning from the experts at Chowilla Floodplain
At Chowilla Floodplain, members stepped into the role of ecologists for the day.
Working alongside wetland ecologists Olly and Aurelie from the Department for Environment and Water, the group learned how scientists monitor wetland health through fish surveys, vegetation assessments and environmental data collection.
Members helped set up monitoring equipment, identified fish species and explored how data is used to inform river and wetland management. A highlight was spotting a long-necked turtle, as was seeing drone technology demonstrated as a tool for monitoring large and complex wetland systems.
The group visited Lock 6, using the opportunity to ask questions and gather information for their individual Living Murray projects.
This year, members are exploring why the Living Murray icon sites are significant through a range of creative and scientific projects including bird identification resources, videos, articles, research presentations, environmental monitoring activities, and citizen science contributions using platforms such as FrogSpotter and iNaturalist.
The day concluded with a wetland bird survey and a vegetation survey at one of the Chowilla grazing exclusion plots, giving members practical field experience and a greater appreciation of the ecological processes that support healthy wetlands.
Exploring wetlands by kayak
One of the highlights of the camp took place on the waterways of Finnegans Creek in the Wallpolla complex.
Guided by Casey from Mallee CMA, members paddled through the interconnected wetlands of the Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands icon site, learning about the ecological importance of these floodplain environments along the way.
Surrounded by towering river red gums and the quiet sounds of the wetland, the group experienced the landscape from a unique perspective, taking in details often missed from the riverbank. Along the way, they observed native vegetation and wildlife habitat firsthand while gaining a greater appreciation of the role these wetlands play in supporting a healthy River Murray.
It’s no surprise the kayaking adventure quickly became a favourite activity among the group. Blending learning, exploration and an unforgettable day on the water, it offered a memorable way to connect with one of the basin’s most important wetland landscapes.
Putting knowledge and endurance to the test
At Hattah Lakes, members swapped paddles for hiking boots, taking on a 10-kilometre hike through the landscape.
The hike encouraged members to slow down and immerse themselves in their surroundings, listening to the sounds of the bush, noticing and identifying the changing vegetation, and keeping an eye out for wildlife.
While the hike tested everyone's endurance, it also offered time to reflect on the scale, diversity and beauty of the environment they had been learning about throughout the camp.
The following day, members rejoined Casey from Mallee CMA to learn more about local plant species and the unique wildlife that call the area home.
A highlight was spotting a pair of regent parrots. Listed as vulnerable in South Australia, the species has an important stronghold in the Hattah region, demonstrating the significance of protecting connected wetland and floodplain habitats across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Building the next generation of leaders
Beyond the activities themselves, the camp gave members the chance to learn directly from ecologists, river managers and environmental practitioners working on the ground.
By seeing environmental monitoring, wetland management and conservation efforts firsthand, members gained a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in caring for the Murray-Darling Basin and the River Murray system.
These experiences are helping shape the next generation of leaders, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and passion needed to contribute to the future of these important landscapes.
With 4 of the 7 Living Murray icon sites now explored, members are developing a unique perspective on the diverse environments that make up the Murray-Darling Basin. Each site has provided new lessons, meaningful experiences and a deeper appreciation of the work being undertaken to protect some of Australia’s most significant river systems.
As their journey continues, RMYC members are building the knowledge, skills and confidence to help care for and protect these landscapes for future generations.
