Save Nambucca River and OzGREEN combine forces for water quality monitoring program Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 31, 2023 Sue Lennox, Beverly Gibbs and Elizabeth Newman conducting water testing at Bellwood Park, Nambucca Heads. THE Save Nambucca River Group, with grant funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), will partner with environmental charity OzGREEN to launch a citizen science water quality monitoring program. The volunteer-led initiative includes equipment purchase and training and leadership from OzGREEN’S co-founder Sue Lennox. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Sue has supported river health and citizen science projects for over thirty years, nationally and internationally. Sue is looking forward to working alongside Nambucca Valley residents to test five sites along the Nambucca River on a monthly basis. “After we collect, synthesise and analyse the water quality data, we will run several events to report our findings to the community,” Sue said. These events offer an excellent opportunity to educate and raise public awareness about some of the issues impacting the Nambucca River, including agricultural runoff, sewer leaks, and stormwater problems. Project Managers Elizabeth Newman and Beverly Gibbs have lived in the area for many years and are committed to protecting the Nambucca River. “The waterway is incredibly important and significant to Gumbaynggirr people with their continuous connection to land, waters and culture,” Beverly Gibbs said. “Our river is also highly valued by tourists, oyster farmers, fishing enthusiasts, local swimmers and residents.” Elizabeth said alongside current challenges, the Nambucca River is likely to be further impacted by climate change in coming years. “Collecting and uploading long term water quality data to the NSW Waterwatch database will provide Nambucca Shire with baseline data and allow us to monitor any change,” Elizabeth said. The Save Nambucca River Group and OzGREEN share a common commitment to fostering community engagement and collaboration around river health. Together, the project will create a network of informed and empowered individuals who will play an active role in the protection of the Nambucca River, ensuring that it remains protected and preserved for many generations to come.
