River Recovery & Futures Alliance Billabong Project 

The River Recovery & Futures Alliance Billabong Project aims to reimagine how we care for the Murray–Darling Basin. Led by First Nations communities, this transformative initiative seeks to combine cultural knowledge, ecological restoration, and community wellbeing to create a healthier river system and stronger futures for generations to come. 

About the project

The Murray–Darling Basin is Australia’s most important river system—yet it is under growing pressure from climate change, degradation, and biodiversity loss. While governments have invested heavily in recovery, many solutions have overlooked the knowledge and leadership of First Nations peoples. Without genuine cultural inclusion, river restoration will remain incomplete. 

The Billabong Project seeks to change this. Grounded in a transformative First Nations ranger methodology, it positions river recovery as both ecological repair and community healing. Inspired by the vision of Ngemba Elder Uncle Feli McHughes, the Project aims to build on the success of Indigenous Ranger programs by embedding cultural knowledge, trauma-informed practices, and sustainable livelihoods into river restoration. 

The model intends to bring together a coalition of Elders, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), universities, industry, and landholders. At its centre will be a coordination hub linked to ranger sites across the Basin. These sites are designed to serve as living classrooms and restoration centres, where Elders guide knowledge transfer, young people gain education and training, and communities monitor and care for Country. 

Through these partnerships, the Billabong Project plans to provide wrap-around supports that extend beyond jobs—focusing on health, wellbeing, education pathways, and enterprise skills. From regenerating billabongs to restoring riparian corridors, the project aims to address neglected ecological priorities while creating long-term opportunities for First Nations peoples. If supported, this model has the potential to deliver scalable restoration that is locally grounded, culturally sovereign, and globally relevant. 

Outcomes

If realised, the Billabong Project will deliver billabong, river and wetland restoration, while creating meaningful employment and training pathways for First Nations peoples, enhance community wellbeing, and open opportunities for cultural enterprise and innovation. By bringing together culture and science, the project aspires to set a new benchmark for how river systems can be restored—delivering lasting benefits for both Country and community. 

Partner with us

The Billabong Project is at a pivotal stage—bringing together vision, knowledge, and partnerships to shape a new future for the Murray–Darling Basin. To make this vision a reality, we are seeking partners who share our commitment to ecological restoration, cultural leadership, and community wellbeing. 

By joining the Project, collaborators will play a vital role in developing a First Nations-led model of river recovery that has the potential to transform environmental and social outcomes across the Basin and beyond. Whether through research, investment, or on-ground collaboration, your support will help create sustainable livelihoods, healthier rivers, and stronger communities. 

Together, we can build a model of restoration that honours First Nations culture, delivers intergenerational benefit and restores ecosystems.