This World Rivers Day, we're celebrating the rivers, creeks and estuaries that support life across our region, from the Mount Lofty Ranges to the coast.

When rain falls across the Hills and Fleurieu it begins a journey through countless creeks and tributaries before flowing into rivers, estuaries and, ultimately, the sea. Along the way, these waterways support native wildlife, agriculture and local communities.

Native vegetation and well-managed land also play an important role in protecting water quality, reducing erosion and maintaining the health of the broader catchment.

Across the Hills and Fleurieu region, landholders, community groups, volunteers and organisations are helping care for waterways through activities like revegetation, weed control, erosion management and habitat restoration. These efforts help improve habitat for native species, strengthen ecosystem resilience and support the environmental, social and economic benefits that healthy waterways provide.

Paul Johnston from the Kanmantoo-Callington Landcare Group said, “We all care deeply about the health of the local landscape and the Bremer River. Over the years, a dedicated group of around 30 local volunteers have planted more than 4,000 native plants, while a further 5,000 have been provided to landholders. We've also been fortunate to receive support from Conservation Volunteers Australia.

“Alongside revegetation, we've worked to control weeds and fence out stock, and we're now starting to see the results through increased birdlife, improved habitat and stronger connections across the landscape. We're especially grateful to the landholders who have been willing to set aside land along the river and support this work.

“There's still plenty to do, but we'll keep working to improve the health of the Bremer and hopefully inspire others to get involved in caring for waterways in their own communities.”

Grassroots Grants funding from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu has helped empower the committed volunteer group to deliver outstanding on-ground outcomes over several years, making a lasting contribution to biodiversity and the resilience of the river and broader catchment.

The benefits of this work extend well beyond the river itself. Water flowing through the Bremer River eventually reaches Lake Alexandrina between Milang and Langhorne Creek, linking the catchment to the Lower Lakes, River Murray, Coorong, Murray Mouth and Southern Ocean.

Water flowing downstream eventually reaches estuaries and coastal environments, meaning the condition of upstream catchments can have a direct influence on ecosystems many kilometres away.

Charlie Balestrin, Senior Stewardship Officer at Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu said understanding how waterways function as part of a larger system highlights the importance of caring for them at every stage.

“Every waterway tells part of a bigger story. Understanding that healthy waterways support wildlife, agriculture and communities throughout the region is really important.”

“Whether it's a creek flowing through farmland, a river winding through the landscape or an estuary meeting the sea, every part of the system matters.

“World Rivers Day is a reminder that caring for waterways today helps ensure healthy landscapes and thriving communities for future generations.”

Find out more about caring for creeks, rivers and watercourses here.

Healthy waterways need care from catchment to coast