Fishes--Identification]]> Crustaceans]]> Birds]]> Plants--Identification]]> Trade routes]]> Connection to Country]]> Githabul people]]> Traditional fishing]]> Wildlife conservation]]> Traditional ecological knowledge]]> Camping]]> Dreaming (Spiritual)]]> Aboriginal history]]> Water--Symbolic aspects]]>
Sam Bonner is a Githabul Elder who lives near Emu Creek, which is a tributary of the Condamine River. Sam speaks about his childhood experiences of the river, his love and passion for the river, its history, and his traditional and environmental knowledge about the river.

The interview was recorded at The Canoe Tree and water hole on the Condamine River, Queensland. Sam shares his extensive knowledge about his Indigenous culture and history and outlines Indigenous customs and practices of conservation. He is passionate about the Condamine River, and keen to pass on his traditional and environmental knowledge on to the next generations, to show them what the river means to him and his people.

Mentioned: white ants, porcupines, casuarinas, willy wagtails, finches, double bars, swallows, doves, blue wrens. ]]> CC-BY]]> Fish habitat improvement]]> Fish stocking]]> River survey]]>
Noal has lived in the area for 40 years. He discusses the changes he's observed in the River ecosystem since becoming involved with the Oakey Freshwater Fish Stocking Association in 1995. He also talks about the broader history of the system. He explains why the area is suited for European Carp but comments on the strong presence of native fish. It's a popular fishing spot.

Mention of: Condomine Alliance, River Trust]]> CC-BY]]> Revegetation]]> Water resources]]> Fishes--Identification]]> Fish stocking]]> Introduced fishes]]> Environmental flows]]>
Brian talks about: the state of the Condamine River over the last twenty years, and the lack of rain; translocating Murray Cod from drying water holes; restocking fish species Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch, since 1990s; fishing methods; role of Condamine Alliance negotiating revegetation with private landholders; movement of European Carp through the system, and involvement in Carp Busters; differences in the taste of fish and methods of food preparation; removal of trees in streams by Condamine River Trust, 1960s; changes in water flow and impact on river banks; recent re-snagging; underground water and irrigation bores; platypus sightings.]]> CC-BY]]> Local history]]> Fossils]]>
Images of local history, including fishing prongs and the infamous 'Talgai skull', reported to be the first fossil evidence of human occupation, found in the Dalrymple Creek area.]]> CC-BY]]> Fishes--Identification]]> Fish stocking]]> Weirs]]> Bait fishing]]> Cotton]]> Fishes--Breeding]]>
Dessie talks about: restocking fish species Yellowbelly and Murray Cod, since 1986; changes in vegetation, floods, water clarity, fish spawning activity as a result of weirs, since 1970s; fishing methods; types of bait used for different fish species; snags; irrigation and cotton growing demands on water. (Note: ‘Bolbie’ refers to the Bobby or Spangled Perch fish species.)]]> CC-BY]]> ]]> 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.

]]> CC-BY]]> Birds--Identification]]> Reptiles--Identification]]> Plants--Identification]]> Fishes--Identification]]> Crustaceans]]> Water--Law and legislation]]> Tools]]> No-tillage]]> Floods]]> Introduced fishes]]> Fishes--Migration]]>
The Shooters speak of their experience living next to Dalrymple Creek, a tributary of the Condamine. Ray talks about the changes he has observed in the creek over almost 80 years, its transformation, and the changing patterns of fish migration and sizes. The Shooters reflect fondly on their continuing recreational use of the creek.

Mention of the River Improvement Trust and The Tulgai Skull documentary made in the 1960s, investigating the history of the Indigenous peoples in the region.]]> CC-BY]]> Creeks]]> Riparian areas]]> Dimensions]]> Physical characteristics (Animals)]]> CC BY]]> Weirs]]> Local history]]>
Geoffrey is the owner of the property 'Lennie Brae' that has been in his family for generations. The photos depict the building of weirs in the area.]]> Local history]]> Family life]]>
Images were sourced by the Talking Fish project team from Dessie Obst on the day of his oral history interview.]]>