Landholders Lead Creek Restoration Across Northern Rivers After Flood Devastation
Landholders across the Northern Rivers are helping restore waterways damaged during the devastating 2022 floods, with thousands of native plants established and kilometres of riverbanks rehabilitated through a major catchment recovery program.
The Caring for Catchments program is supporting 35 projects across four catchments, focusing on practical measures to improve water quality, stabilise riverbanks and strengthen the long-term health of local waterways.
To date, approximately 62 hectares have been revegetated, 40 kilometres of riverbank restored and more than 84,000 native trees and sedges planted. The work aims to reduce erosion, improve riparian environments and support healthier creek and river systems throughout the region.
Almost 7,000 people have participated in the initiative through training, education and project delivery, helping build local knowledge and capability to continue catchment restoration into the future.
Funded through the Albanese Government’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program and administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the program is delivered by the North Coast Regional Landcare Network in partnership with local landholders and communities.
One of the projects is underway at Coffee Camp near Nimbin, where extensive restoration works have been carried out on a cattle property at the junction of Bishops and Goolmangar Creeks.
The project includes revegetation, fencing, weed management and water infrastructure improvements designed to improve creek condition and water quality. Around 11,000 native trees have been planted, while cattle exclusion fencing and off-stream watering systems have been installed to reduce pressure on waterways.
The work is being undertaken by third-generation cattle producer Jeff Imeson, with son-in-law Kieran Rangger managing the restoration projects and integrating them into broader farm operations.
Flood recovery efforts are also continuing on the property, with two flood buyback homes being relocated to allow family members to remain in the local area while supporting environmental restoration.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the program was helping communities recover while improving resilience to future flood events.
NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said nature-based solutions formed an important part of broader flood resilience efforts across the Northern Rivers.
The outcomes and lessons from Caring for Catchments will contribute to the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan, with community consultation continuing across the region until 26 June.
