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North East Case Study

Revitalising Ryans Lagoon

LOCATION

Ryans Lagoon Nature Conservation Reserve

TRADITIONAL OWNERS

Duduroa-Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 1 environmental water event delivered.
  • 3 flora assessments undertaken.
  • 1 fauna assessment undertaken.
  • 1 community event day held.

INVESTMENT

Victorian Government Environment
Contribution Fund Tranche 6 (EC6)

PARTNERS

Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation, Parklands Albury Wodonga, North East Water, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Murray Darling Basin Authority

Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation is leading the restoration and stewardship of Ryans Lagoon Nature Conservation Reserve, transforming former cattle paddocks into a thriving wetland of ecological and cultural importance.
Situated on the Murray River floodplain below Lake Hume, Ryans Lagoon Conservation Reserve is now a vibrant refuge for biodiversity and a place for cultural connection.
The nationally significant wetland complex supports at least 29 species of waterbirds, eight frog species – including the endangered Sloane’s Froglet – and three freshwater turtle species.
Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation’s vision for the site includes restoring the natural water regime to support these species, particularly those of cultural significance such as the totemic long necked turtle.
Historically, the wetlands were replenished by overbank flows from the Murray River. However, river regulation has disrupted this natural hydrology, making inundation rare outside of flood events or unregulated releases from Lake Hume.
In Spring 2024, Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation partnered with North East CMA, North East Water and the Victorian and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders to deliver 185 megalitres of Commonwealth environmental water to Ryans Lagoon. This marked a major milestone in restoring the wetland’s ecological function. Following the watering, North East CMA’s Environmental Water Officers confirmed the presence of Sloane’s Froglet using acoustic monitoring, with further surveys planned.
Environmental water is also helping suppress invasive weeds and promote native vegetation. Monitoring in 2024-25 assessed the response of wetland plants and tree health to the watering. Beyond its ecological value, Ryans Lagoon is a place for cultural sharing and education. In November 2024, Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation hosted the ‘Our Cultures, Our Futures’ event, bringing together First Nations students and community groups to celebrate the site’s revitalisation and explore future opportunities in First Nations land management and careers. This collaborative effort highlights the power of cultural leadership and environmental stewardship in restoring landscapes and strengthening community connections.


Traditional Owners, agency staff and landowners at the shared cultural burn at Wooragee. Image Jacqui Schultz.

North East CMA staff and Traditional Owners at Ryan’s Lagoon