Liquid Heart – Restoring the Australian Alps

The journey to regenerate the NSW Alps in the post-grazing era. This story brings together First Nations People and Scientists to reflect on their shared understanding of the natural processes of mountain ecology, especially the power of water. The enduring soil erosion arising from almost a century of grazing is finally addressed by the NSW Soil Conservation Service and over a period of 60 years, the mountain ecological processes are partially restored. Visible landscape damage still

Restoring Kosciuszko seeks to observe key mountain landscapes after over a century of grazing damage and other human impacts. This documentary brings together First Nations knowledge and science to understand the journey to regenerate The Australian Alps, to inform land managers, decision-makers and local communities towards continuous custodianship of these precious and unique, natural water-towers. Restoring Kosciuszko is an immersive all-seasons film experience that seeks to inspire many generations across the multitude of individuals and groups of people who enjoy the Australian mountains: First Nations, scientists, ecologists, environmental activists, fishermen and women, artists, poets & writers, recreational users including skiers, mountain bikers & hikers. We are all a part of the story of the mountains. Our mountains are imperilled due to increasing demands of climate change, habitat loss due to fire and human impacts. The natural future of the mountains is our water future.

1. Increased awareness of the natural systems of the Snowy Mountains – their ecology.
2. Understanding the shared Custodianship by First Nations Peoples, Science and the Community to restore Mountain landscapes.
3. Partner with Universities towards continuous learning, monitoring and restoration processes.
4. Partner with land management agencies for practical protection and physical repair.
5. Partner with key user groups to share knowledge and inspiration including Snowy Hydro, Perisher Vale, Thredbo, Snowy River Shire Council, Destination NSW. Inspire greater commitment for financial and practical investment in mountain reparation.
6. Encourage and entice the greater community to respect and protect the mountain destinations through “tread lightly, leave no trace” principles, articulated through a natural love for these beautiful environments.
7. Foster through sharing, new generations of Custodians and especially, young First Nationals people and environmental scientists.

1. Direct access to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Strong supporters of this project.
2. Direct access to Alps Liaison Committee, strong supporters of the project.
3. Ongoing and historic relationship with key local members of Parliament and also, with Federal and State Environment Ministers through advocacy to reestablish the Australian Alps Ministerial Council.
4. University partnership especially Fenner School of Environment & Society through personal relationships and legacy work of Dr Alec Costin.
5. University / Education relationship with Victorian universities through the work of Director Stephen Curtain.
6. Extended relationship with First Nations People through Custodian Shane Herrington.
7. Relationships with Snowy Hydro, Perisher and Thredbo through advocacy to restore the Snowy River and funding to regenerate the Alps.
8. Relationships with local Jindabyne / Thredbo / Perisher / Dinner Plain communities through arts and skiing.

1. Timed screenings at key venues for example, Jindabyne Cinema, Canberra Fenner School, Dinner Plain, Melbourne. Will include speakers. Advertise well in advance up to 8 weeks and repeat prompts.
2. Will develop Instagram site for the film and share via vast network of environmental advocates already in contact.
3. Continue to promote via Linked In.