Upper Richmond River Waterways and Wetlands

The upper Richmond River catchment Waterway and Wetland Health Assessment and Action Plan has been initiated by Kyogle Council in recognition of the critical role that healthy upper catchment waterways and wetlands play in supporting both local and downstream ecosystems and communities.

The catchment is experiencing increasing pressure from climate change, ongoing land-use impacts, sediment pollution, and invasive species. While a range of localised management plans and rehabilitation efforts are currently underway across the upper catchment, there is no overarching, catchment-scale strategy to guide future management and investment within the Kyogle Council area. This project seeks to address this gap by assessing and mapping the current condition of waterways and wetlands, identifying and prioritising areas for on-ground rehabilitation, and developing a targeted action plan to guide future investment.

The project will align with broader initiatives, including the Richmond River Estuary Coastal Management Program (CMP), the Richmond River Catchment Partnership, and other concurrent research projects across the wider Richmond River catchment. Through engagement with stakeholders and the community, the project aims to build local capacity, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that cultural values are recognised and integrated into long-term catchment management.