Molonglo River
| Molonglo | |
|---|---|
Captains Flat | |
| • coordinates | 35°40′5″S 149°29′50″E / 35.66806°S 149.49722°E |
| • elevation | 1,130 m (3,710 ft) |
Uriarra Crossing | |
• coordinates | 35°14′30″S 148°58′4″E / 35.24167°S 148.96778°E |
• elevation | 440 m (1,440 ft) |
| Length | 115 km (71 mi) |
| Basin size | 198,900 km2 (76,800 sq mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Murrumbidgee River, Murray–Darling basin |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Queanbeyan River, Jerrabomberra Creek |
| • right | Sullivans Creek |
| Nature reserves | Molonglo Gorge Recreation Reserve, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Lower Molonglo Nature Reserve |
| [3] | |
The Molonglo River is a perennial river[4] that is part of the Murrumbidgee catchment within the Murray–Darling basin. It is located in the Monaro and Capital Country regions of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, in Australia.
Location and features
The river rises on the western side of the
From source to mouth, the river is traversed by the Captains Flat Road at
Etymology
The river's name was recorded as the "Yeal-am-bid-gie" in 1820 by the explorer
History
The first name given to the River by Westerners was Limestone River, Subsequently, in the early years of European settlement both the Molonglo and the Queanbeyan were known as the "Fish River" for the abundance of native fish in them. The Molonglo was renowned as a beautiful river with excellent fishing for native
Consequently, when Lake Burley Griffin was built upon the Molonglo and filled in 1964, the waters were devoid of native fish. Restocking commenced in the 1970s and continued through 1980s have re-established Murray Cod and Golden Perch in the lake and a short stretch of river upstream. A large stretch of the Molonglo still holds nothing but introduced fish species and is still waiting for the native fish species to be re-established by stockings.
Significant natural restoration work has been undertaken downstream of Scrivener Dam in conjunction with the housing development in the Molonglo Valley during the 2010s.[6] In February 2024, construction began on a 200-metre-long bridge connecting Whitlam with the Molonglo Valley. It is expected to be completed in December 2025.[7]
See also
- History of Lake Burley Griffin
- List of rivers of Australia
- London Bridge (New South Wales)
- Rivers of New South Wales
- Scott's Crossing Road
Selected references
- ^ a b "Electoral boundaries". Electorates: 2012 election. Australian Capital Territory Electoral Commission. c. 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ a b Official Yearbook of the Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 1931. p. 456.
- ^ a b "Map of Molonglo River". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- ^ "Molonglo River". Geographical Names Register (GNR) of NSW. Geographical Names Board of New South Wales. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- ^ Lintermans, M (2000). The Status of Fish in the Australian Capital Territory: A Review of Current Knowledge and Management Requirements. Technical Report No. 15. Canberra: Environment ACT.
- ^ "Molonglo Valley offset areas - Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate - Environment". www.environment.act.gov.au. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017.
- ^ Vikhrov, Natalie (26 February 2024). "Construction starts on Molonglo River bridge". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
External links
- "Murrumbidgee and Lake George catchments" (map). Office of Environment and Heritage. Government of New South Wales.
- "Molonglo Catchment Strategy: 2004-2024" (PDF). Molonglo Catchment Group Inc. May 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
Rivers of the Murrumbidgee River catchment, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia | |||||
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Rivers, other watercourses, reservoirs, river islands and waterfalls of the Australian Capital Territory | |
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| Rivers and creeks | |
| Reservoirs | |
| River islands | |
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