location 

The Never Never River (or also known as the Promised Lands), specifically the section running through Gleniffer, 2454, 30.3891° S, 152.8839° E (shown in image 1.1). Is just northwest of the small-town Bellingen and roughly halfway between Brisbane and Sydney on the east coast of New South Wales, Australia and lies on Gumbaynggirr Country holding large amounts of spiritual and cultural connections to the local Indigenous peoples of the area. Gleniffer is 25 metres above sea level, with an average annual rainfall of 1677 mm (Bonzle, 2024). The Gleniffer area is mostly surrounded by area that is controlled by the Forestry Cooperation (shown in image 1.4), but also a tiny area along the river is controlled by National Park (areas shown in image 1.3) as well as small parts of owned land blocks by residents. 

The Never Never River is a tourist and local hot spot due to its pristine waterways and naturally beautiful forest environment. The population of Gleniffer is 414 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021) with males being 51.8% and females the other 48.2% (as shown in image 1.2).

The decision to investigate the pollution in the Never Never River stems from a shared value for the natural environment that it provides the Bellingen community with. The river is used for leisure as a natural coolant during the summer, and its cultural and spiritual connection is appreciated when in the river's presence. It is vital to protect and preserve this natural environment for as long as possible as it is a crucial ecological habitat for many native and endangered species. By investigating the effects of pollution on the river, the needs and concerns for the current and future health of the environment can be evaluated, as well as providing sustainable options to better help preserve the sacred place.