The ACT Community Waterways Restoration Project is an initiative under the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, a $200 million commitment to revitalizing urban waterways. By improving waterway health, the project supports native wildlife, plant species, and local communities. Urban areas are home to almost 50% of Australia’s threatened animals and 25% of its endangered plants, making these efforts essential for protecting biodiversity. Beyond ecological benefits, the program strengthens community ties to nature, ensuring greener, more accessible spaces for all.
Working Respectfully on Country
A major aspect of the project has been the collaboration with Buru Ngunawal, the Aboriginal custodians, who are providing essential guidance on working respectfully on Country. This includes identifying significant areas in pre-work surveying and cultural heritage training for contractors and participants in the project.
In the Southern ACT Area
SACTCG restoration efforts under this program are primarily conducted in the Tuggeranong Creek and Southern Murrumbidgee area. These efforts include removal, erosion control and debris removal. The project is already making significant strides in revitalising our local waterways.
FIRST PHASE
Substantial progress has been achieved in the project’s first phase with baseline and a second round of surveys for weed distribution, flora monitoring, and assessments of riparian condition now undertaken. On Tuggeranong Creek, contractors successfully treated 19 hectares, with a particular emphasis on woody weeds like blackberry. Erosion control with rock placement and coir logs has been undertaken by contractors and plantings have occurred along the Murrumbidgee River Corridor with both volunteers and contractors in hard to access areas. More weed control will take place this summer, and next year further small-scale erosion control works will take place upstream, as well as revegetation on treated areas.
How You Can Help
Southern ACT Catchment group is building a team of volunteers to water our recent plantings along tuggeranong creek. If you’d like to be involved get in touch below
You can also follow Southern ACT Catchment Group on facebook to hear about all the latest volunteer events.