Improving the Health of Inland Rivers with $9 Million Trust Grant

Wednesday 27^th January 2021

IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF INLAND RIVERS WITH $9 MILLION TRUST GRANT

The NSW Environmental Trust has awarded a $9 million River Connections grant to a consortium led by Murray Local Land Services to deliver their Refreshing River Management project.

The project will provide a much needed boost for inland river health around the South West Slopes, Riverina Highlands and Lower Billabong Creek.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the River Connections grant would be turbocharged with more than $12 million of partner funding and in-kind donations, taking the total investment in our river’s health to more than $20 million.

“Today’s announcement will see more than $20 million invested in improving the health of hundreds of kilometres of river ecosystems, including some of the spectacular inland rivers that surround our local community” Mr Clancy said.

“River Connections will help support more than 1,600 farmers and communities managing land in river ecosystems in the Murray and Riverina areas.

“Rivers are the lifeblood of inland NSW, with the health of inland rivers directly linked to the wellbeing of our regional communities – both environmentally and culturally.

“Healthy rivers and riparian zones, flowing water, improved native fish breeding and habitats are all part of the end-game – as well as keeping nutrient run-off out of the rivers to support ecological adaptation in our changing climate.”

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the 10-year project targets river ecosystems in three areas and will apply innovative land management practices and environmental activities, with the long-term aim of rolling out the learnings to comparable regions right across NSW.

“All these waterways – every creek, every bit of run-off – eventually flow into the Murray River, affecting the health of the Murray, and our wider food bowl,” Mr Kean said.

“This project is all about integrated river management – engaging all river stakeholders and working together to protect and promote the health of our inland river systems.”

The project covers Murray and Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) areas, Tumut Murrumbidgee River system and Billabong Creek, Yanco Creek and the Edward River system of the Murray River.

Murray LLS has a 15-partner consortium including government, industry, research, community organisations and Aboriginal work crews.

For more information visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/river-connections/refreshing-river-management-to-improve-river-health