Refreshing Rivers

Working with landholders to improve waterway health across the Murray-Riverina region of New South Wales

What is a ‘refreshed’ river?

Landholders we are working with share their responses:

"A river that is able to support a vibrant community of plants and animals, internal and external to the river."

"A river that is flowing freely, with a large and healthy biodiversity and nice diverse vegetation."

"A river that is allowed to move throughout the landscape because it’s not hemmed in, it’s protected, either by fencing or because of its location from the impacts of stock and feral animals."

"A river that is able to provide the cultural connection that people need and also socially enables people to feel good when they walk amongst it and can connect with it."

"A river that sustains the environment, the plants and animals that live in and around it."

The Refreshing Rivers Program

Our Vision: Improving waterway health through meaningful partnerships and collaboration

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.

Agriculture is our largest land use, and land management practices can have a significant impact on waterway health. There have been many successes over the past thirty years as landholders work to improve waterway health, but some challenges require an ongoing, collaborative effort, and that’s where Refreshing Rivers comes in.

The Refreshing Rivers Program works with and supports landholders. Together we can improve our waterways, bring back native fish and birds, and look after places for people and nature alongside productive landscapes.

Learn about Refreshing Rivers - a collaborative 10-year program to improve catchment management and waterway health across the Murray-Riverina region of NSW.

Take action in your Target Area

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.

Central Billabong Upper Billabong Riverina Highlands

Enhancing Our Waterways for Generations to Come

Our waterways are essential to the health of our environment, communities, and economy, sustaining agriculture, supporting diverse wildlife, and holding deep cultural significance. The Refreshing Rivers Program is partnering with over 1,600 landholders to restore and protect waterway health across the Murray-Riverina region. This community-driven initiative values local input to shape Waterway Management Plans and on-the-ground actions.

Through personalised support from Project Officers, landholders can identify the best strategies for their property, explore new opportunities, and diversify their income. Participants are also rewarded for their ongoing and future efforts to safeguard and enhance waterways, ensuring a healthier environment for generations to come.

Discover the natural value of your land!

Book your free Natural Capital Profile with the Refreshing Rivers team

Recognising and valuing your farm’s natural assets is a great first step towards making informed farm management decisions that can improve your productivity and profitability while also promoting biodiversity and the health of waterways on your property.

The Refreshing Rivers Program is offering a free service to work with landholders to better understand natural capital on their property.

Learn more Submit Expression of Interest

September 10, 2025

Riverina Highlands

Explore the Power of Citizen Science and Nature

In this hands-on workshop, aimed at the mature age group, you will learn how to record nature observations and contribute to an international biodiversity data base. Each participant will also receive free plants and resources to improve nature in their own back yard.

LEARN MORE

September 10, 2025

Central Billabong

Colombo Creek Baseline Assessment

YACTAC are on the lookout for landholders along Colombo Creek to be part of a baseline assessment. This program will focus on carp removal, and the distribution and health of trout cod and eel-tailed catfish populations in Colombo Creek.

LEARN MORE

September 9, 2025

Riverina Highlands

Restoring Morleys Creek

Works have began to restore Morleys Creek which runs through the town of Gundagai.

LEARN MORE

September 8, 2025

Upper Billabong

Friends of Ian Geddes meet up - Monday 15th September 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Join the Friends of Ian Geddes Bush Reserve. Everyone is welcome! We meet once a month to look after the Ten Mile Creek and Ian Geddes Bush Reserve in Holbrook. Bring something to share for afternoon tea and have a cuppa.

LEARN MORE