The ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project is part of the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, which invests $200 million to restore the health of urban waterways for native plants, animals, and local communities. With nearly half of Australia’s nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of its threatened plants found in urban areas, this program aims to conserve vital ecosystems while enhancing community connection and access to nature. By improving water quality, restoring habitats, and increasing green and blue spaces, the program supports Australia’s Nature Positive agenda to build climate resilience and create healthier environments.
In Canberra, the ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project will focus on restoring riparian areas and improving water quality in key urban waterways. The project is a collaboration between Landcare ACT, Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation, Ginninderra Catchment Group, Molonglo Conservation and Catchment Group, and Southern ACT Catchment Group. Guided by existing ACT NRM prioritisation systems, the project will identify high-priority sites and engage the community in on-ground restoration efforts such as weed control, revegetation, and erosion management to protect native species and enhance habitat quality.
Restoration activities will take place across the Ginninderra, Molonglo, and Southern ACT Catchments, supporting local biodiversity and improving public spaces for recreation and wellbeing. By addressing key environmental threats, the project will contribute to healthier waterways, benefiting both nature and the community while mitigating urban heat-related impacts in a changing climate.
The ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project is committed to delivering tangible environmental and community benefits by June 2027. Through a combination of riparian restoration, water quality improvements, and community engagement, the project will enhance habitat quality, protect native species, and strengthen urban green and blue spaces across Canberra’s key waterways.
By June 2027, the project will significantly enhance 113.5 hectares of riparian habitat within the Ginninderra, Molonglo, and Southern ACT Catchments. Targeted restoration efforts—including invasive plant management and riparian revegetation—will improve conditions for native flora and fauna, particularly threatened aquatic species such as the Macquarie Perch, Murray Cod, and Murray Crayfish. These improvements will help restore ecological balance and create healthier, more resilient waterways.
Water quality threats from sedimentation and pollution will be actively reduced through erosion control, pollutant removal, and vegetation buffers. By June 2027, erosion control measures will be implemented along 32 km of key waterways, helping to safeguard habitats for species such as the Macquarie Perch, Trout Cod, Platypus, and Rakali. Additionally, gross pollutant removal efforts will target 15 km of river systems, while 24 hectares of riparian revegetation will help filter pollutants and improve water quality for native wildlife, including the Eastern Long-necked Turtle.
Beyond ecological restoration, the project will enhance urban green and blue spaces, providing cultural and wellbeing benefits to local communities. By June 2025, 24 cultural water activities will be delivered by Ngunawal people, strengthening cultural connections to the landscape. Additionally, 18 community engagement activities will promote environmental stewardship and improve access to healthier, greener spaces, fostering social wellbeing and community involvement in conservation.
Through these targeted actions, the ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project will leave a lasting positive impact on Canberra’s waterways, ensuring they remain thriving ecosystems for both people and wildlife.
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with assistance from the ACT Government.
Copyright Landcare ACT 2025