Traditional Paakantyi Language of the Kurnu-Baakandji nation used in this article. (L. A. Hercus – Paakantyi Dictionary).

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s (CEWH) Science Program funds the Flow Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (Flow–MER).

Written by Felix Noble. 

Figure 1 Tamara was very keen to get a sunrise shot, so... we got a sunrise shot at Bunnor Lagoon. January 2023. Photo credit Felix Noble.

As part of the Flow-MER program, scientists investigate what impact Commonwealth environmental water flows are having on fish, birds, vegetation and river connectivity in the Murray-Darling Basin. Felix Noble works for the University of New England’s Aquatic Ecology Restoration and Research Group as a field technician. His work includes taking samples in

the Gwydir Wetlands and Toorale National Park on the Warrego River, maintaining equipment used in sampling and aiding field scientists. Felix’ work helps to inform ongoing management decisions about the delivery of Commonwealth environmental water. What follows is a photo essay compiled from multiple trips Felix has made with Flow-MER scientists to the Gwydir Wetlands and Toorale National Park.

Figure 2 Sampling at Dicks Dam on a hot day during the drought, meanwhile Sarah practices her dance steps. December 2020, photo taken by Sam Lewis.
Figure 3 Bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) thinking about whether or not I'm edible. December 2020. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 4 Taking water samples at Gingham Bridge. February 2021. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 5 Lindsey Frost retrieving chambers at Bunnor Lagoon. February 2023. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 6 Hammer stone used by Aboriginal people to make flint tools, seen near Booka Dam. December 2020. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 7 Jane Humphries, Louisa Andersen, and Jared Reid looking for birds on Yarrol. February 2022. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 8 Sarah telling me not to worry about the giga huge yabbies that are trying to eat me at Akuna on Toorale National Park. December 2020, photo taken by Zac Lewis.
Figure 9 Car problems at Ross Billabong. December 2020. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 10 More car problems, this time during a bird survey in the Gwydir Wetlands. January 2022. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 11 David Preston has seen something interesting while doing gunambaay (waterbird) breeding colony surveys. Taken January 2023. Photo credit Felix Noble.
Figure 12 End of the day, time to go home after surveys on Toorale National Park. December 2020. Photo credit Felix Noble.

Managing water for the environment is a collective and collaborative effort, working in partnership with communities, private landholders, scientists and government agencies – these contributions are gratefully acknowledged.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and play. We also pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.