Value of travelling stock reserves highlighted at Thurgoona

A field day addressed the various roles TSRs play in stock movements, habitat protection, cultural awareness and recreation.

More than 70 people including many schoolchildren attended the day at Bells travelling stock route, which was a collaboration between Murray Local Land Services, Holbrook Landcare Network, Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, Border Aboriginal Elders and the Green Army. 

“In the past, the Wiradjuri established and maintained pathways in the area … often used for moving between camps,” Murray LLS stock route ranger Phill Falcke said.

“Many of these were considered by early British colonists as ideal stock reserves.

“Today TSRs still have a role as an alternative food resource for stock, but are also commonly used for recreational pursuits.”

The event also included a ‘walk and talk’ with local ecologist Ian Davidson, who pointed out indigenous plants and wildlife and spoke about the importance of the habitat corridors formed by the TSR network that make it easier for animals, plants and insects to move across the landscape.

The day concluded with a show by upper Murray stockman, Tim O’Brien, from Boggy Creek Shows, who demonstrated the traditional horse and dog handling techniques of the early drovers who used the TSR network to take animals to market.

Mr Falcke said TSRs were positioned on parcels of Crown land 8-12 kms apart (about a day’s ride), forming a string of camp sites all the way from the grazing lands to market.

“Thanks to the field day, a new generation is now aware of their value in the landscape,” he said.