We are pleased to announce the third and final phase of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative (MRI), a major milestone in one of Australia’s most ambitious catchment-scale restoration projects.
Commencing in 2011 with a pilot reach along Mulloon Creek, the MRI began with 14 bed-control structures designed to address channel incision and restore floodplain connectivity. The project has since expanded across the 23,000 hectare Mulloon catchment, working in partnership with 23 landholders to install 60 structures across Mulloon, Sandhills and Shiel Creeks. Over more than a decade, comprehensive biophysical, social and economic monitoring has demonstrated measurable improvements in groundwater levels, baseflows, water quality, soil organic carbon and biodiversity, alongside increased agricultural productivity and strengthened community resilience. The MRI has been recognised with NSW and National Banksia Awards for environmental leadership and innovation.
This third phase will complete on-ground works across previously untreated reaches of the catchment, consolidating the hydrological and ecological gains already achieved. It will also include targeted community engagement events to further build understanding of catchment-scale landscape rehydration and extend the established community of practice.
Banner image above: CEO Caryolyn Hall shows visitors the results of a crossing structure at Duralla: stable, well-vegetated ponds, slow flowing water and stable banks.
Image at right: The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative is a model for creating healthier landscapes across Australia.
The MRI is unique in Australia in both its scale and its collaborative model. By coordinating landholders, government agencies, local environmental groups, universities and a national community of interest, the project demonstrates the powerful link between environmental repair, agricultural viability and social cohesion.
As this final phase progresses, we will continue to share our research, monitoring results and lessons learned, strengthening the MRI’s role as a practical, evidence-based model for landscape restoration across Australia and internationally.