Water Hub

A RESEARCH initiative to address pressing water issues in the region through a large, holistic project is in the process of being established.

The Water in the Upper Namoi Landscape Strategy will focus on managing water and landscapes in the face of pressures such as climate change.

The majority of rain in the Namoi catchment falls in the upper regions, but very quickly runs off, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) chair Wayne Chaffey said.

"It moves through the top reaches incredibly fast compared to what it used to 200 years ago," he said.

Finding ways to make the upper areas of the catchment act as a sponge, and allow water to drain more slowly through the rest of the floodplain, is critical, he said.

"Hopefully that means we've got better conditions in upper reaches and people downstream are not being exposed to the massive floods, and issues that they've had in recent times," he said.

Issues faced downstream of the Murray Darling basin, including fish deaths in Menindee, can be traced to problems in rivers and streams in Northern NSW, TRLA vice chair George MacDonald said.

"If there's no water here, or the water's not fixed in these catchments, not only can we not live here, it impacts upon them, too," he said.

After multiple meetings with the University of New England (UNE), landholders, TRLA, and Tamworth, Liverpool Plains, and Gunnedah councils, and two years of background work, an agreement was made on Friday, February 17.

UNE river science professor Martin Thoms said significant investment will be attracted into the project and lead to "shovel-ready solutions".

The next step is a multimillion dollar research investment application to the federal government, and to attempt to engage big businesses.

"We're at the pointy edge of the wedge," Mr Thoms said.

Written by Ava Baxter Northern Daily Leader.

- Read full article here https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/8089503/stopping-water-run-off-critical-to-managing-landscape/



Latest News



Landcare Learning - Eyes in the Sky: Drones for Koala Conservation"with James Filby

oin us for an evening with James Filby – farmer, agronomist, and chief pilot of the Wildseek Koala Project. TRLA is proud to support this groundbreaking project using drone technology to locate and protect koala populations across the region. James will take us behind the scenes , sharing where the team has flown, what they’ve discovered, and how TRLA’s own drone is helping monitor and conserve koala habitat

Flash Sale

Flash Sale

We’re clearing some older stock, mainly eucalyptus – and that means bargain prices!
25c each for TRLA members
$1 each for non-members
Pick-up only from the nursery (Wallamore Road)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 9am–2pm only
No holds – first in, best dressed!Get in quick before they’re all gone!


PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!

PHOTO COMP EXTENDED!
We’ve had a few technical hiccups with our submission form – sorry about that! If you tried to enter the 2025 Photo Competition and it didn’t go through, please give it another go. Everything is working now. 

To give everyone a fair chance, entries are now open until JULY 11!

Theme: Biodiversity in Focus
Whether it's birds, bugs, blossoms or bushlands, show us the beauty in your backyard, local park or favourite wild place.

Open to all skill levels!
https://www.trla.org.au/news/2025-photo-competition/

Thanks for your patience — and keep those amazing shots coming!


Have Your Say on Native Vegetation Management in NSW

The NSW Government is proposing changes to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018, and now’s your chance to have input.

The Code plays a key role in supporting landholders to manage their land productively, while also balancing biodiversity conservation across private rural land in NSW. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen environmental protections and deliver on commitments made under the NSW Plan for Nature.

🗣 Community input is vital. A Discussion Paper has been released to guide your feedback, and all members of the public are invited to make a submission.

📅 Submissions close: Friday 4 July 2025
📍 Learn more and have your say: click read more

Help shape the future of land and biodiversity management in NSW — share this with your networks and let your voice be heard!


Students Engage with Country, Culture and Community through Bush to Bowl

A memorable day unfolded at Duri Hall last Thursday during the ‘Bush to Bowl’ event, proudly hosted by Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and supported by the Tamworth Aboriginal Lands Council and the Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre.

Campfire Gathering

Campfire Gathering

The Campfire Gathering at Boonalla Aboriginal Area on Gamilaroi Country was a truly meaningful day of connection, learning, and reflection. Coordinators from across the northwest came together in a culturally safe and welcoming space to build relationships, share stories, and strengthen partnerships with the Aboriginal community.

The day began with a moving Acknowledgement of Country, followed by powerful storytelling that invited everyone to reflect on their own connection to place. Through open and respectful conversations, we explored our experiences in Landcare and the importance of Aboriginal partnerships in our shared work caring for Country.

Lunch provided the perfect opportunity to relax, share a yarn, and deepen our connections. In the afternoon, Landcare staff engaged in a robust and honest discussion about what Aboriginal partnerships mean in practice, before ending the day with a quiet reflection and personal commitment to Country.

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

APPLY NOW APPLY NOW