Upper Namoi Water in the Landscape Initiativ

In Australia, water is managed via complex layers of government policy arrangements and statutory authorities.

The slopes of the Upper Namoi catchment are a significant water source for the Murray Darling system.  Changing rainfall, temperatures, agriculture, industry, population and livelihoods, and major policy changes to environmental, water, and agricultural governance, all affect water resources in our region.

In May 2023, after extensive consultation, Tamworth Regional Landcare Association, Tamworth Regional Council, the University of New England formed the Upper Namoi Water in the Landscape Alliance with the aim of addressing concerns that Upper Namoi communities continue to rely on water infrastructure whilst critical groundwater resources are largely ignored.

Since then, the Alliance has grown to 39 members representing primary producers, industry groups, irrigators, business chambers and the wider community.



The first project to be hosted by the Initiative is the Upper Namoi Water Symposium attended by more than 100 key stakeholders on Monday March 17, 2025 at the Mercure Tamworth.

This event provided an important opportunity for water users and policy makers to discuss their issues and concerns, to explore how different water interests could be affected, and start the journey to co-design solutions that will ensure ongoing water availability and sustainability for the Upper Namoi.

Watch NBN News coverage of the Water Symposium HERE

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Further background

The Upper Namoi watershed is framed by the Great Dividing Range to the east and north-east, the Liverpool Range to the south and the Nandewar Range to the north. This landscape is less than 10% of the greater Namoi catchment but catches more than 80% of the water that flows to the Murray-Darling system via the Namoi River.

While engineered water infrastructure assets such as Chaffey, Keepit, and Quipolly Dams have traditionally supported Namoi communities and stakeholders, the health and viability of Upper Namoi communities and stakeholders is ultimately dependent on groundwater.

According to NSW Government information, groundwater contributes around 20% of the total water needs in NSW, meaning that a significant portion of the water filling dams in the state is sourced from groundwater, particularly in areas where surface water is less reliable during droughts

The Upper Namoi cannot continue to depend solely on big, expensive open dams that lose a considerable percentage of their storage to evaporation, and are all becoming progressively shallower because of sedimentation

The Alliance believes there is a critical need to start thinking about how the Upper Namoi can keep water more safely stored in the landscapes where it falls – in soils and aquifers where it is less prone to evaporation; even in vegetation that helps cool the landscape and slow evaporation

The more water that is held in the landscape and slow on its journey to the sea or back into the atmosphere, the more we have to sustain people, enterprises and the environment in times of stress.

UNE have determined there is “strong scientific certainty” that north-western NSW is going to grapple with more acute water shortages as global temperatures continue to rise.

Surface and underground water is fundamental to all Namoi water users and stakeholders and the strategic plans of the local government areas (Tamworth, Liverpool Plains, Narrabri and Gunnedah) identify the importance of water security and resilience to our region.

Land management in agriculture, business and every-day life affects groundwater conditions and extraction; it influences surface retention and downstream flow, and so is significant for both droughts and floods. 

Historically, the focus of policy, resource allocation and public attention has been on the lower Namoi and the Murray Darling Basin (MDB), ignoring that downstream waterways rely fundamentally on how much water is in the upstream landscape.


If you would like to learn more about WITLY and the purpose of the symposium, please find additional information below.
Background Briefing Background Briefing Murray-Darling Basin Plan mark II Murray-Darling Basin Plan mark II Social Covenant Social Covenant Consultation Draft Consultation Draft


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PLCs in Action: PLC Matters Wraps Up for Another Year!

We’re excited to share the official wrap‑up article from the BCT about the PLC Matters program and its impact on private land conservation across New South Wales: PLC Matters inspires private land conservation across NSW.

Since launching in June 2023, BCT and Landcare NSW have teamed up through PLC Matters to develop a thriving network of landholders committed to safeguarding biodiversity. By June 2025, they had delivered 143 events across the state, engaging nearly 2,200 participants in field days, workshops, and storytelling sessions. plcm.landcarensw.net.au+5bct.nsw.gov.au+5bct.nsw.gov.au+5

The program’s impact is clear:

  • 90 % of participants reported high satisfaction and felt inspired to take conservation action
  • 85 % said they could directly apply what they learned to their own land
  • ✅ Knowledge increased from an average of 41 to 58 on a 100‑point scale
  • ✅ Over 30 partner organisations are now collaborating with BCT and Landcare NSW bct.nsw.gov.au


From practical learning and community building to empowering landholders to protect threatened species and landscapes, PLC Matters is making a real difference for conservation on private land.

Want to be part of this community? Read the full article above and explore the PLC Matters Toolkit via Landcare NSW to find upcoming events and resources in your region.

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Come Work With Us!

Our native plant nursery is on the lookout for a Casual Horticulturist to join our team!

If you’re passionate about native plants, love getting your hands dirty, and have experience in propagation or nursery work, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or if you have any enquiries please contact Jacqui on 0401717015 or jacqui@trla.org.au


TRLA stands with the Home is where the hollow is campaign

Here at TRLA, we’re passionate about the wellbeing of our natural ecosystem and recognise the responsibility we have to protect the environment and biodiversity.

Tree hollows and fallen logs provide important homes for Australian wildlife, but they’re disappearing at an alarming rate.

Trees provide critical habitat for native wildlife to forage, shelter, roost and nest. Hollow bearing trees are particularly important, as many species use hollows on a daily and seasonal basis to nest and raise their young.

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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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.

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