Urban Rivers Project Updates

Landcare ACT and our partners are delivering outstanding results through the ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project, part of the Urban Rivers Program. Collectively we have had major progress across all 15 sites within the project. Together with Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation (BNAC), Ginninderra Catchment Group, Molonglo Conservation Group, and Southern ACT Catchment Group, we are restoring waterways and revitalising riparian areas to protect Canberra’s rivers.

Erosion Control
This quarter, we collectively implemented 6.44 km of erosion control using deep-rooted native plants, coir logs, fencing to protect riparian zones from cattle, and strategic rock placement. With guidance from the BNAC, we ensured all works respected cultural values. To date, we have completed 19.08 km of erosion control and are on track to reach our 32 km target, improving water quality and slope stability.

Riparian Restoration
We planted 5.51 ha of native vegetation to restore degraded riparian areas. Thanks to community volunteers, we are now 4.5 km ahead of schedule, with 15.45 km completed. These efforts will transform the landscape for decades to come and attract native fauna to live and feed in this new habitat.

Community Engagement
We hosted 13 events this quarter, including planting days, educational walks, and weed identification workshops – bringing our total number of events under this project to 22. We will keep running these activities to involve the community in caring for our waterways.

Traditional Management Practices
BNAC delivered cultural training and conducted a cool burn at Crooke Place Wetlands  in Evatt, a traditional practice that benefits land health and safety. Other burns will occur next year when conditions allow. BNAC also monitors sites for heritage compliance and collaborates with catchment groups on on-ground works.

Monitoring & Weed Control
Our partners carried out Photopoints, RARC and Vegwatch surveys, and weed assessments. Results show a significant reduction in willows and blackberry, giving native plants the best chance to thrive.

Communications
We are working hard to educate our community on the works we are undertaking and why it’s so important for the ecosystem and ourselves. Everyone has a connection to water! This quarter, we launched River Stories, a five-part series highlighting Canberrans’ connections to local waterways. Follow these stories on our Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

What’s Next?
Next quarter, we will remove at least 20 ha of weeds and continue sharing updates. Want to get involved? Watch our social media for upcoming events or check out what’s coming up here: https://landcareact.org.au/calendar/

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of the ACT Government.