The ‘Bidgee Blue’ monitoring team comprises energetic retirees Audrie Stewart, Mike McGhie and Wanda Akhurst. They monitor four sites on the Murrumbidgee River every month, including the popular swimming and picnic locations Kambah Pool, Pine Island, and Point Hut Crossing. They also monitor under the iconic Tharwa Bridge.

Bidgee Blue on the job at Point Hut Crossing

Audrie Stewart has been a Waterwatcher for over 10years. Mike and Wanda have been monitoring for at least 5 years. Like all the groups in the south they are very dedicated and serious about producing quality data. Mike says, however, that outings are as much a social event as they are scientific. Their monitoring trips start early in the morning and include morning tea and a picnic lunch, (very civilised!). Vonda provides the rigor with her background as a professional chemist, while Mike does his best to tease Audrie in between collecting water bugs. They are great fun and have become close friends.
They have seen dramatic changes in the Murrumbidgee over the years. The group along with many others, (who I aim to cover in future articles-I promise!) provided vital data for the CAMPFIRE project spanning 5 years in the aftermath of the 2003 fires. Mike says that the devastation was a particular ‘lowlight’ in the recent history of the river but he is heartened by the gradual return of macro invertebrates to pre- fire levels. (Mike is especially apt at finding stonefly larvae.).
‘Bidgee Blue’ along with fellow Murrumbidgee watchers the ‘Sands’ group were among the first volunteers to alert Waterwatch to the dramatic turbidity event in December/January this year. Mike and Audrie took the extra step of heading south into deep NSW to investigate the source, taking readings, and discussing the issue with locals on the Numeralla River (and nearly releasing their turbidity tube into the wild in the process- no Mike you can’t blame Audrie, you were the last one with it!!)
The actions arising from this have included developing closer ties between agencies and ACT and NSW government.
The ‘Bidgee Blue’ also brought a similar issue surrounding the Yass River to public attention a few years ago. A source of pollution was identified and dealt with as result.
If you are reading this and contemplating getting involved with Waterwatch or just want to tag along for a taster, the ‘Bidgee Blues’ are on the look out for new members and you would be hard pressed to find a friendlier bunch!
For more info contact Martin; WW Coordinator for the SACTCG..

Mike McGhie collecting a sample on the Numeralla River (NSW).