This region was an important meeting place, which means that it wasn’t just inhabited by one particular Aboriginal group, but had many. We recognise the Mulwaree, Wollondilly, Wiradjuri, Gundungurra, Dharrook, Tharawal, Tarlo, Pajong, Parramarragoo, Cookmal, Burra Burra, Lachlan and Ngunawal people. We acknowledge their continuing connection with, and knowledge about land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Adapted from: Welcome to Country & Acknowledgement of Country – Creative Spirits
River Dreaming image (right). Artist: Richie Allen (Ngunnawal/Kamilaroi), Traditional Aboriginal Owners Corporation.
Rivers of Carbon – Source Water Linkages commenced in 2017 and is a partnership between Rivers of Carbon and WaterNSW to protect and restore river and riparian areas in Sydney’s water catchments. This is a large area (see project area map below) encompassing Braidwood, Goulburn and the Southern Highlands, where we are working with landholders keen to manage their rivers, creeks, wetlands or ponds, to reduce erosion, improve water quality, stabilise banks and boost biodiversity through revegetation. Managing stock is central to our on-ground work, so fencing and off stream watering are also key strategies we develop with landholders.
Our approach is unique to the Rivers of Carbon Program and follows these key steps:
If you meet the minimum project requirements, we visit your property and develop a project plan with you for your riparian area. Our projects offer a range of site-level incentives to help landholders plant native vegetation, fence out stock, organise alternative stock water points, and repair small scale erosion.
For large scale erosion and stock crossings the site is assessed separately by specialist staff, we work with you to develop a detailed design and management plan. This service extends to legislative approvals, design, contractor quotes and supervision of works through to project completion.
Once we agree on key outcomes, and it fits within our Source Water Linkages objectives, we bring it together in a straightforward and easy-to-follow Management Agreement that both parties sign.
We then assist you in planning and undertaking the works for your project. In addition to getting works done on your place, you become part of our Rivers of Carbon community with access to workshops, field days and support from our friendly team.
This map shows the sub-catchments covered by the Rivers of Carbon – Source Water Linkages Project, which is the declared Sydney Drinking Water Catchment Area. To determine if you are located in this area, please use this WaterNSW online mapping tool.
Financial assistance is available for landholders to help with project costs. Landholders may be eligible for funding if:
Note: If you do not have livestock, contact us for more information as you may meet the requirements under other assessment rules.
You can express interest in a project on your property anytime. Our team reviews and develops project proposals with WaterNSW every February, May, August, and November, checking all projects against the criteria. If you have any questions about whether your property is eligible, please get in touch with our team.
Felicity Wheelright, a fourth-generation regenerative farmer in Crookwell, is a Rivers of Carbon champion. Her holistically grazed farm has seen 30 years of restoration, including a 17km native tree corridor. With a background in banking, she discusses holistic grazing and regenerative agriculture.
Merigan Farms, an 850-hectare property in NSW, focuses on sheep and cattle. Tim De Mestre, with Rivers of Carbon, fenced riparian areas and planted natives to boost biodiversity.
Pylara Woodlawn Farms, a 6000-hectare property in NSW, collaborates with Rivers of Carbon to manage land and waterways. Farm manager Alex Djikic focuses on restoring Crisps Creek and Duck Flat in the Mulwaree River system.
Hazelee, a 130-hectare property near Mount Fairy, NSW, features Fairy Meadow Creek and wetlands. These areas are crucial for bird breeding and drought refuge, with ‘chain of ponds’ supporting moisture-loving grasses, sedges, and rushes.
This 5,000-acre property near Goulburn, NSW, features a rare ‘chain-of-ponds’ system and a 17.8-acre riparian project along the Mulwaree River. Rivers of Carbon and the Gibson family are restoring the land, which supports cropping and a native riparian corridor home to waterfowl and other species.
Lockyersleigh, a 3,500-hectare property in Goulburn, NSW, has seen two decades of riparian restoration by owner Matt Onions, partnering with Rivers of Carbon to boost productivity, protect biodiversity, and reduce erosion.
This 150-acre site near Goulburn, NSW, includes a 1.5km stretch of the Wollondilly River. Rivers of Carbon and owners Margaret and Nagy are reversing cattle grazing damage, boosting biodiversity, and protecting against erosion.
Information guides to help you manage riparian areas for improved water quality, stock health and sustainable farm management.
If you are a landholder looking to repair your gully, creek, swampy meadow, or river, please contact one of our team, or complete the online Expression of Interest form below.
Alex James
T: 0406 338 850
E: alex.james@arrc.com.au
Shane Laverty
T: 0459 116 582
E: shane.laverty@arrc.com.au
You can express interest in a project on your property anytime. Our team reviews and develops project proposals with WaterNSW every February, May, August, and November, checking all projects against the criteria. If you have any questions about whether your property is eligible, please get in touch with our team.
If you would like to apply for funding or discuss opportunities with the Source Water Linkages Program, please use the button below to complete the form:
For more information, please download the program brochure. (PDF)
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Our work is being funded through our partnership with WaterNSW.
