Richmond River Catchment Partnership

Why is this project important?

The Richmond River catchment faces serious challenges from diffuse source water pollution. The pollution threatens waterway health and the ecological integrity of the estuary. Coordinated action to reduce pollutant inputs and improve land management practices is essential to improve outcomes for this vital system.

This project is built on collaboration. We are co-designing a governance framework with Aboriginal groups, councils, state agencies, primary producers and community organisations.

This inclusive approach ensures that decisions reflect diverse perspectives and support long-term sustainability. The framework will also contribute to the Richmond River Estuary Coastal Management Program, strengthening environmental governance across the region.

What are we doing?

We are developing and trialling a governance framework to manage diffuse source water pollution in the Richmond River catchment. Regular meetings of the Richmond River Catchment Partnership guide this work and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Our focus is on designing a framework that coordinates management actions to reduce diffuse source water pollution and improve waterway health.

We are working closely with Aboriginal groups, councils, universities, state agencies, primary producers and community organisations to establish a partnership that will become independent and self-sustaining.

What have we achieved?

Building strong partnerships

We have built strong partnerships across government, Aboriginal groups, universities, industry and community stakeholders. Regular meetings of the Richmond River Catchment Partnership have created momentum and strengthened collaboration.

Advancing a collaborative governance framework

Through these efforts, we have advanced the development of a governance framework that brings diverse stakeholders together around shared goals for waterway health. Community understanding of best-practice land management has improved, and collaboration to reduce diffuse-source runoff is growing.

Establishing a foundation for independent partnership

Importantly, we have laid the foundation for a partnership that will continue independently, ensuring long-term ecological benefits for the Richmond River.

Richmond River catchment area - Kyogle Council, Byron Shire Council, Lismore City Council, Richmond Valley Council and Ballina Shire Council.

Rous County Council provides services to many of these councils under a Service Level Agreement.

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW)

• Ballina Shire Council
• Byron Shire Council
• Kyogle Council
• Lismore City Council
• Richmond Valley Council
• Rous County Council

• Marine Estate Management Strategy Implementation Plan stage 2 (PDF, 5020.33 KB)