The Aquatic Ecology and Restoration Research Group at the University of New England (UNE) is undertaking pioneering research in the Bellinger River to better understand the impacts of floods.
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The group has developed world-first ‘Smart Rocks’ fitted with GPS and radio trackers that will allow their travel along the river to be mapped. The Bellinger River has been selected by UNE for its good water quality and habitat condition.
Although the ‘Smart Rocks’ are camouflaged, brightly painted rocks are also being placed in the river along Darkwood Rd.
Painted rocks are the usual method for tracking rock movement so UNE will be tracking these rocks to compare them to the new ‘Smart Rocks’.
Residents are urged to please leave these rocks in the river so UNE can monitor their movement during high flows. The research aims to improve understanding of how floods of different sizes move rocks. This information may then be taken into consideration when prioritising restoration sites along the Bellinger River.
