Dungowan Sub-catchment

The Dungowan sub-catchment covers an area of 392km2 and is located approximately 30km south east of Tamworth. Dungowan Dam is situated in the upper reaches of this sub-catchment, which is contributes to the potable water supplies for the city of Tamworth. Elevations within the catchment range from 1300m to 450m ASL

The sub-catchment drains from the top of the Great Dividing Range to the east with Dungowan Creek flowing north-west picking up many minor tributaries along the way. Dungowan Creek finally discharges into the Peel River at Dungowan.

Landscapes within the sub-catchment range from alluvial floodplains to hill slopes and rugged ranges. The mid to lower slopes are dominated by deep red brown earths with the upper slopes dominated by deep stony red clays.

Approximately 25% of the sub-catchment is State Forest. Vegetation types range from endangered grasslands through to open Box woodlands to sub-alpine forests. Commercial softwood forestry is undertaken on the steeper higher elevations within the sub-catchment.

The steeper lands and slopes are predominately used for sheep and cattle production and some small areas set aside for biodiversity conservation. The lower slopes and floodplains are used for both dryland and irrigated lucerne and fodder production.

The main issues within the sub-catchment include soil erosion, biodiversity conservation, and water quality management.