Thank you all for your interest in this matter. I have since looked into the mapping in the 2013 Butz report and the 2014 JWNR ‘Concept Plan’. This confirms the existence of the channel I have
indicated (called here for convenience ‘the red channel’). However, I should make the following corrections/clarifications.
The pool at ‘C’ has a name, ‘Goldenholm Pond’, being the name of a former dairy that was located at the present turf farm offices. The pool near ‘D’ is part of an old channel, but the name ‘Shoveler
Pool’ is usually applied to the pool (sometimes connected) shown further to the north. (See Concept Plan.)
The north-south channel that enters Jerra Creek at ‘F’ is of human construction and is known as the Causeway Channel.
There is an unresolved question how the red channel, and similar channels, should be described. According to an authority cited in the Butz report, the red channel is an ‘active flood channel’,
the term ‘palaeo channel’ being applied to features of a greater age, Jerrabomberra Billabong being an example. However, the Butz report uses ‘palaeochannel’ for what might otherwise be called existing ‘flood channels’ (see Table 11). The red channel is
designated Palaeochannel 8 and 14 at different points. The Concept Plan reserves the term ‘Palaeochannels’ for the shallow gullies to the west of the vehicle track that are now flooded to variable levels depending on the level of Lake Burley Griffin. This
does not seem to me to fit the dictionary definition of ‘palaeochannel’ but I am sure there will be experts out there who will know more about this.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb
Sent: Friday, 2 September 2022 12:43 PM
To: Canberrabirds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] While we are on the subject of wetlands
Thanks Jack and Wayne. Interesting about the wetlands at Tumut. I was recently thinking about interesting local spots associated with waterbird movements. I was looking at Google Earth imagery and selected a 'historical' image (December
2005) that indicated the hydrology of the floodplain better than the current view. I believe there is an old watercourse that begins in the slopes down to the river on the northern side of Fyshwick (A). (The paddocks there used to be a good spot for skylarks.)
The watery depression then runs through the turf farm and under the highway. After high rainfall it forms that shallow ponding where waterbirds can be seen on the east side of the highway when you drive south (B). On the west side of the highway, in between
the turf farm (west) and the forbidden sewage ponds there is usually quite deep water where waterbirds can be found (C). This is outside the forbidden zone but is difficult to access because of the dense vegetation. It is probably part of the turf farm lease.
The watercourse then passes under Dairy Road and enters JWNR. It passes by Shoveler Pond, possibly being the present source of water for that depression (D). The watercourse then becomes one of the palaeo-channels (E), eventually entering Jerrabomberra Creek.
It seems interesting that what we now see as separate watery patches of occasional birdy interest are part of one structure that might represent an ancient course of the Molonglo River. I wonder whether it should have a name.
-----Original Message-----
From: Canberrabirds <> On Behalf Of jandaholland--- via Canberrabirds
Sent: Thursday, 1 September 2022 5:00 PM
To: 'Canberra birds' <>
Subject: FW: Tumut wetlands
Hello subscribers, I am passing on this information from Wayne Gregson about the above in case anyone is thinking about visiting Tumut. Jack Holland
-----Original Message-----
From: wgregson <m("tpg.com.au","wgregson");">>
Sent: Thursday, 1 September 2022 4:49 PM
To: m("bigpond.com","jandaholland");">
Subject: Tumut
Hi Jack
you might want to pass this on to COG members !
I went over to Tumut today for a couple of reasons and intended to do a walk through the wetlands. Unfortunately the wetlands are off limits at present with signs warning it is a "contaminated area" .
I didn't attempt to find out why/what. It would be wise for anyone thinking of visiting to check with the local council first.
cheers
Wayne
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