Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Rebecca White MP, Member for Lyons
The Albanese Government is investing $10 million to restore more than 20 kilometres of degraded riverbanks in the Derwent River catchment, delivering healthier waterways for Tasmania.
The commitment, made by the Albanese Labor Government in the 2025 election campaign, will support the development of a catchment-wide Nature Repair Plan to guide long-term ecological restoration, remove weeds and restore habitat for threatened species while also creating local jobs through a dedicated Ranger Program.
Led by the Derwent Catchment Project, the initiative will also strengthen sustainable agricultural practices and biosecurity coordination across the catchment, supporting both environmental resilience and farmers in the district.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was committed to investing in projects that conserve, protect, and sustainably manage nature, by supporting local organisations.
"This project will help develop long-term plans for the region, which will mean the community can enjoy the Derwent River catchment for many years to come," Minister Watt said.
Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, said the project would make a big difference in the region.
"I've seen the impact the Derwent Catchment Project has made and with this $10 million in grant funding their work will expand to support even more of the Derwent Valley, restoring the health of the river system and supporting our local farmers.
"The project will also support at-risk native species, rehabilitate river banks, remove weeds and create local jobs.
"I'm pleased to be part of a Government that's investing in Tasmania's regions and our important waterways."
Dr Josie Kelman, CEO of the Derwent Catchment Project, welcomed the investment and said it would support long-term restoration in the area.
"This investment allows us to take a coordinated, whole-of-catchment approach to restoring river health, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening productive landscapes.
"It also lays the foundation for a pipeline of investable nature repair projects, in the Derwent Catchment."
The investment is part of the Australian Government's Local Environmental Projects Program that is delivering practical action to protect and restore Australia's environment and heritage.
