March 2026: Chemical, Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate Analysis

Alison Loxton
Apr 27
2 min read

Hi everyone,

Please find attached our WQM results for the month of March 2026.

No great surprises there, although the water quality in Yaun Creek is quite poor, due no doubt to the excessive pressure placed on that tiny catchment by the proliferation of construction activities. Years ago, we could undertake Macroinvertebrate sampling with reasonable expectations, however that time has finished.

Thankfully the majority of rivers and streams are maintaining a reasonable quality, still able to bounce back after adverse weather events.

When we sample it is surprising how peaceful it becomes beside a body of water, even places like Waterhen Lake.

Many thanks to Kim and Brian for assisting in the gathering of data.

As today is Anzac Day it is timely to remember that, whether we like it or not, our Australian history is based upon conflict and war, and that the only thing that saved us from direct invasion was the heroic efforts of our soldiers and the native people along the Kokoda Track.

We cannot forget the sacrifices made by all concerned, including the women who often carried the war supply effort within Australia.

The Irish orator and politician John Philpot Curran in 1790 coined the phrase often used by the RSL “ The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” And indeed, it is.

If we wish to counteract the warring lunacy of the present times, we perhaps should be looking at becoming at peace with ourselves, then as a community and then as a nation. Google defines peace as a “ …state of harmony, tranquility and freedom from violence, war or mental disturbance. It represents both the absence of conflict (negative peace) and the presence of justice, security and well-being (positive peace). It can refer to societal order or personal, internal calm.”

Lest we forget, and shame upon us if we do.

On another matter we have received some useful rain and may we have much more of it. Our suppliers of food are facing a winter without having the reserves of water and, in the case of animal farmers, a distinct lack of forage feed. This means higher costs and a possible short supply of beef and vegetables.

Farmers are a study in hard work, dedication and optimism despite what the natural world throws at us.

Amongst the turmoil inflicted upon us, spare a thought for those doing the hard yards to supply us with food.

Think well of them.

Kindest regards to you all

Steven Gill