Restoring the Talbragar River: Community-led conservation

Once vibrant and full of life, the Talbragar River, part of the Macquarie catchment in the Castlereagh region, has struggled under the weight of drought, invasive species, and habitat degradation.

In response, a passionate group of local organisations and volunteers launched a restoration project to clean up the river, enhance native habitats, and inspire the community to protect this vital ecosystem.

Building a team for change

The initiative brought together Coolah-Dunedoo Landcare, NSW Local Land Services, First Nations youth group Boys to the Bush, OzFish volunteers, and the wider community. This powerful partnership became the backbone of the project, combining local knowledge, cultural connection, and environmental expertise.

With 40 volunteers, including 20 schoolchildren, rolling up their sleeves, the effort showcased what’s possible when a community unites for nature.

Action on the ground: clean-up and restoration

Over the course of the project, the community achieved a lot in a short time. Volunteers conducted a major river clean-up, planted 400 native plants along the banks of the Talbragar, and carried out two full days of site prep with help from First Nations youth.

These plants will provide vital habitat for native species, stabilize riverbanks, and help restore ecological balance in a system dominated by invasive carp.

Education and empowerment through science

OzFish hosted engaging discussions on native fish and river health, highlighting the challenges facing aquatic life in the Murray-Darling Basin. These educational moments gave participants, especially local youth, a better understanding of their environment and the importance of taking action. Knowledge-sharing was a core part of the project, creating ripple effects beyond the day’s events.

A lasting impact for people and place

By restoring riparian habitat and improving water quality, this project is creating long-term benefits for both nature and the Dunedoo community. The efforts are helping native fish, birds, and turtles return to a healthier environment, while also building a stronger connection between people and their river.

As the plants grow and the river heals, so too does the local commitment to conservation, laying a foundation for future generations to carry the work forward.

This project is in collaboration with Coolah-Dunedoo Landcare, NSW Local Land Services, and Boys to the Bush with funding from the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership, Australian Government through the CRC Program and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.