Our waterways have enormous ecological, cultural and economic significance, and are the lifeblood of our land and communities. They are vital to agriculture and to the survival of threatened plants and animals. The Refreshing Rivers Program is working with more than 1,600 landholders to improve waterway health across the Murray-Riverina region.
Be a part of a coordinated effort to improve waterway health, truly driven by local community values. Your input shapes local Waterway Management Plans and actions.
Get personalised support from Project Officers to identify the best opportunities for your property and diversify your income.
Be rewarded for the actions you already take and will take in the future to protect and enhance waterways.
We are working with landholders in the Murray-Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW) across three Target Areas: Central Billabong, Upper Billabong and the Riverina Highlands.
Click on the map to visit your region and find out how you can get involved in improving waterway health.
Check out a few of the ways in which community, landholders and project partners have come together to improve our waterways and the ecosystems that depend on them. The Refreshing Rivers Program provides the opportunity to build on past successes as well as addressing new and ongoing challenges.
In the upper reaches of the Mountain Creek, habitat restoration for the endangered Southern Pygmy Perch also has many benefits for landholders, revitalising much-loved and valuable creek systems.
Over the course of several events in late 2022 and early 2023, significant work has been undertaken to restore fish habitat on the Colombo Creek. Schoolkids helped plant trees, while a separate event was held to reduce carp numbers through electro-fishing.
The Black Summer Bushfires had a huge impact – including on the iconic Platypus. Populations may have declined by up to 18%, but work is underway to understand Platypus population health and restore habitat.
What's not to love about being outdoors amongst the redgums, planting and restoring wetlands on a sunny day, with kids having fun in the mud and a bbq? Plus, a great result for habitat and vegetation at this property on the Yanco Creek.
Central Billabong landholders celebrate the incredible success of willlow removal projects over the past 15 years, which have turned clogged creeks into broad, navigable waterways, flanked by redgums and revegetation plantings, and home to native fish and birds.
The Tumut Grevillea is an endangered plant that's only found along a short section of the Goobarragandra River. The Landcare nursery at Tumut grows Tumut Grevillea as one of many plants which are suitable for local conditions.
If you are interested in getting guidance for waterways on your property, get in touch.
"What I enjoy most about my role is meeting people and being out in the field. I have a passion for agriculture, environment and community, which I carry with me into this role. I think the value of the Refreshing Rivers Program will be seen in action through listening and learning from our community."
Favourite plant or animal: Murray-Darling Rainbow Fish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)
0419 841 834
andrea@refreshingrivers.org.au
"We have one of the last populations of Southern Pygmy Perch in the Murray catchment and it has been teetering for the last 10 years. Getting the whole community involved and keeping our creeks and waterways functioning and resilient as our natural and production systems adapt to climate changes, can give these struggling species the fighting chance they need."
Favourite plant or animal: Shield Shrimp (Triops australiensis)
0418 198 522
kylie@refreshingrivers.org.au
Riverina Local Land Services, working closely with Riverina Highlands Landcare Network
"There are not too many jobs where you can physically see the difference you have made. I enjoy working with landholders to design their projects and I love going back and revisiting sites to see how these projects are making a difference to the way landholders manage their land."
Favourite plant or animal: Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
0427 407 126
cherie@refreshingrivers.org.au
The Refreshing Rivers Program is a collaboration between government, industry, research, and community organisations, led by Local Land Services. This Program has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.
We are exploring innovative ways to improve waterway health, and we would love to collaborate with you. Please get in touch with our Program Coordinators by emailing info@refreshingrivers.com.au or completing the form.
Refreshing Rivers Program Manager
Murray Local Land Services
“I am excited to be managing such an ambitious, community centred program, and to work alongside local people to make real positive steps to improve the health of our rivers. Water quality is so important for agriculture, recreation including fishing, aesthetics of the local area, tourism opportunities and community pride. Healthy waterways equal healthy land, healthy communities, and healthy people!”
Favourite plant or animal: Fairy Aprons (Utricularia dichotoma)
0428 217 271
info@refreshingrivers.org.au
Website developed by the Australian River Restoration Centre