River Guardians of Stroud working together for Platypus Conservation
Community-led creek rehabilitation with Stroud Community Rivercare and Stroud Junior Landcare
Capacity building - LEP23_026_LLC
The issue
Here on the Mid Coast of NSW, the waterways of Stroud, including Mill Creek and Mill Brook, provide important habitat for native wildlife, including the iconic platypus. However, like many rural waterways, these creek systems have faced challenges from weed invasion, erosion and habitat degradation. Concerned members of the Stroud community realised that protecting these waterways requires both community involvement and ongoing restoration efforts to support a healthy local waterway. There was a need to involve people of all ages and people of the Stroud community formed 2 local Landcare groups to support this cause.
The solution
The partnership of the Community Rivercare and Stroud Jn group has strengthened conservation outcomes along Mill Creek and Mill Brook while building community capacity to care for the local environment. Collaborative planting and restoration activities are improving riparian vegetation, stabilising creek banks, and enhancing habitat quality for platypus and other native wildlife. Ongoing water quality monitoring by the Rivercare Group contributes valuable environmental data.
Mid Coast Council supports the groups by providing hand tools and native tubestock from the council native nursery. These two groups have created a great model for community-led environmental action that protects local waterways today while ensuring future custodians continue the work of caring for Country.
The impact
The partnership has strengthened conservation along Mill Creek and Mill Brook while building community capacity to care for local waterways. Collaborative planting and restoration are improving riparian vegetation, stabilising creek banks, and enhancing habitat for platypus and other native wildlife. Water quality monitoring provides valuable data, and support from MidCoast Council enables larger-scale restoration efforts. The project also inspires young people through hands-on conservation experiences and positive role models. By bringing together volunteers, families, children, and local government, the groups have created a sustainable, community-led approach to protecting waterways and supporting future environmental stewardship in Stroud.