Fishes--Identification]]> Plants--Identification]]> Water resources]]> Water--Law and legislation]]> Water quality]]> Floodplains]]> Weirs]]> Cotton]]> Vertisols]]> Blackwater]]> Introduced fishes]]> Aboriginal culture]]> Eucalyptus camaldulensis]]> Grazing]]> Livestock]]>
Peter and Margaret (Pop) Petersen were the former managers of Brenda Station in Goodooga. On the Culgoa River, it spans both New South Wales and Queensland. Previously owned by the Church of England, Brenda Station was primarily involved in grazing sheep and cattle. The Culgoa River which runs through the property, was a major source of feed and water for the Petersen's and their community. Peter and Pop reminisce about the pleasant experiences had on Brenda Station and discuss the course of events leading to the less than ideal conditions that the river is currently in. They also talk about: the long term benefits of floods; the changes in flows as a result of irrigation and intense agriculture; differences in water colour (red Maranoa, black Darling Downs); Artesian bore drains; Aboriginal tools found on the property.

The Petersens have maintained records of rainfall, river height, and floods that date back to 1872.
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Fishes--Identification]]> Crustaceans]]> Native animals]]> Plants--Identification]]> Weirs]]> Dams]]> Floods]]> Water quality]]> Aboriginal history]]> Local history]]> Livestock]]>
Born in 1932, Ned grew up as a child on the property Warroo, a sheep and cattle station on the banks of the Balonne, owned by his grandfather since 1890.

In the interview, Ned describes how the river was a significant part of his life growing up - like a playground, swimming and fishing. He recalls what the river was like prior to the E.J. Beardmore Dam being built downstream and how it increased the river level along much of their property; the turbidity of the river; and the history of the station as a site of importance for the Aboriginal peoples of the region - recalling stories of tribal warfare, and several locations with remains of shell middens.

Ned has kept records of flood locations and heights, which have been helpful in predicting how flood waters might affect the local area. He also discusses 'gilgais' - an Aboriginal word for small water hole or lake, thought to be formed in vertisols.

Mention of Warroo Station as a sacred Aboriginal site.]]>

In this interview Ned describes how the river was a huge part of his life growing up. He remembers learning to swim there, visiting there after mustering with his brother, Dick, and fishing - he says it was like a playground.

Ned also delves into the history of the station mentioning a shepherd who previously resided at the property whose personal diaries are being held by the University of New England that describes the local Indigenous tribes at war with one another, and the relationship between the Indigenous peoples and the farmers.]]>
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Birds--Identification]]> Reptiles--Identification]]> Plants--Identification]]> Fishes--Identification]]> Crustaceans]]> Weirs]]> No-tillage]]> Vertisols]]> Irrigation]]> Fish stocking]]> Fishes--Breeding]]>
Geoffrey Riley is the owner of the property 'Lennie Brae' that has been in his family for generations. Geoffrey speaks of the changes as a result of the weirs, flood irrigation, and fish ways. He talks about a fauna and fish 'sanctuary zone' and simultaneous government efforts to replenish fish stock and increase fish breeding.

Geoffrey also describes the benefits and issues that arise with the presence of the rich agricultural black soil that is found locally. He elaborates on his no-till approach to his crops that he deems as most suitable to his needs.

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