Yanco Creek System

16/06/2026

Please find the YACTAC Winter Newsletter attached.

https://yancocreeksystem-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/env_yactac_org_au/IQAhDwsrlIMbSqVtgArGz6okAY1_Wl_cGhlHhBOm5IJNQdE?e=6Fgg8J

02/06/2026

This opportunity may be of interest to landholders in the Federation and Murrumbidgee LGAs.

More information can be found here:

Interested in designing practical carbon farming opportunities that support profitability, resilience and landscapes? Learn more.

27/05/2026

STEM Workshop - Conargo

Yesterday, YACTAC were thrilled to host a fantastic STEM Community Event at the Conargo Hall, bringing together 33 registered participants for a fun and hands-on day of learning, creativity and connection.

From our youngest attendee at just two weeks old to our more seasoned community members, it was wonderful to see such a wide range of ages coming together to enjoy the workshop.

Participants created their own bug hotels using a variety of natural materials including sphagnum moss, coir, pinecones, bamboo, bark twigs and logs, with a couple of imaginative additions such as an aluminium can and a large rock! The bug hotels provide important habitat for beneficial insects and are a great way to encourage biodiversity in home gardens. Thanks to Deniliquin Men's Shed for making the bug house frames.

We were also fortunate to welcome guest speaker Roseanne Farrant, President of Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group, who delivered an engaging and informative presentation on aquatic plants found within our local creek systems, highlighting their unique characteristics and the important role they play in supporting healthy waterways.

Participants also made native seed balls using locally collected seeds sourced through Murray Local Land Services. Everyone was able to take home their seed balls and bug hotels to continue supporting native habitat and biodiversity in their own gardens.

The day also included a fun STEM quiz and concluded with a lovely shared lunch enjoyed by all.

This Inspiring Australia NSW initiative is supported by the NSW Government and the Australian Government.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make the day such a success.

Deniliquin High School (Official)
Conargo Public School

20/05/2026

COLOMBO CREEK FYKE NET SURVEY

As a follow-up to the 3-year threatened species assessments currently underway in Colombo Creek, YACTAC facilitated a separate fyke net survey in the area after an eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus) was captured and released during the March electrofishing survey. During the fyke netting survey, carried out by Dr John Conallin and Dan Hutton, another eel-tailed catfish was captured - a very encouraging result for the Colombo Creek population.

Of all fish captured during the survey, 88% were native species, predominantly small-bodied, and 12% were exotics. A breakdown of the results can be seen in the attached table, with only one small European carp (Cyprinus carpio) recorded! There was also a healthy and diverse population of crustaceans recorded, which is fantastic to see.

In other exciting news, a local fisherman has provided photographic evidence (attached) of a large eel-tailed catfish recently caught in Colombo Creek, measuring approximately 53cm - it is another very encouraging catch. This is an excellent citizen science observation to add to the data bank, and we thank all of our citizen scientists for their ongoing contributions.

05/05/2026

Join in for a unique, on-ground session exploring environmental markets - right where it matters most. Head into the bush with landholders and industry experts to talk through the different environmental market opportunities available, what they mean in practice, and how they could apply to your property. From carbon and biodiversity to stewardship and emerging programs, this is a chance to ask questions, share experiences, and learn in a practical, relaxed setting. Everyone welcome. Register via the link.

Murray Local Land Services

What if your bushland could boost both biodiversity and your bottom line?

Join the NSW Government's Murray Local Land Services at ‘The Overflow’ near on 13 May to explore how biodiversity markets can create real, practical income opportunities for your farm.

Hear directly from landholders who’ve successfully generated biodiversity credits, improved habitat for threatened species, and diversified their business through stewardship agreements and conservation projects.
Enjoy a guided farm walk through stunning creek country and gain insights from experts across natural capital, environmental markets, and conservation programs.

🎤 Guest speakers include:
• Wayne Durnan – Landholder insights on biodiversity markets
• Justin Williams – NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme
• Cassie Douglas – Conservation covenants
• Emily Wilson – Natural capital and environmental markets
• Gus McKinnon – Plains‑wanderer Project update
• Claire Birch – Landcare support for conservation

📍 ‘The Overflow’, Morundah
⏰ 13 May 2026, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
👒 Bring a hat and sturdy footwear for the farm walk

Register now 👉 https://bit.ly/4sO1j5u

04/05/2026

Please view the attached movie featuring David Leed's property on the Yanco Creek. It details how he is bettering and preserving his land for future generation of humans and animals. David's story is inspiring and evolving and we thank him for making the time to help us put together this story.

This is "Stories of Connection: Broome - A story by David Leeds" by Flow-MER on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

30/04/2026

Tomorrow is the last day for submissions for the MDBA Plan Review. Use this link to submit your submission and have your say.

You are invited to make submission on the 2026 review of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.

22/04/2026

EARTH DAY 2026

Today is a reminder that caring for our environment isn't something we do once a year - it's something we build into every day.

Working along our local creek system, we see firsthand how small actions add up: restoring native vegetation, improving water quality, supporting wildlife, and bringing communities together to care for the places that sustain us.

Healthy creeks mean healthier landscapes, stronger biodiversity, and more resilient communities. Every bit of effort - whether it is planting a tree, reducing waste, or learning more about your local environment - makes a difference.

This Earth Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to connect with your local environment and think about the role you can play in protecting it. Because the future of our waterways depends on what we do today.



Photo of Karma and Angus, PHD Students and researchers at CSU, taken by Dr. Emmalie Sanders, CSU

19/04/2026

Congratulations to Ricegrowers' Association of Australia, Murray Landcare Collective and NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust on the success of their Discovering Sandhills field day. A large group toured three woodland sites last Thursday, learning about all things native vegetation, native animals, and sandhills. It was a very interesting day.

Fun facts:

- Philip Maher and associates have been working on three plots between Deniliquin and Wanganella for over 20 years
- At the Wanganella Wetlands, 1000-2000 trees per year have been planted at this site for over 20 years
- Prior to rehabilitation, these sites were mainly barren with minimal vegetation
- Existing remnant vegetation includes bluebells and yellow buttons
- A number of large holes were dug at this site, creating a sandy cliff which now supports nesting holes of white-backed swallows and red-back kingfishers
- Many hollows have been installed to promote breeding of native animals, and a small watering point is now in place

Wanganella Wetlands is a great place to take a stroll and get into nature. Just remember to only leave footprints!

14/04/2026

This previously advertised and postponed event is now scheduled for 27th May. This event is suitable for both adults and children. Please join us to make take-home bug hotels and native seed balls, listen to a couple of informative and interactive guest speakers, and enjoy a yummy lunch. Spots are limited so book in now.

Karen Luckel
Project Officer
Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc.
0437 192 444
[email protected]