Reflecting on Armidale's creeklands from the top of our catchment - Duembandyi (Mt Duval) ...
Here we are - hard at work promoting Visions for Armidale Creeklands!
In early December last year, four of our committee (Wendy Wearne, Jim Reid, Don Hardman and Jim Scott), launched our new banner and brochure at the Duval Dam Buster Trail Run, where our association was a Bronze sponsor.
As the banner states, our Visions are:
• Enhanced quality of life, economy and beauty
• Healthy stream flows
• Billabongs and constructed wetlands
• Recreation, leisure and reflection
• Carefully planned
The background image on our banner shows our favourite instream wetland, the Mike O’Keefe wetland in the foreground stretching back to the top of our city’s catchment - Duembandyi (or Mt Duval) - in the background.
Witnessing the early start of the 50 km trail run filled us with admiration for those hardy souls.
The effects of our recent serious drought can still be seen in many of the trees on the mountain slopes.
Trail running through the lush green native grasses near the top of Duembandyi show what a different climate there is at the top of our catchment.
It was pleasing to read the recent news from Armidale Regional Council about the awarding of the contract for improving the recreation area at Dumaresq Dam to local contractors JNC Group Indigenous Contractors Pty Ltd. We look forward to seeing the results of their work around the dam.
Our discussions on the day had us wondering if the walking track around the dam will be made smooth and accessible so that locals and visitors with wheelchairs will be able to enjoy this beautiful reservoir.
Naturally, we got a chance to talk to some locals about our Visions for Armidale’s Creeklands.
We heard support for our vision of a walking/running/cycle path that might one day be created along the 13 km from Armidale to the dam. This would be a marvelous connection between our city and its original water supply reservoir which is now becoming an even more valuable asset for our city and region.
We agree with Mayor Coupland who states on the ARC news web page: “Dumaresq Dam has been a hidden gem for locals to enjoy water activities and relax in the beautiful natural surrounds”. Our association wonders what other locations our community can imagine for additional water activities and enjoyment - especially areas closer to the city. Can we imagine, for example, one or more off-stream constructed wetlands nearer to the city - such as Lake Zot at UNE which was recently doubled in capacity?
If you have any suggestions for us, please let us know.